Lanza, Mario (1921-1959), was a popular American singer who became famous for his powerful operatic tenor voice. Lanza appeared professionally on the opera stage only twice. Instead, he concentrated on motion-picture musicals and recordings. Near the end of his life, Lanza suffered from alcohol and substance abuse and weight problems. He died of a heart attack at the age of 38.
Lanza was born in Philadelphia. His real name was Alfredo Arnold Cocozza. He dropped out of high school and worked in his family’s wholesale grocery business until he received an audition with the famous orchestra conductor Serge Koussevitzky. Lanza won a singing scholarship and sang at the Berkshire Summer Festival in 1942. He signed a concert contract, but his career was interrupted by military service during World War II (1939-1945).
After his discharge, Lanza signed a motion-picture contract and appeared in several Hollywood musical films created for him. He made his motion-picture debut in That Midnight Kiss (1949). His most famous performance came in The Great Caruso (1951), in which he played the Italian opera star Enrico Caruso. Lanza’s other films included The Toast of New Orleans (1950), Because You’re Mine (1952), and Serenade (1956).
