A staple of American song and dance, Gene Kelly captivated the American public with dazzling and innovative choreography in musicals like “Singin’ in the Rain”, “An American in Paris”, and “On the Town.” His extensive and illustrious dance portfolio earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award and Kennedy Center Honors. Learn more about the man behind the moves in the timeline below.
Eugene Curran Kelly is born on August 23, 1912 in Pittsburgh, PA, the third of five children.
Kelly starts "Gene Kelly Studio of Dance", with one studio in Pittsburgh and one in Johnstown.
Kelly graduates from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in economics.
First Broadway job as a dancer in "Leave It to Me." This is also Mary Martins' debut.
Marries Betsy Blair, a dancer Kelly met while choreographing Billy Rose's "Diamond Horseshoe."
Hollywood debut in "For Me and My Gal" with Judy Garland.
Teams with Rita Hayworth in "Cover Girl" which includes a sequence of Kelly dancing with a superimposed image of himself.
"Anchors Aweigh" earns Kelly a nomination for Best Actor. It is Kelly's first performance with Frank Sinatra, whom he teaches to dance.
Joins the Navy and eventually earns the rank of Lieutenant, working in the photographic division of the Naval Air Force.
Teams up with Fred Astaire for the "Babbitt and the Bromide" dance sequence in the "Ziegfeld Follies."
"On the Town" earns Kelly and Stanley Donen their directorial stripes.
"An American in Paris" wins seven Oscars including Best Picture and a special Oscar highlighting Kelly's work in the film.
Co-directs and stars in "Singing in the Rain" which has since become one of America's most popular musicals.
"It's Always Fair Weather" marks the last film co-directed with Donen.
Divorces Betsy, wife of fifteen years.
"Les Girls" is Kelly's last starring musical.
Marries Jeannie Coyne, longtime dance assistant and former pupil.
Hosts "That's Entertainment!", a compilation film of MGM studio's greatest musical moments.
Shares co-hosting duties of "That's Entertainment, Part 2" with Fred Astaire.
Receives the Kennedy Center Honors.
Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute.
Dies at home on February 2 after a series of strokes.
