Lawrence Tibbett - Definition and Overview

Lawrence Mervil Tibbett (November 16, 1896 - July 15, 1960) was an American actor and singer. Born in Bakersfield, California, he became a singer at the Metropolitan Opera in 1923.

His Hollywood career was brief, although he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his first film, The Rogue Song, in 1930. He sang the title role in the original production of Louis Gruenberg's opera The Emperor Jones, based on Eugene O'Neill's play. He sang the roles of Porgy and Jake in the first album of selections from George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess.

Tibbett was pictured on a set of United States postage stamps in the "Legends of American Music series", celebrating opera singers.

He died in New York City.