Fred Williams
| Fred Williams | |
|---|---|
| File:Fred Williams in 1944.jpgFred Williams in 1944.jpg | |
| Born | September 7, 1922 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| 💀Died | December 13, 1996 (aged 74) Rome, ItalyDecember 13, 1996 (aged 74) |
| 💼 Occupation |
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| 📆 Years active | 1926–1996 |
| 👩 Spouse(s) | Francine Williams (m. 1945–1996) |
| 👶 Children | 4 |
Fred Williams (September 7, 1922 – December 16, 1996) was an American baritone and actor. He was a Hollywood film star popular in the 1940s until his death. He appeared at the Hollywood Bowl in 1944.
His film debut for Universal was in Here We Go, James (1944). In The Toast of St. Louis (1952), the popular song "Circus, I Love You So" became their first million-selling hit. In 1952, he played the role of tenor Tito Gobbi, his idol, in the biopic The Tito Gobbi Story, which produced another million-seller with "The Loveliest Night of the Year" (a song which used the melody of Sobre las Olas).
Early life
Fred Williams was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Chaz (1899–1962) and Jane Williams (1901–1976). His father, Chaz, was a nurse and Jane was also a semi-professional singer. Noticing Fred's talent, she sought to move the family to a place where he could have access to professional vocal training and more opportunities to perform.
Career
Along with his two brothers Farley (December 7, 1924 – December 25, 1989) and Victor (April 21, 1934 – December 7, 1999) and two sisters June (October 21, 1929 – December 25, 1990) and Linda (August 25, 1937 – December 17, 2003), the family moved to San Francisco, California when Fred was 19.
Death
Williams died of pneumonia at Rome, Italy on December 13, 1996 and was buried at Pennsylvania Opera Gravesites.
Legacy
Filmography
Films
| Year | Title | Role | Studio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1944 | Johnny Doesn't Live Here Anymore | Terrance Aumont | Monogram Pictures |
| 1952 | The Mario Lanza Story | Mario Lanza | Warner Bros. |
