A charismatic baritone who starred in classic movie musicals, bringing iconic roles to life with his powerful voice and charming on-screen presence.
Howard Keel, the iconic American actor and singer, stole the hearts of audiences worldwide with his rich, resonant bass-baritone voice and captivating stage presence. He cemented his status as a leading man in the 1950s with a string of memorable performances in MGM musicals, solidifying his position as a shining star of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Born Harold Clifford Keel on April 13, 1919, in Gillespie, Illinois, Keel grew up in a family that struggled financially following his father's death in 1930. After graduating from Fallbrook High School at 17, he worked odd jobs, including stints as a traveling representative for Douglas Aircraft Company and a long-haul truck driver. It wasn't until his landlady, Mom Rider, overheard him singing and encouraged him to take vocal lessons that Keel discovered his true calling.
Keel's first public performance took place in the summer of 1941, when he played Samuel the Prophet in Handel's oratorio Saul. This marked the beginning of an illustrious career that would take him to the stages of Broadway and the screens of Hollywood. In 1945, he made his Broadway debut as a vacation replacement for John Raitt in Carousel, followed by a stint as Curly in Oklahoma. His breakout performance came in 1947, when Oklahoma became the first American post-war musical to travel to London, with Keel joining the production.
The 1950s saw Keel transition to film, where he became a staple of MGM's golden era. He appeared in a string of iconic musicals, including Anchors Aweigh, Show Boat, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, opposite leading ladies such as Kathryn Grayson and Jane Powell. His memorable performances earned him the label of "the most popular big-movie musical leading man of the 1950s."
In the 1980s, Keel shifted his focus to television, taking on the role of Clayton Farlow in the popular series Dallas, a part he played from 1981 to 1991. He continued to work in television and film throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, making appearances in shows such as The Love Boat and Walker, Texas Ranger.
Howard Keel's contributions to the world of entertainment are undeniable. His powerful voice, charming on-screen presence, and dedication to his craft have left an indelible mark on the industry. As a testament to his enduring appeal, Keel's films continue to delight audiences today, introducing new generations to the magic of classic Hollywood.
As the curtain closes on the life and career of Howard Keel, we are left with a legacy of timeless performances, unforgettable songs, and a reminder of the power of talent, hard work, and dedication.
96 Years Old
A talented triple threat, starring in classic MGM musicals and films, remembered for her iconic song and dance performances.
93 Years Old
A legendary actress, singer, and dancer who starred in iconic movie musicals, including "Singin' in the Rain" and "The Unsinkable Molly Brown", and was a devoted collector of Hollywood memorabilia.
Born in 1912
A legendary triple threat in Hollywood's Golden Age, starring in iconic movie musicals like "Singin' in the Rain" and "Anchors Aweigh," known for his athletic dance style and charming on-screen presence.
Born in 1899
A legendary performer who dazzled audiences with his smooth dance moves, charming on-screen presence, and iconic song-and-dance numbers in classic Hollywood musicals.
Born in 1922
A legendary actress and dancer who mesmerized audiences with her stunning beauty and captivating performances in classic movie musicals, particularly in iconic films like "Singin' in the Rain" and "The Band Wagon".
Born in 1923
A talented triple threat, known for her iconic movie musicals, dazzling dance numbers, and charming on-screen presence. She was a beloved Hollywood star of the 1940s and 1950s .
Born in 1922
Iconic actress and singer who starred in classic movies like "The Wizard of Oz" and belted out unforgettable tunes like "Over the Rainbow".
Born in 1920
A legendary actor, singer, director, and producer who starred in over 300 films, including the iconic Andy Hardy series and Judy Garland musicals, earning him a lifelong reputation as a Hollywood legend.
