Mario Lanza was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Great Caruso, That Midnight Kiss, and The Student Prince. He was also a celebrated tenor, recognized for his powerful singing voice that elevated him to fame in the mid-20th century.
Personal and Family Life
Mario Lanza, born Alfred Arnold Cocozza, was married to Elizabeth Jeannette Hicks, known as Betty, from April 12, 1945, until his death in 1959. The couple had four children together. Lanza had notable connections in the entertainment industry, including family ties to actress Dolores Hart and actor Robert Hegyes.
Career Highlights
Lanza changed his name legally from Alfredo Cocozza to Mario Lanza in 1948, shortly before signing with MGM. He gained immense popularity with hits like “Be My Love” and starred in films that showcased his exceptional musical talent. However, his career faced setbacks, including being fired from MGM during the production of The Student Prince, which led to struggles with personal issues and a decline in his filming opportunities.
Death and Legacy
Mario Lanza passed away from a heart attack on October 7, 1959, in Rome, Italy, at the young age of 38. His legacy endures through his recordings and films, inspiring generations of singers, including Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti. Despite the hardships he faced in later life, Lanza’s influence on music and cinema remains significant.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Art of Singing: Golden Voices of the Century | 1998-03-25 | |
| Serenade | 1956-03-23 | Damon Vincenti |
| The Student Prince | 1954-06-15 | Prince Karl (singing voice) |
| The Toast of New Orleans | 1950-08-24 | Pepe Abellard Duvalle |
| Seven Hills of Rome | 1957-11-21 | Marc Revere |
| That Midnight Kiss | 1949-09-22 | Johnny Donnetti |
| The Great Caruso | 1951-04-16 | Enrico Caruso |
| For the First Time | 1959-02-26 | Tonio Costa |
| Because You’re Mine | 1952-10-01 | Renaldo Rossano |
| Winged Victory | 1944-12-22 | Chorus Member (uncredited) |
| That’s Entertainment! | 1974-06-21 | (archive footage) |
| Mario Lanza: The American Caruso | 1983-01-01 | Self (archive footage) |
| Hollywood: The Dream Factory | 1972-01-10 | Self (archive footage) |
| Singing to the Gods: Mario Lanza | 2005-01-01 | Self (Archive Footage) |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self (uncredited) |
| Legends | 2006-11-17 | Self (archive footage) |