Patrice Munsel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patrice Munsel
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Munsel in 1962
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| Born |
Patrice Beverly Munsil
May 14, 1925 Spokane, Washington, U.S.
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| Died | August 4, 2016 (aged 91) Schroon Lake, New York, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Known for | Opera, coloratura soprano |
| Spouse(s) |
Robert Schuler
(m. 1952; died 2007) |
| Children | 2 sons, 2 daughters |
| Parent(s) | Audley J. Munsil Eunice A. Munsil |
Patrice Munsel was a famous American singer. She was known for her amazing voice, called a "coloratura soprano." This means she could sing very high notes with great skill. People often called her "Princess Pat." She was also the youngest singer to ever perform at the famous Metropolitan Opera in New York City.
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Early Life and Training
Patrice Munsel was born Patrice Beverly Munsil in Spokane, Washington. She later changed the spelling of her last name. She was an only child. Patrice lived in Spokane until she was 15 years old. Her father, Audley J. Munsil, was a dentist.
She went to Lewis and Clark High School. But at age fifteen, she left school. She moved to New York City with her mother. There, she studied singing with a coach named Giacomo Spadoni.
A Star at the Metropolitan Opera
Patrice Munsel first sang at the Metropolitan Opera in March 1943. She was only 17 years old. Her official debut was on December 4, 1943. She was 18 at the time. She sang the role of Philine in the opera Mignon. People loved her performance.
She became known for playing certain roles. These included Adele in Die Fledermaus and Despina in Cosi Fan Tutte. She sang a total of 225 times at the Metropolitan Opera. Sir Rudolf Bing, a famous opera manager, called her a "superb soubrette." This means she was excellent at playing lively, playful characters.
Her other opera roles included Rosina in The Barber of Seville and Gilda in Rigoletto.
Television and Film Appearances
Patrice Munsel also had a career in television. Her husband, Robert C. Schuler, created a TV show for her. It was called The Patrice Munsel Show. This show was on ABC-TV in 1957 and 1958.
She appeared on many other TV programs. For example, she was in a live TV version of the operetta Naughty Marietta in 1955. She also starred in the 1953 movie Melba. This film told the story of a famous opera singer, Dame Nellie Melba.
Munsel was often seen on The Bell Telephone Hour. She was also the main singer in a famous TV commercial. It was for the Camp Fire Girls organization. The song was "Sing Around the Campfire." Patrice Munsel had been a Camp Fire Girl herself. She also spoke for the group.
Later Career and Retirement
Patrice Munsel's last performance for the Metropolitan Opera was on January 28, 1958. She sang the main role in La Périchole. She also made a special guest appearance in 1966. This was at a farewell event for the old opera house.
She stopped singing opera in 1981. After that, she started performing in musical comedies. Patrice Munsel retired from performing completely in 2008.
Personal Life
In 1952, Patrice Munsel married Robert C. Schuler. He worked in advertising and public relations. He was also a producer and writer. They were married for 55 years. Robert passed away in 2007 when he was 90 years old.
Patrice and Robert had four children together. Their names were Heidi (born 1953), Rhett (1955–2005), Scott (born 1958), and Nicole (born 1959). Their two youngest children were born early.
In 2005, Munsel and Schuler wrote a book together. It was about Robert's life and was called The Diva & I. Patrice Munsel passed away on August 4, 2016. She was 91 years old. She died at her home in Schroon Lake, New York.
