Wilhelmenia Wiggins Fernandez Smith, a renowned soprano of US origin, has died at the age of 75.
She is best known for her iconic role in the 1981 French cult classic film “Diva” and has been praised for her operatic career in the US and Europe.
The seasoned singer took her final breath at her home in Lexington, Kentucky, on February 2, after losing her battle with cancer. Her daughter Sheena Maria Fernandez confirmed the news to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Ms. Fernandez Smith, who was formerly known as Wilhelmenia Wiggins Fernandez, shot to fame after opening the movie directed by Jean-Jacques Beinex, wearing a white gown and singing the aria “Ebben? Ne andrò lontana” from the opera “La Wally”.
After this breakout role, she experienced a 25-year career that took her to the grandeur of Europe’s most prestigious opera houses and made her a celebrated artist at esteemed events. She attended the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia and later furthered her education at the Juilliard School in New York.
Despite her momentous success, Fernandez Smith was recognized for her humility outside of the limelight. After moving to Lexington in the 1990s, she dedicated her time to working as a special education teacher at an elementary school and became involved with the children’s music program at the Main Street Baptist Church.
Given her introduction to Kentucky, Fernandez Smith is remembered as “a very quiet person who did not crave the limelight,” as noted by Everett McCorvey, director of the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre, in an interview with the Lexington Herald-Leader.
A sister and daughter survive the accomplished singer. Funeral services were held in Lexington on Friday.
