Role

:

Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

March 31, 1922 in Chicago, IL

Death

:

March 5, 1998 in Warwick, NY

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Richard Kiley was an American actor and singer, best known for his work in musical theater and his rich baritone voice. Born on March 31, 1922, in Chicago, Illinois, Kiley grew up in a family of Irish immigrants. His father was a tool and die maker, and his mother was a homemaker. Kiley showed an early interest in music and theater, and began performing in local productions as a teenager. After graduating from high school, Kiley attended Loyola University in Chicago, where he studied English and drama. He also continued to perform in local theater productions, and began to develop a reputation as a talented actor and singer. In 1943, Kiley enlisted in the United States Navy, and served as a radio operator during World War II. After the war, he returned to Chicago and resumed his career in theater. Kiley's breakthrough came in 1950, when he was cast in the Broadway production of "South Pacific." He played the role of Emile de Becque, a French plantation owner who falls in love with a young American nurse. Kiley's performance was widely praised, and he won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He went on to star in several other Broadway productions, including "The Most Happy Fella," "Man of La Mancha," and "No Strings." In addition to his work in theater, Kiley also had a successful career in film and television. He appeared in several movies, including "The Phenix City Story," "The Little Prince," and "Blackboard Jungle." He also appeared in numerous television shows, including "The Twilight Zone," "The Love Boat," and "Murder, She Wrote." Throughout his career, Kiley remained committed to classical music, and often performed in concerts and operas. He had a rich baritone voice, and was known for his interpretations of songs by composers such as Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, and Stephen Sondheim. He also performed in several operas, including "Don Giovanni," "The Marriage of Figaro," and "The Barber of Seville." Kiley's talent and dedication to his craft were recognized with numerous awards and honors. In addition to his Tony Award, he won an Emmy Award for his performance in the television movie "The Marcus-Nelson Murders." He was also inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1981. Kiley continued to perform well into his later years, and remained a beloved figure in the world of theater and classical music. He died on March 5, 1999, at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a rich musical heritage.

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