The Legend of Gene Kelly: A Look at His Life, Career, and Legacy
From his electrifying dance moves to his captivating performances on stage and screen, Gene Kelly was a true icon of his time. Born in Pittsburgh in 1912, Kelly’s talents as a dancer, actor, and singer quickly made him one of the most beloved performers of his generation. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at his life, career, and legacy, including some fascinating facts that you might not know.
Gene Kelly’s Bio and Family
Gene Kelly was born on August 23, 1912, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His parents, James Kelly and Harriet Curran, were both immigrants from Ireland. Kelly was the third of five children born to the couple.
At the age of 8, Kelly started dance classes, and by his early 20s, he was performing in Broadway musicals. Kelly’s brother, Fred Kelly, was also a dancer, and the two frequently performed together.
Relationships and Children
Gene Kelly was married three times and had three children. He married Betsy Blair in 1941 and had a daughter, Kerry, in 1942. The couple divorced in 1957. In 1960, Kelly married Jeanne Coyne, a dancer who had appeared in many of his films. They had two children together, but Coyne died from leukemia in 1973. In 1990, Kelly married Patricia Ward, who remained his wife until his death in 1996.
Height and Physical Appearance
Gene Kelly was known for his athleticism and grace on the dance floor. He stood at 5’7″ (1.70 m) and weighed around 155 pounds (70 kg). Kelly had piercing blue eyes and a debonair charm that made him one of the most handsome actors of his day.
Career and Achievements
Gene Kelly had an illustrious career that spanned four decades. He appeared in dozens of films, including “An American in Paris” (1951), “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952), and “On the Town” (1949). Kelly was also a prolific director and choreographer and worked on several Broadway productions, including “Pal Joey” (1940) and “Brigadoon” (1947).
Kelly received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He won an Academy Honorary Award in 1952 for his unique contributions to the art of dance and was later inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1981.
Top Songs and Performances
Gene Kelly was a gifted singer and dancer, and many of his performances have become classics. Some of his most beloved songs and dances include:
– “Singin’ in the Rain” from the film of the same name
– “I Got Rhythm” from “An American in Paris”
– “S’Wonderful” from “An American in Paris”
– “You Were Meant for Me” from “Singin’ in the Rain”
– “Love is Here to Stay” from “An American in Paris”
Net Worth
Gene Kelly’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. He earned his wealth through his film and stage career. Kelly owned several properties in Los Angeles and a cabin in Lake Tahoe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Gene Kelly to become a dancer?
Gene Kelly’s mother, Harriet, was a former ballet dancer, and she encouraged her children to take dance lessons. Kelly was inspired by the legendary dancer Fred Astaire and studied under famous choreographers like Ned Wayburn. He also performed in amateur theatrical productions and attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he majored in economics and became involved in student theater productions.
Did Gene Kelly serve in World War II?
Yes, Gene Kelly served in the United States Navy during World War II. He enlisted in 1942 and was assigned to the Photographic Section of the Training and Distribution Center. Kelly’s assignment was to make documentary films for the Navy, which he did for two years.
What was Gene Kelly’s most famous dance sequence?
Without a doubt, Gene Kelly’s most famous dance sequence is the one from the song “Singin’ in the Rain.” The scene, in which Kelly sings and dances in the rain, has become an iconic moment in film history. It is often cited as one of the greatest dance sequences ever filmed.
Who were some of Gene Kelly’s collaborators?
Gene Kelly worked with many talented performers and artists throughout his career. Some of his most famous collaborators include:
– Fred Astaire, whom Kelly admired and with whom he performed on several occasions
– Stanley Donen, who co-directed “Singin’ in the Rain” with Kelly
– Gene de Paul, a composer who worked with Kelly on several musical films
– Judy Garland, with whom Kelly co-starred in “For Me and My Gal”
Why did Gene Kelly stop making films in the 1960s?
Gene Kelly’s film career slowed down in the 1960s, in part because he was losing interest in the medium. Kelly had already accomplished so much in film and wanted to focus more on directing and choreography. He also had other business interests, including a stake in a chain of dance studios.
Did Gene Kelly have any political affiliations?
Gene Kelly was a lifelong Democrat and supported several political causes throughout his life. He was an advocate for labor rights, civil rights, and the arts. Kelly also campaigned for several Democratic candidates, including John F. Kennedy.
What was Gene Kelly’s favorite film?
According to his wife, Patricia Ward, Gene Kelly’s favorite film was “Les Demoiselles de Rochefort,” a 1967 French musical that he starred in. The film was directed by Jacques Demy and also starred Catherine Deneuve and his former co-star in “Singin’ in the Rain,” Debbie Reynolds.
Did Gene Kelly ever perform on stage?
Yes, Gene Kelly performed on stage throughout his career. He appeared in several Broadway productions, including “Pal Joey,” “The Time of Your Life,” and “Brigadoon.” He was also involved in several stage productions as a director and choreographer.
What were some of Gene Kelly’s favorite books?
Gene Kelly was an avid reader and had a deep appreciation for literature. Some of his favorite books included “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and “Siddhartha” by Hermann Hesse.
Did Gene Kelly ever receive any honorary degrees?
Yes, Gene Kelly received several honorary degrees throughout his career. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from The Juilliard School in 1966 and an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Yale University in 1987.
What was Gene Kelly’s last film?
Gene Kelly’s last film was “Xanadu,” a 1980 musical that was critically panned but has since gained a cult following. Kelly played a former band leader in the film, which also starred Olivia Newton-John and Michael Beck.
Did Gene Kelly ever receive any Oscars?
Gene Kelly never won an Oscar for acting, but he did receive an Honorary Academy Award in 1952 for his unique contributions to the art of dance in the film industry. He was also nominated for several Academy Awards throughout his career, including Best Actor for “Anchors Aweigh” (1945) and Best Original Song for “Our Love Affair” from “Strike Up the Band” (1940).
What was Gene Kelly’s signature move?
Gene Kelly’s signature move was his incredible athleticism and fluidity on the dance floor. He was known for his athletic style and ability to seamlessly blend dance and storytelling in his performances. His use of props, such as umbrellas and lampposts, has also become a hallmark of his style.
What was Gene Kelly’s favorite type of dance?
Gene Kelly was known for blending different styles of dance in his performances, but he had a particular affinity for tap dancing. Kelly believed that tap dancing was a uniquely American art form and often incorporated it into his routines. He also admired other tap dancers, including Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and Fred Astaire.
How did Gene Kelly die?
Gene Kelly passed away on February 2, 1996, at the age of 83. He died from complications of a stroke at his home in Beverly Hills, California. Kelly had been in declining health for several years prior to his death. He is buried at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.
