Mario Lanza was a reputed Hollywood movie star, noted for his powerful voice. This American actor and tenor was born on 31st January 1921 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He became very popular during the late 1940s and 1950s. Lanza was also a good singer and could sing all types of verses. His performing style was emotional and was critically appreciated by all. Actor Mario Lanza was nicknamed the Tiger, Freddy and the Service Caruso (during his stay in the US Army). He was married to Betty Hicks.
Biography of Mario Lanza
The original name of Mario Lanza is Alfredo Arnold Cocozza and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was his hometown. Since his childhood he developed an interest in opera and singing, exposing his talent as a singer. He started his career with the local opera production houses in Philadelphia. Later, Serge Koussevitzky recognized his skills. He admitted young Cocozza to the Berkshire Music Festival at Tanglewood in Massachusetts availing a full student scholarship. He once complimented Lanza saying that, "Yours is a voice such as is heard once in a hundred years."
After a proper training, he went on overseas concert tours. Mario Lanza first tasted success with his masterpiece - 'The Great Caruso’. It was considered as one of the best films in the year 1951. Lanza mesmerized the audience with his powerful voice so much so that Maestro Toscanini appreciated it and named it as the 'voice of the century'. His dialogue rendition was emotional and passionate. His next film 'The Student Prince' in 1952 by Curtis Bernhardt was
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hugely popular because of its sound track, which he sang. However, he also encountered some failures in his career. He was refused the role of Prince Karl in the film ‘The Student Prince’ in 1954 as he was over weight. Edmund Purdom replaced him.
He was very popular as a best-selling classical artist and soundtracks like "Be My Love", "Christmas Hymns and Carols" and the "Great Caruso" increased his popularity among his audiences.
Eventually, he was overshadowed with alcoholism, obesity, food binging and lack of professional approach towards his work. Lanza went to Italy produced 2 European films, which did not fair well. He suddenly died of heart attack on October 7, 1959.
Popular films of Mario Lanza
For the First Time in 1959
Seven Hills of Rome in1958
Serenade in1956
The Student Prince in1954 (partial voice only)
Because You're Mine in 1952
The Great Caruso in1951
The Toast of New Orleans in1950
That Midnight Kiss in1949
Winged Victory in 1944 (chorus member)
Mario Lanza was a great inspiration for his contemporary tenors, such as Plácido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti and Josep Carreras. The admirers of Lanza believed that his vocal range and quality could have only been comparable to Caruso.
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