Gene Kelly

Date of Birth: August 23, 1912

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: February 2, 1996

Biography

Gene Kelly, born Eugene Curran Kelly, was an American dancer, actor, singer, film director, producer, and choreographer. He was born on August 23, 1912, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Kelly is best remembered for his energetic and athletic dancing style, his good looks, and the likable characters that he played on screen. He was a dominant force in musical films from the mid-1940s to the late 1950s. Some of his most famous movies include “Singin’ in the Rain,” “An American in Paris,” “On the Town,” and “Anchors Aweigh.” Kelly’s career began on Broadway before he transitioned to Hollywood, where he signed a contract with MGM. He quickly became one of the studio’s top stars and worked with other legends like Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. Kelly was not just a performer but also an innovator in choreography and film direction. His work in “Singin’ in the Rain” is often cited as one of the best examples of musical cinema. Throughout his career, Kelly received numerous awards, including an Academy Honorary Award in 1952 for his versatility as an actor, singer, director, and dancer, and his significant contributions to the film industry. Beyond his professional life, Kelly was known for his commitment to progressive causes and his influence on future generations of dancers and filmmakers.

5 Interesting Facts about Gene Kelly

1. Gene Kelly choreographed his own dance sequences, blending ballet, modern dance, and tap.

2. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, making training films.

3. Kelly co-directed “Singin’ in the Rain” with Stanley Donen, a film that remains iconic in American cinema.

4. He was awarded the French Legion of Honor in 1960 for his contributions to the arts.

5. Kelly was a major advocate for the integration of dance into mainstream cinema, changing how dance was perceived in Hollywood.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gene Kelly

1. “You dance love, and you dance joy, and you dance dreams.”

2. “I don’t believe in conformity to any school of dancing. I create what the drama and the music demand.”

3. “I got started dancing because I knew it was one way to meet girls.”

4. “I wanted to invent some kind of American dance that was as indigenous as jazz.”

5. “The fact is, I don’t drive just to get from A to B. I enjoy feeling the car’s responses, becoming part of it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Gene Kelly’s highest net worth achieved was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Gene Kelly had three children: 1. Kerry Kelly, from his first marriage to actress Betsy Blair. 2. Timothy Kelly, from his third marriage to Patricia Ward. 3. Bridget Kelly, also from his third marriage to Patricia Ward.