Gene Kelly

Gene Kelly (1912-1996) was one of the leading dancers and choreographers of the 20th century, as well as an actor, singer, and film director. Originally running his family’s dance studio in Pittsburgh, he eventually left for New York, winning acclaim for his work in Broadway’s The Time of Your Life and Pal Joey. At the end of the latter show, he went to Hollywood, where he starred in such musicals as Anchors Aweigh and The Pirate. Eventually, he started directing the films as well (usually with Stanley Donen) as well as choreographing his own dances in such classics as On the Town and Singin' in the Rain. His versatility and working-class persona heavily influenced dance and film.