Eleanor Powell

Actor, Dancer

About

Also Known As

Eleanor Torrey Powell

Birth Place

Springfield, Massachusetts, USA

Born

November 21, 1912

Died

February 11, 1982

Cause of Death

Ovarian Cancer

Biography

Ever-smiling, world-class tap artist who danced her way through a dozen successful MGM musicals in the late 1930s and early 40s before retiring from the screen--save for a guest role in "The Duchess of Idaho" (1950). Typically cast as the determined hopeful whose talent and determination get her to the top, Powell was not a major actress, but she did display exuberance and a certain tong...

Filmography

Waikiki, in the Wake of Dreams (2001)

Herself

That's Entertainment! III (1994)

Duchess of Idaho (1950)

Herself

The Great Morgan (1945)

Sensations of 1945 (1944)

Ginny Walker

Thousands Cheer (1944)

Photos & Videos

View All

Honolulu (1939) -- (Movie Clip) I'm Liable To Get Killed!

Honolulu (1939) -- (Movie Clip) Throw Myself At Him?

Family & Companions

Glenn Ford

Husband

Actor. Married in 1943; divorced in November 1959; reportedly he was frequently unfaithful to Powell during their marriage.

Biography

Powell's best films include "Broadway Melody of 1936" (1935), which made her a star, its two sequels from 1938 and 1940 (the latter featuring her legendary "Begin the Beguine" duet with Astaire), and "Born to Dance" (1936). Generally a solo dancer, the acrobatic Powell did have George Murphy on hand in several films as a partner; she also teamed with comedian Red Skelton for three films, the best of which is "Ship Ahoy" (1942). Married to actor Glenn Ford from 1943 to 1959, Powell hosted an acclaimed religious program in the 1950s and later performed occasionally onstage and in nightclubs.

Filmography

Life Events

1925

Hired for first professional engagement by Gus Edwards; performed at the dinner show at the Ambassador Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey

1927

Became emcee at the Martins Club

1929

Broadway debut in "Follow Thru"

1930

Film debut in a dance sequence in "Queen High"

1931

Appeared with Anita Page and Fanny Brice in "Crazy Quilt" on Broadway

1935

Became a star at MGM in "Broadway Melody of 1936"

1935

Made feature film debut in Fox's "George White's 1935 Scandals"

1936

Co-starred with James Stewart in "Born to Dance"

1937

Had title role in "Rosalie"

1940

Teamed with Fred Astaire in "Broadway Melody of 1940"

1941

Saw star status slip a bit when given second lead in "Lady Be Good"; also first of three films with Red Skelton

1943

One of many guest stars to appear in the fund-raising musical, "Thousands Cheer"

1943

Left MGM after completing "I Dood It", co-starring Skelton

1944

Last starring vehicle, "Sensations of 1945"

1950

Returned to films to dance a solo routine in the Esther Williams musical, "The Duchess of Idaho"

1953

Hosted the religious-themed TV program "Faith of Our Children"; won five local area Emmy Awards

1981

Made final TV appearance at the AFI tribute to Fred Astaire

Photo Collections

Lady Be Good - Kapralik Trade Ad

Here is a trade ad for MGM's Lady Be Good (1941), starring Eleanor Powell, Robert Young, and Ann Sothern. The art is by mixed-media caricaturist Jaques Kapralik. Trade Ads were placed by studios in industry magazines like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.

Ship Ahoy - Kapralik Trade Ad

Here is a trade ad for MGM's Ship Ahoy (1943), starring Eleanor Powell and Red Skelton. The art is by mixed-media caricaturist Jaques Kapralik. Trade Ads were placed by studios in industry magazines like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.

I Dood It - Kapralik Trade Ad

Here is a trade ad for MGM's I Dood It (1943), starring Red Skelton and Eleanor Powell. The art is by mixed-media caricaturist Jaques Kapralik. Trade Ads were placed by studios in industry magazines like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.

Born to Dance - Movie Posters

Here are a few original-release movie posters from Born to Dance (1936) starring Eleanor Powell and James Stewart.

Broadway Melody of 1940 - Fred Astaire & Eleanor Powell Publicity Stills

Here are several dancing stills of Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell, taken for Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940). Publicity stills were specially-posed photos, usually taken off the set, for purposes of publicity or reference for promotional artwork.

Broadway Melody of 1940 - Behind-the-Scenes Stills

Here are a number of photos taken behind-the-scenes during production of MGM's Broadway Melody of 1940, starring Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell, and George Murphy and directed by Norman Taurog.