Eugene Curran Kelly was born on August 23, 1912, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. He was the third of five children in his family. From a young age, he displayed a strong interest in the arts, participating in various activities including acting and athletics. When he was 8 years old, his mother enrolled him, his brother James and their sisters in dance classes. This prompted taunts from the neighborhood boys who called them “sissies,” giving rise to many fistfights and ultimately causing Gene to abandon dance classes until he was 15.
In 1928, Gene enrolled in journalism at the Pennsylvania State College, but the next year, the crash of the stock market forced him to drop out and take a job to help with the family’s finances. In 1931, Kelly attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he studied economics, but his passion for dance eventually led him to change his focus.
After graduation in 1933, he opened the Gene Kelly Studio of the Dance in Johnstown, Pennsylvania where he taught dance to help finance his study of law at the University of Pittsburgh Law School. However, after 2 months, he dropped out of law school. In 1937 Kelly moved to New York City to pursue a career in dance, performing in various stage productions, and gradually gaining recognition for his energetic and athletic dance style. In 1940, he made his Broadway debut with the lead role in the musical “Pal Joey,” and caught the attention of the Hollywood film producers.
After Kelly’s success on Broadway caught the attention of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Kelly signed a contract and relocated to Los Angeles. His first major film role came in 1942 when he starred in “For Me and My Gal”, alongside Judy Garland. He continued to rise in prominence with films like “Cover Girl” (1944) and “Anchors Aweigh” (1945), where he famously danced with Jerry Mouse from Tom and Jerry in a groundbreaking animated sequence.
Gene Kelly was not only a talented dancer and actor but also a groundbreaking choreographer. He was known for his creative and innovative approach to dance in film. Seeking to integrate dance seamlessly into the narrative of his movies, he pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the silver screen. His most famous work includes the iconic dance sequence in the rain from “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952), a film he co-directed and in which he starred.
Gene Kelly’s contributions to the world of film and dance have left an enduring legacy. He was a pioneer in using dance as a storytelling device in cinema and helped elevate the status of dance in popular culture. His work continues to influence choreographers and performers to this day.
In addition to his film and dance career, Kelly was involved in various philanthropic efforts and served as a cultural ambassador for the United States. He also directed a number of films and TV shows. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including an honorary Academy Award for his contributions to the art of choreography and his influence on musical films.
Gene Kelly passed away on February 2, 1996, but his impact on the entertainment industry and his legacy as a dancer and innovator continue to thrive.
