Howard Keel

Date of Birth: April 13, 1919

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: November 7, 2004

Biography

Howard Keel, born Harold Clifford Keel, was an acclaimed American actor and singer known for his rich baritone voice and commanding screen presence. Born on April 13, 1919, in Gillespie, Illinois, Keel grew up in a modest household. His early life was marked by hardship, especially after the death of his father when he was just 11 years old. Keel’s mother moved the family to California in search of better opportunities. Keel’s career began in the 1940s when he joined the Hollywood Bowl as a singer. His big break came when he was discovered by MGM and cast in the musical “Annie Get Your Gun” (1950). He quickly became a staple in Hollywood musicals, starring in beloved films such as “Show Boat” (1951), “Kiss Me Kate” (1953), and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” (1954). In the 1980s, Keel saw a resurgence in popularity when he joined the cast of the popular television series “Dallas,” playing the character Clayton Farlow. His career spanned several decades, and he continued to perform on stage and television until his passing. Keel was married three times and had four children. His legacy continues to be celebrated by fans of classic Hollywood musicals and television.

5 Interesting Facts about Howard Keel

1. Howard Keel was originally discovered while performing at the Hollywood Bowl.

2. He was almost cast as “Curly” in the original Broadway production of “Oklahoma!” but lost the role to Alfred Drake.

3. Keel’s autobiography, “Only Make Believe: My Life in Show Business,” was published in 2005, a year after his death.

4. He was a skilled golfer and often participated in celebrity golf tournaments.

5. Keel’s voice was a baritone, which contributed to his success in musical films and stage productions.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Howard Keel

1. “I was born and raised in a small town, and I knew everybody. I was a big fish in a small pond.”

2. “Some people have said that I was the last of the great musical stars. Well, that’s a matter of opinion.”

3. “When I first started out, it was very difficult for me to accept that I was a star. It was hard for me to believe that I was making a living in show business.”

4. “I’ve had a marvelous career, and I’ve been very fortunate.”

5. “I think the secret to a long life in show business is to always be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not.”