Kelly, Gene (1912–1996)
US film actor, dancer, choreographer, and director. He was a major star of the 1940s and 1950s in a series of MGM musicals, including On the Town (1949), Singin' in the Rain (1952) (both of which he codirected), and An American in Paris (1951). He also directed Hello Dolly (1969).
He grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and received his training at his mother's dance school. After moving to New York City in 1938 he appeared on stage in a number of Broadway musicals, such as Pal Joey (1940). He also acted in such nonmusical films as Marjorie Morningstar (1958) and Inherit the Wind (1960).
| He was the recipient of the American Film Institute's life achievement award in 1985. |
