Fourth and youngest child of actor and legendary singer Mario Lanza, and mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Hicks Lanza. Born in Los Angeles, California, he lived with his parents in California and in Rome, Italy, until 1959, when his father suddenly died of a heart attack. His mother returned with the family to live in Los Angeles, and five months after the death of Mario Lanza, Betty Lanza killed herself in grief, leaving behind four children. Marc was five years old when he was orphaned. Marc and the other three children were raised by their paternal grandparents, Tony and Maria Cocozza at their home in California. In his youth, Marc was considered a pleasant and exuberant young man, but turned troubled and grew reclusive as he grew older. He shared the family house at 622 Toyopa Drive with his older brother Damon for several years. The property, which had appreciated to over $1 million, was lost after they mortgaged it to acquire venture capital for a misguided investment in a failed pizzeria and sportsbar. The family house was later demolished so that a new home could be built on the lot. He reportedly died of a heart attack in 1991, at age 37.
Fourth and youngest child of actor and legendary singer Mario Lanza, and mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Hicks Lanza. Born in Los Angeles, California, he lived with his parents in California and in Rome, Italy, until 1959, when his father suddenly died of a heart attack. His mother returned with the family to live in Los Angeles, and five months after the death of Mario Lanza, Betty Lanza killed herself in grief, leaving behind four children. Marc was five years old when he was orphaned. Marc and the other three children were raised by their paternal grandparents, Tony and Maria Cocozza at their home in California. In his youth, Marc was considered a pleasant and exuberant young man, but turned troubled and grew reclusive as he grew older. He shared the family house at 622 Toyopa Drive with his older brother Damon for several years. The property, which had appreciated to over $1 million, was lost after they mortgaged it to acquire venture capital for a misguided investment in a failed pizzeria and sportsbar. The family house was later demolished so that a new home could be built on the lot. He reportedly died of a heart attack in 1991, at age 37.
Bio by: Kit and Morgan Benson
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