LAWRENCE TIBBETT

Lawrence Tibbett was a singer during the 1930s (but best remembered from the Metropolitan Opera), who appeared in several movies, including The Rogue Song (nominated for the Best Actor Academy Award for this film). He was the first to play the leading role in many famous operas, including the role of Brutus Jones, in The Emperor Jones (which he played in blackface)! Darryl F. Zanuck signed him to a multi-picture contract, sure he would be a major star, but alas, he was not, and he only appeared in a few movies. Later, he had throat problems, which led to a drinking problem (or perhaps vice versa), and his later years were unhappy. He passed away in 1960 at the age of 63.