Freed, Arthur (1894–1973)

US lyricist and film producer. He wrote the lyrics for numerous films before becoming a producer. With talented directors like Vincente Minnelli, Busby Berkeley, and Stanley Donen, his production skills helped to make Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer the leading studio for musicals.

He was born in Charleston, South Carolina and began in vaudeville, appearing at times with the Marx Brothers. He was instrumental in shaping the careers of many Hollywood legends, including Judy Garland and Gene Kelly. He also continued writing songs, such as ‘Singing in the Rain’. Two of his films, An American in Paris (1951) and Gigi (1958), won best picture Academy Awards.