Robert Merrill was an American actor best known for his powerful baritone voice and performances in opera. Born Moishe Miller on June 4, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York, he became one of the Metropolitan Opera’s renowned baritones.
Personal and Family Life
Robert Merrill was born to Polish immigrant parents, with his mother being an operatic soprano who inspired his early music career. He faced challenges growing up, including being overweight and dealing with a stuttering issue that melted away when he sang. He had two marriages; his first was to soprano Roberta Peters, which lasted only three months, and he later married pianist Marion Machno, with whom he had two children.
Career Highlights
Merrill’s career took off after he initially struggled to find success. He made his operatic debut in 1944 and joined the Metropolitan Opera in 1945, becoming notable for his roles in operas by Verdi and others. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he ventured into film, radio, and television, gaining fame for his appearances on variety shows and producing a unique blend of operatic and popular music.
Death and Legacy
Robert Merrill passed away on October 23, 2004, in New York City due to natural causes. He was buried at Sharon Gardens Cemetery in Valhalla, New York. His legacy lives on not only in opera but also through his extensive performances in media that made opera accessible to a broader audience.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Slick from Punkin Crick | 1952-04-01 | Bill Merridew |
| Annie: the Women in the Life of a Man | 1970-02-18 | Himself |
| Night of 100 Stars III | 1990-05-21 | Self |
| Wolf Trap Presents Victor Borge: An 80th Birthday Celebration | 1990-01-01 | |
| Search for Paradise | 1957-09-24 | Soundtrack Singer |
| Anger Management | 2003-04-11 | Robert Merrill |
| Your Show of Shows | 1950-02-25 | |
| The Bell Telephone Hour | 1959-01-12 | |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |
| The Merv Griffin Show | 1962-10-01 | Self |
| The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson | 1962-10-01 | Self |
| Tonight Starring Jack Paar | 1957-07-29 | Self |
| The Mike Douglas Show | 1961-12-11 | Self |