Kelly, Gene (1912-1996), became a popular American dancer, choreographer (dance creator), actor, and director. He ranked as one of the finest and most creative dancers in musical motion pictures. Kelly developed a spontaneous, athletic dancing style. His imaginative choreography combined tap dancing with elements of ballet and acrobatics.
Eugene Curran Kelly was born on Aug. 23, 1912, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He made his Broadway debut in 1938 in the chorus of Leave It to Me and gained his first recognition in the title role of the musical Pal Joey in 1940.
Kelly made his film debut in For Me and My Gal (1942) and appeared in over 30 musicals and dramatic films. He also choreographed or co-choreographed many of his musicals, including Cover Girl (1944), Anchors Aweigh (1945), The Pirate (1948), On the Town (1949), An American in Paris (1951), and Singin’ in the Rain (1952). Kelly sang in many of his movies and directed or codirected several dramatic and musical films. Kelly also acted in some of the musicals. He died on Feb. 2, 1996.
