Opera Star and Tony-Nominee Regina Resnik Dies at 90

Tony-nominee, opera star, and Metropolitan Opera legend Regina Resnik died last Thursday, August 8 in Manhattan. Her son confirmed to The New York Times that the cause of death was related to complications that arose after Resnik suffered a stroke. She was 90.

Resnik was born in The Bronx in 1922, where she later graduated from Hunter College, prior to making her Met debut in 1944, subbing for Zinka Milanov as 'Leonora' in IL TROVATORE. During her time there, she performed in over 300 productions, including DON GIOVANNI, AIDA, MADAME BUTTERFLY, PETER GRIMES, ELEKTRA, THE WARRIOR, and more. Resnik also performed with the San Francisco Opera throughout her career. She also went on to teach throughout the later years of her life.

The mezzo-soprano transitioned to Broadway in 1987, playing 'Fraulein Schneider' in the revival of CABARET, opposite Joel Grey and Alyson Reed. She received a Tony nomination for her performance. In 1991, she appeared as 'Mme. Armfeldt' in Lincoln Center's production of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, in which she was nominated for a Drama Desk award.

Resnik's other opera credits include CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA, DIALOGUES OF THE CARMELITES, and CARMEN. She also directed productions of ELEKTRA, FALSTAFF, CARMEN, and THE QUEEN OF SPADES.

Photo Courtesy of The Metropolitan Opera