Trivia

Danish opera star who played character parts in MGM musicals in his twilight years.

He was the most famous Wagnerian tenor of his time, although he did record arias from other operas such as "Otello" and "I Pagliacci". He sang with both of the leading Wagnerian sopranos of the era, Kirsten Flagstad and Helen Traubel.

Known for his incredibly powerful tenor voice and long-running performances as the bold-faced heroes of composer Richard Wagner's best-known, "long-haired" operas, including "Tristan and Isolde" (223), "Tannhauser" (144), "Die Walkure" (183), "Lohengrin" (106), "Siegfried" (128) and "Parsifal" (81).

Although an acclaimed tenor in his later professional career, he made his debut at the Royal Opera House in Copenhagen as a baritone in "Pagliacci".

Debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in "Tannhauser".

Often partnered with American soprano Helen Traubel.

Has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for recording at 1718 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.

Recorded some Richard Wagner arias and duets with Helen Traubel and conductor Arturo Toscanini.

Died after emergency surgery.

Grandfather of Dirk Melchior.

Father of writer/director Ib Melchior