Jozsef Gregor, a Hungarian bass who performed with opera companies around the world, died Friday of an undisclosed illness. He was 66.
His death was reported by the National Theater of the southern city of Szeged, where Mr. Gregor sang for many years before becoming director of its opera company.
Mr. Gregor announced his retirement in September following a 48-year career that included performances at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and Milan's La Scala.
Known for his passionate performances, Mr. Gregor's formidable acting talents were as celebrated as his powerful voice.
Mr. Gregor sang the most famous bass roles, including the lead in Mozart's “The Marriage of Figaro,” Mephistopheles in Gounod's “Faust” and Leporello in Mozart's “Don Giovanni.”
He was also very successful as the lead in Verdi's “Falstaff,” originally a baritone part.
Mr. Gregor was born Aug. 8, 1940, in Rakosliget, a small town incorporated into Budapest in 1950.
He was initially attracted to the violin but studied singing at Budapest's Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music, although he never graduated.
He began his career in 1958, in the men's choir of the Hungarian Army. Mr. Gregor participated in more than 100 recordings.
He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
