Tenor Bruce Rankin has died at the age of 65.

A member of the Deutsche Oper am Rhein for almost 20 years, Rankin died of an unidentified cause.

He was described by Christoph Meyer as excellent character tenor and he was to have celebrated his 20th anniversary in Düsseldorf next year where he performed since 1998.

The company noted, “We are losing a great artist and an exceptionally popular and valued colleague who has always created a positive atmosphere in the house with his absolute professionalism, great sensitivity, and fine British humor, and he will be missed.”

Rankin was born in London and went on to appear at several British opera houses before joining the ensemble at the Deutscher Oper am Rhein. At the Rhein Opera he portrayed such beloved roles as Edgardo in “Lucia di Lammermoor,” Pinkerton in “Madama Butterfly,” and the title role of “Lucio Silla.” He also portrayed Basilio in “Le Nozze di Figaro.”