Richard Bonelli was an American actor best known for his roles in There’s Magic in Music, Enter Madame!, and his performances in various operas. Born George Richard Bunn, he was renowned more for his operatic career than for his film work.
Personal and Family Life
Richard Bonelli was born on February 6, 1889, in Port Byron, New York. He was married to Pauline Cornelys but later got divorced. He also married Mona Chapman Wood. His nephew was actor Robert Stack, who occasionally spoke about Bonelli on television.
Career Highlights
Bonelli was a prominent operatic baritone in the 1930s and 1940s, performing at notable venues like the Metropolitan Opera in New York City and in cities such as San Francisco and Chicago. He had a successful radio show, showcasing his vocal talent, although he preferred not to leave behind many commercial recordings. Despite his immense talent, his film career was less significant in comparison to his operatic success.
Death and Legacy
Richard Bonelli passed away on June 7, 1980, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 91. His legacy lives on through a limited collection of recordings and his influence on future generations as a vocal teacher at the Curtis Institute. He is remembered as one of America’s prominent opera stars.
Filmography
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| There’s Magic in Music | 1941 | Richard Bonelli |
| Enter Madame! | 1934 | Scorpia in ‘La Tosca’ |
| Richard Bonelli | 1929 | Short (performer: “Largo al factotum”) |