Robert Merrill, a celebrated American baritone, came into the world on June 4, 1917, in the bustling borough of Brooklyn, New York, to a family of Polish descent, his parents being Abraham and Lillian Miller, émigrés who had made the United States their new home.
Robert's life was deeply influenced by his parents, whose unique professions played a significant role in shaping his early years. His mother, a renowned operatic soprano, nurtured his budding interest in music, exposing him to the world of melody and harmony from a tender age. In contrast, his father, a dedicated shoe salesman, brought a sense of practicality and commerce to the family's daily life.
As the family journeyed to the United States, they made a significant decision to change their name to Miller, a choice that would have a lasting impact on Robert's identity and sense of belonging in his new homeland.
Robert's early life was marked by a dual pursuit of athletic and artistic endeavors, with his parents initially nurturing his aspirations as a semipro baseball player. Despite his efforts, he encountered significant challenges in this realm, as he struggled with weight issues and a stuttering problem that hindered his communication.
Robert's inaugural attempt at securing a spot at the esteemed Metropolitan Opera in 1941 proved unsuccessful, and he was left to supplement his income by performing at various social gatherings such as bar mitzvahs and weddings. It wasn't until 1944 that he made his operatic debut in Trenton, New Jersey, taking on the esteemed role of Amonasro in Verdi's iconic opera "Aida". This marked a significant milestone in his career, and he soon followed up this achievement by joining the ranks of the Met in the year that followed.
Robert's extensive repertoire as a baritone vocalist encompassed a diverse array of iconic roles, including the esteemed Germont in Giuseppe Verdi's timeless masterpiece "La Traviata", as well as the complex and multifaceted character of Rigoletto, the charming and cunning Figaro in "The Barber of Seville", the passionate and fiery Tonio in "Pagliacci", and the dashing and charismatic Escamillo in "Carmen". Throughout his illustrious career, Robert was widely regarded as one of the most exceptional and accomplished Giuseppe Verdi baritones of his generation, renowned for his mastery of the operatic stage and his unparalleled vocal prowess.
Robert's professional trajectory diverged from that of his contemporaries, as he successfully transitioned his artistic endeavors beyond the realm of opera, venturing into a diverse array of mediums, including radio, film, nightclubs, and television.
Robert's film career was characterized by a distinctive cluster of significant roles, which stood out amidst his extensive body of work, with two notable examples being a comedy western, "Senorita from the West", released in the year 1945, and an innocuous Western, "Aaron Slick from Punkin Crick", which premiered in 1952.
However, his involvement in the latter film was met with unbridled disaster, resulting in a public apology and ultimately leading to his departure from the film industry, with Robert opting to return to his roots at the Metropolitan Opera.
Robert's television career was marked by a diverse array of guest appearances on numerous popular shows, showcasing his remarkable versatility as a performer. He made memorable appearances on iconic programs such as "Your Show of Shows", a groundbreaking variety show that was a launching pad for many legendary comedians and performers. Additionally, Robert graced the airwaves with his presence on "The Jackie Gleason Show", a beloved sitcom that featured the inimitable Gleason as the star. He also made appearances on "The Milton Berle Show", a popular variety show that was hosted by the one and only "Mr. Television" himself, Milton Berle. Furthermore, Robert's impressive range was on full display as he took on dramatic roles in TV operatic productions of "Don Carlo" (1950) and "Carmen" (1952),cementing his status as a talented and multifaceted performer.
Robert, a renowned vocalist, experienced a significant milestone in his personal life by entering into a marital union on two separate occasions. Firstly, he wedded the illustrious soprano, Roberta Peters, who was then reigning supreme at the Metropolitan Opera, in a brief yet significant three-month marriage. Following this union, Robert embarked on a new chapter in his life by marrying the accomplished pianist, Marion Machno, with whom he shared a lasting bond, resulting in the birth of two children. Throughout his illustrious career, Robert continued to showcase his remarkable talent by performing at the Metropolitan Opera until 1976, after which he transitioned to a more sporadic schedule, focusing on recital performances that allowed him to share his artistry with audiences in a more intimate setting.
Robert Merrill, a renowned American operatic baritone, breathed his last in the year 2004, at the ripe age of 87, his life having been cut short by the inevitable forces of nature, which ultimately claimed his life due to natural causes.
