Baritone Robert Merrill dead at 87

Renowned baritone and 30-year Metropolitan Opera veteran Robert Merrill has died of natural causes. He was 87.

Merrill’s wife, Marion, told the New York Times the opera star died at home Saturday while watching the first game of the World Series.

Merrill made his Metropolitan debut as Germont in “La Traviata” Dec. 15, 1945, and celebrated his 500th performance there March 5, 1973. He remained on the Met roster until 1976. (source)