Birthday: August 23, 1912 (Virgo)
Born In: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Gene Kelly, whose name is synonymous with dance, was a leading figure in Hollywood musical films of the 1940s and 1950s. His dancing style, which incorporated elements of ballet, had a profound impact on the film industry. He challenged the notion that dance was primarily a woman’s forte and demonstrated that men could excel in it as well. At a time when dance, especially ballet, was primarily associated with the stage, he was instrumental in bringing it into film. Soon, dance was not just an element of film—it became the central theme of many musicals. He rose to fame during the golden age of Hollywood musicals, choreographing most of his films. Kelly left a lasting impact on the film industry due to his innovative approach. He was not only focused on achieving perfection in dance but also experimented with his style in nearly every film, utilizing lighting, camera techniques, and special effects to create extraordinary visuals. He believed that dancing in films was no different from other forms of artistic expression, but a film about dance needed to offer more than just movement. Kelly certainly achieved his aspirations and paved the way for future actors and dancers who came to Hollywood with similar dreams.
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Also Known As: Gene Kelly
Died At Age: 83
Spouse/Ex-: Betsy Blair (m. 1941–1957), Jeanne Coyne (m. 1960–1973), Patricia Ward (m. 1990–1996)
father: James Patrick Joseph Kelly
mother: Harriet Catherine
siblings: Fred Kelly
children: Bridget Kelly, Kerry Kelly, Timothy Kelly
Born Country: United States
Height: 5'7" (170 cm), 5'7" Males
Died on: February 2, 1996
place of death: Beverly Hills, California, United States
Ancestry: German American, Canadian American, Irish American
Diseases & Disabilities: Stroke
U.S. State: Pennsylvania
City: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
education: University Of Pittsburgh
awards: 1985 - AFI Life Achievement Award
1981 - Cecil B. DeMille Award
1988 - Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award
1942 – Best Actor award from the National Board of Review for his performance in For Me and My Gal
1956 – Golden Bear at the 6th Berlin International Film Festival for Invitation to the Dance
1981 – Cecil B. DeMille Award at Golden Globes.
1982 – Lifetime Achievement Award in the fifth annual Kennedy Center Honors.
1985 – Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute.
1989 – Life Achievement Award from Screen Actors Guild.
1991 – Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera inaugurates The Gene Kelly Awards
given annually to high-school musicals in Allegheny County
Pennsylvania.
1992 – Induction into the Theater Hall of Fame.
1994 – National Medal of Arts awarded by United States President Bill Clinton.[29]
1994 – The Three Tenors performed
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He married Jeanne Coyne, his choreographic assistant, in 1960, and was with her till her death in 1973. The couple had two children Bridget and Tim.
A second stroke in 1995, left him bedridden and a year later, he died in his sleep at the age of 83.
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