Gene Kelley was born in 1912 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He had grown up with talent that wasn't seen often at the time. He had flashy dance moves and a dynamic personality. He quickly became a well known actor in the 1940's. With his dance moves he appeared in 47 films, which alone was quite a feat for the time. He acted with his brother, Fred Kelley, briefly in theatre but the big screen was calling him.
In 1942 he starred with Judy Garland on the big screen in a movie called "Me and My Gal". This was the true launch of Gene Kelley's career, as MGM Studios recognized his talent at once. Being the largest and most powerful studio in Hollywood, MGM signed him on to become one of the most recognized talents of all time.
With WWII underway, many people from Europe fled to America to avoid the Nazi powers. They came to Hollywood with talents as artists such as singers, dancers, and actors. This became an active time for Hollywood and MGM studios as the entertainment world expanded. Gene Kelley had a talent that was often compared to Fred Astaire. With awesome dance moves and an electric personality Gene Kelley brought the working man to the big screen in his street clothes and rugged good looks. His powerful dance moves intrigued the audience and electrified Hollywood.
When Gene Kelly starred with Debbie Reynolds in the hit "Singing in the Rain" in 1952, he captured the hearts of many. His powerful and yet graceful dancing style earned him an instant love of adoring fans. Being a smash hit, the film was one of the first 25 films selected by the Library of Congress for its National Film Registry of movies to be part of the American Heritage, an elite status even today.
Gene Kelley's stardom increased as he starred in film such as An American in Paris, Cats Don't Dance, Christmas Holiday, A Guide for the Married Man, Marjorie Morningstar, That's Dancing and That's Entertainment.
His talents were clearly recognized as being original and heartwarming. He had an athletic style of dance so free and innovative that he continues to impress yet today. In 1992, he was entered into the theater hall of fame because of his work on "My Pal Joey" with his brother Fred Kelley. He continues to be a part of American culture as he was the silent eye behind Madonna in 1993 for her Girlie Show Tour. In 1994 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton.
In his personal life Gene Kelley was married three times and had fathered three children. On February 2, 1996 in Beverly Hills, California Gene Kelley passed away due to multiple strokes. He will forever be remembered as a great talented dancer and artist.
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