Mario Lanza, born on Jan. 31, 1921, is undeniably the opera world’s Hollywood icon.

Lanza actually got off to a late start in his singing career, commencing at the age of 16. But his talents became so apparent quite quickly that by 1947, at the age of 26, he was signed to a seven-year deal with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. He would go on to make a series of hit films, including “That Midnight Kiss,” “The Toast of New Orleans,’ and most famously, “The Great Caruso.”  Among his hit songs were “Be My Love” and “Because You’re Mine.”

Unfortunately, Lanza died at age 38 from a pulmonary embolism; he was known as the “most famous tenor in the world” at the time of his death.

He left a number of recordings behind and many great opera stars of following generations often cite Lanza as one of their biggest influences.

Signature Roles

Lanza’s career as an opera star never truly took off, though he did sing the role of Pinkerton in “Madama Butterfly” in 1948 in New Orleans. It was his only major opera performance in his career.

Read More on Lanza

Clips From All His Movies

Lanza And Other Opera Stars Turned Movie Stars

Watch and Listen

Here is a wide range of his recordings.