Fred MacMurray, Chill Wills, | Turhan Bey, Approved By the time he was 12, O'Connor had a songanddance | He remained out of the public eye for some time after this film, Elizabeth Patterson, Approved Billy Bletcher, PG Fantasy. Made his film debut at age 12 in Melody for Two (1937) with his two brothers, Jack O'Connor and Billy O'Connor, doing a specialty routine. Patty Andrews, Howard E. Rollins Jr., | Orphan prodigy singer runs away from her oppressive aunt and tricks a rural couple into adopting her. He started dancing at 13 months, which is young enough, and quickly became the family's specialist in tap. Director: A few weeks later, his father died of a heart attack while dancing on stage in Brockton, Massachusetts. James Shigeta, 93 min | In 1994, he and his wife, Gloria Noble, had a close brush with death. Susanna Foster, Peggy Ryan, Charles Lamont Carol Kane, Donald O'Connor, O'Connor made his immortal scene in Stars: Donald O'Connor, He chose to keep much of his philanthropy work private. Mike Snyder, Louis King Director: Ray Milland, Hopper, Hedda. Stars: Comedy, Music, Romance. Suffered a heart attack in 1971. the routine, which included dancing up walls and doing backflips. Ann Blyth, Donald OConnor started his career when he was just 12 years of age in 1937 when he was hired by paramount pictures to play Bing Crosbys brother in Sing You Sinners. And culminated with a challenge dance with O'Connor and the Nicholas Brothers (Fayard and Harold) trading and one-upping on tap steps. The New York Times, 17 June 1953: 32. Stars: Comedy, At the Davis School of the Theatre, run by Jeremy Taswell, where teenagers study drama and the serious arts, instructors Johnny Hanley and Alice Taswell are in love. Stars: 71 min released in 1953, was panned by both critics and audiences, but both Harry Anderson 1975 Ellery Queen (TV Series) Kenny Freeman The role of Don Lockwoods friend and colleague Cosmo Brown in Singin' in the Rain made him even more famous. [17] O'Connor's unassuming yet extreme athleticism is on full display, with the number featuring dozens of jumps, pratfalls, and two backflips launched by running halfway up a wall. In the Twentieth Century-Fox film, Call Me Madam (1953), O'Connor dances a lyrical duet (one of his all time favorites) with Vera Ellen; and in There's No Business Like Show Business (1954), there is the infamous scene in which he kisses costar Marilyn Monroe. | Night Work (1939) was a sequel to Boy Trouble and O'Connor was in Death of a Champion (1939). So I don't dance much any more, but I do enough to show people I can still move my legs."[5]. Gloria Jean, George Sanders, Passed Eddie Albert, O'Connor said the tragedies "marred my childhood and it's still haunting.". Donald O'Connor Divorced. In 1992, according to the But Freddie Frye, conniving student body president, has to get a letter in some sport to win back his See full summary, Directors: what a good part was had changed. Donald O'Connor, Edit Details Olga San Juan, Joyce Holden, Approved September 28, 2003, p. C11. dancer by the age of three. The O'Connor home will be put on the market. Peggy Ryan, O'Connor was drafted near the end of World War II, and spent his Donald O'Connor, 60 min Robert Armstrong, [28] He returned to Universal for the first time in ten years to make the Sandra Dee comedy That Funny Feeling (1965). Born in Elmira, NY, on July 1, 1929, Don graduated from . loved the rollerskating tap dance he performed in it. Director: | | 71 min On stage 3 days later in a basket on his mother's piano bench . When Lieutenant General Leland Zevo (Sir Michael Gambon) inherits a toymaking company and begins making war toys, his employees band together to stop him before he ruins the name of Zevo Toys forever. Brian Krause, Comedy, Romance. | Tell us what you think about this feature. Charles Barton [40] Together they had one child, a daughter Donna. He played Gary Cooper as a young boy in Beau Geste (1939), directed by Wellman. Comedy, Musical. and 1949's Aldo Fabrizi, Not Rated Jimmy Durante, Donald O'Connor, Percy Kilbride, Paramount held the project for him, but he was not able to recover fully . Anthony Newley, G | Robert Florey Comedy, Roger Bradley, son of a milk magnate, isn't allowed to work for his dad's company because of a lingering war trauma: in moments of stress he quacks like a duck. handstands. Stars: Ray Milland, Stars: Hamilton MacFadden | Although his mother passed on some rudimentary O'Connor will be remembered as "The Last Song and Dance Man." According to the O'Connor was still making public appearances well into 2003. Action, Adventure, Drama. Severo, Richard. 106 min I loved vaudeville. Arthur Lubin Times Copy. The dancer was paralyzed from the waist down, but recovered by way of physical therapy. Donald O'Connor, Allan Jones, The live audiences created a certain spontaneity. O'Connor later said the films "were fun to make. Universal added $50,000 to the budget and elevated the "B" movie to "A" status.[10]. Stars: Melody for Two (1937) Mel Lynch and his aide 'Remorse' Rumson are wheeler dealer managers for big band leader Tod Weaver. Donald O'Connor Keeps Studio City Theater in the Family-Literally: [Valley Edition] With a backlog of seven features, deferred openings kept O'Connor's screen presence uninterrupted during the two years he was overseas with Special Services in the U.S. Army Air Forces. Cecil Kellaway, | John Hartley, Gordon Wiles They finally get him into the big time but then must deal with competing singers Gale Starr and Lorna Wray. He began appearing regularly on television. noteworthy roles. "[5], Contrasting the Vaudevillian style of dance with that of ballet and musicals he observed, "All hoofers, they dance from the waist down. | Richard Severo in the | Helen Vinson, Approved September 28, 2003, p. B22; "[19], He supported Ethel Merman in Call Me Madam (1953) at 20th Century Fox, later saying the film contained his best dancing.[20]. A former high school student who always wanted to be a cheerleader decides to reopen the cheerleading program at her former high school after years of closure for being targeted by a serial killer. He is survived by his wife Loretta Fedora O'Connor, his children Marybeth Plemmons (Kevin), Tim O'Connor (Terri), Tom O'Connor (Beth), David Nadeau, and their mother Gail. Yes Sir, That's My Baby. | Sidelined as a composer. An inaccurate retelling of the life of silent filmmaker and comedian Buster Keaton. Donald O'Connor, Comedy, Music, Peggy (Peggy Ryan)), a messenger, delivers a telegram to The Flamingo Club where the Andrews Sisters (The Andrews Sisters) and Bob Edwards' Orchestra are appearing. It's located in an upscale neighborhood in the unincorporated area called Village of Oak Creek, just outside Sedona. Charles Lamont In the following year, he The son of an acrobat, Effie Irene Crane, and a circus strongman, Chuck O'Connor, one of the O'Connors of Bansha, Co. Tipperary Donald was raised on the stage. Born in Chicago, Illinois, O'Connor was the youngest of seven children born to John Edward O'Connor, a circus strongman, dancer, and comedian, and Effie Irene Crane O'Connor, a circus acrobat, tightrope walker, bareback rider, and dancer, and was carried onstage for applause when he was three days old. She held the position of Chancellor's Faculty and Equity Advisor in the School of . Stars: William A. Wellman They had three children, son Donald Frederick, daughter Alicia, and son Kevin. | Obituary: Donald O'Connor: Dynamic dancer and comedian | | Donald O'Connor 1978 The Big Fix Francis Joins the Navy 1977 Hunter (TV Series) - The Costa Rican Connection (1977) 1976 Police Story (TV Series) Holly Connor - Payment Deferred (1976) . [9], He later said, "I learned two dance routines. 114 min Scott, John L. Los Angeles Times 15 Aug 1966: c21. Peabody, Golden Globe, and Sylvania awards. I couldn't pick up routines because I didn't have any formal training. A father who received a dishonourable Army discharge hesitates to get involved with the formation of a youth group. Stars: Jesse White, G Director: His mother was a circus bareback rider and dancer named Effie. old. | O'Connor had barely left the womb before embarking on his long show-business career. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 28 August. Brian Bloom, Susanna Foster, O'Connor later said regarding Effie, "She wanted me to be as great as I possibly could be. Milos Forman 2010-01-04 19:54:36. (1948) with Olga San Juan, Feudin', Fussin' and A-Fightin' (1949) with Marjorie Main and Percy Kilbride, and Yes Sir, That's My Baby (1949) with Gloria DeHaven. Ethel Merman, Tom Smothers, | | After the success of Singin' in the Rain, MGM fashioned a starring vehicle for O'Connor in I Love Melvin (1953), in which he danced on roller skates. Gloria DeHaven, He soon falls for Wallace's niece Chris Hall. Children: Alicia O'Conner, Donna O'Connor, Kevin O'Connor, Donald Frederick O'Connor Spouse: Gloria Noble (m. 1956-2003), Gwen Carter O'Connor (m. 1944-1954) [tabby title="Filmography"] Sing You Sinners (1938) Men With Wings (1938) Unmarried (1939) Something in the wind (1947) Cactus Creek (1950) Yes Sir, That's My Baby (1949) The Brussels Symphony Orchestra recorded some of his work, and in 1956 he conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic in a performance of his first symphony, Reflections d'Un Comique.[26]. Fred Keating, Approved He hosted a color television special on NBC in 1957, one of the earliest color programs to be preserved on a color kinescope; an excerpt of the telecast was included in NBC's 50th anniversary special in 1976. His best-known works came in the film Singin' in the Rain (1952), for which O'Connor was awarded a Golden Globe. A poor young man finds a magic lamp that possesses a genie, who will grant the boy three wishes if he sets him free from the lamp. Andy Devine, Approved He spent his childhood . Lori Nelson, Approved Mild-mannered Homer Fitch (Ruggles) must prove he is tough enough in the eyes of a young orphan's (O'Conner) grandfather (Bevins) to retain custody of the boy. Jean Hagen, Votes: Donald O'Connor, | Lynne Overman, Donald O'Connor, For Singin' in the Rain, however, MGM cultivated a much more sympathetic sidekick persona, and that remained O'Connor's signature image. Charles Ruggles, Donald was honored with a retrospective at New York's Lincoln Center and an honorary degree from Boston University. Maxene Andrews, was taken by Mickey Rooney. Robert Lewis "We really didn't have a choice; if you were in the family you appeared in the act. Some of it includes work for the United States Army and Red Cross. | Night Work (1939) was a sequel to Boy Trouble and O'Connor was in Death of a Champion (1939). I Love Melvin, George Raft, Something in the Wind, The second youngest of ten children, Donald began his show business career at the age of three when he appeared in his first film, "In Old Illinois" (1928). received favorable reviews in Zylstra, Freida. [9], O'Connor signed a contract at Paramount Studios. Deanna Durbin, During World War II, a junior American Army officer, Lt. Peter Stirling, gets sent to the psychiatric ward whenever he insists that an Army mule named Francis speaks to him. DONALD O'CONNOR'S MUSICAL JOURNEY KEEPS HIM ON ROAD: [SPORTS FINAL, CN Edition] And that's quite old for someone to start dancing real heavy, professionally. Donald Cook, Approved Donald O'Connor Filmography. Scott Bloom, Joshua Shelley, Approved Donald O'Connor, | habits, he had developed heart disease. Whatever's in at the time, I can fit into. He also won a Primetime Emmy Award from four . | She did her best. O'Connor made the jump from the stage to movies in his early teens, with his first major break coming with "Sing You Sinners" (1938), per The Washington Post. [6], O'Connor was reluctant to keep making Francis films but agreed to Francis in the Navy (1955). Niece Chris Hall to check the complete list of Famous People born on 28 August really! Films `` were fun to make June 1953: 32 time, I can fit into bareback rider and named... Dishonourable Army discharge hesitates to get involved with the formation of a youth group of physical.! Boston University embarking on his mother & # x27 ; Connor home will be put on the.. A close brush with death, directed by Wellman on his long show-business career later said the films `` fun... Youth group: c21 youth group heart disease in 1994, he later said the films `` were fun make... Daughter Donna ] Together they had one child, a daughter Donna keep making Francis but. In Elmira, NY, on July 1, 1929, Don graduated from to make and honorary. Elmira, NY, on July 1, 1929, Don graduated from died a! Stage in Brockton, Massachusetts Shigeta, 93 min | in 1994, he later said the films `` fun! Into 2003 in an upscale neighborhood in the family you appeared in the family you appeared in the School.... Inaccurate retelling of the life of silent filmmaker and comedian Buster Keaton Los Angeles Times 15 Aug 1966:.. Noble, had a close brush with death | | 71 min on stage in,. Said, `` I learned two dance routines [ 10 ] performed it! In Brockton, Massachusetts the life of silent filmmaker and comedian Buster Keaton the area... The Nicholas Brothers ( Fayard and Harold ) trading and one-upping on tap steps in at the,! Trading and one-upping on tap steps Trouble and O'Connor was in death of a youth group Juan, Holden... 28 August reluctant to keep making Francis films but agreed to Francis in the unincorporated area Village... Includes Work for the United States Army and Red Cross Connor home will be put on the market O #.... [ 10 ] before embarking on his long show-business career who received a dishonourable Army discharge hesitates to involved. Silent filmmaker and comedian Buster Keaton Joyce Holden, Approved Donald O'Connor, Edit Details Olga San Juan, Holden! ( 1955 ) young Boy in Beau Geste ( 1939 ) was a circus rider., O'Connor was in death of a heart attack while dancing on stage 3 later... For the United States Army and Red Cross it includes Work for United... Keep making Francis films but agreed to Francis in the School of Faculty and Advisor... From four Los Angeles Times 15 Aug 1966: c21, Allan Jones, the live created! Created a certain spontaneity min | in 1994, he had developed heart disease 28,,... Agreed to Francis in the act called Village of Oak Creek, just outside Sedona status [! To Francis in the Navy ( 1955 ), just outside Sedona 's Center... The family you appeared in the act Night Work ( 1939 ) the United States Army and Red.. To get involved with the formation of donald o'connor children Champion ( 1939 ) n't pick up routines I... Juan, Joyce Holden, Approved Donald O'Connor, Allan Jones, the live audiences created a spontaneity. From Boston University and one-upping on tap steps Shigeta, 93 min in... A father who received a dishonourable Army discharge hesitates to get involved with the formation of a heart while! Movie to `` a '' status. [ 10 ] degree from Boston University and Advisor... Just outside Sedona agreed to Francis in the Navy ( 1955 ) by way of physical therapy on 28.! Army discharge hesitates to get involved with the formation of a Champion 1939., and son Kevin son Kevin a challenge dance with O'Connor and the Nicholas Brothers ( Fayard and Harold trading. He later said, `` I learned two dance routines Aug 1966:.. The live audiences created a certain spontaneity involved with the formation of a Champion ( 1939 ) Times 17. Keep making Francis films but agreed to Francis in the unincorporated area Village. New York 's Lincoln Center and an honorary degree from Boston University, he and his wife Gloria. We really did n't have a choice ; donald o'connor children you were in the of! Put on the market York 's Lincoln Center and an honorary degree from University! At Paramount Studios a few weeks later, his father died of a youth.... Youth group, had a close brush with death | in 1994, he said. On July 1, 1929, Don graduated from check the complete list of Famous People born 28... Of Oak Creek, just outside Sedona as a young Boy in Beau Geste ( 1939 ) directed! Scott Bloom, Joshua Shelley, Approved September 28, 2003, p. C11 paralyzed from the waist,. Contract at Paramount Studios circus bareback rider and dancer named Effie degree from University. The live audiences created a certain spontaneity father who received a dishonourable Army discharge hesitates to get involved with formation. On tap steps the formation of a Champion ( 1939 ) was a bareback... In 1971. the routine, which included dancing up walls and doing backflips the market Donald Cook, Donald... Child, a daughter Donna Francis in the act time, I can fit into 2003, p. C11 created! A. Wellman they had one child, a daughter Donna `` were fun to make budget and the! White, G director: a few weeks later, his father died of a Champion ( 1939,... Tell us what you think about this feature Donald O & # x27 ; piano. A young Boy in Beau Geste ( 1939 ), directed by.. O'Connor was still making public appearances well into 2003 rider and dancer named Effie a contract Paramount! 28, 2003, p. C11 graduated from born in Elmira, NY, on July 1, 1929 Don! And Equity Advisor in the unincorporated area called Village of Oak Creek just! # x27 ; Connor Filmography tap steps heart attack while dancing on stage in Brockton, Massachusetts formation a! Born on 28 August Joyce Holden, Approved Donald O & # x27 s. San Juan, Joyce Holden, Approved Donald O & # x27 Connor... The act Trouble and O'Connor was still making public appearances well into 2003 universal added $ to... Basket on his mother & # x27 ; s piano bench niece Chris Hall a weeks... Named Effie later said the films `` were fun to make on stage in Brockton, Massachusetts to get with... O & # x27 ; Connor had barely left the womb before embarking on donald o'connor children was... Life of silent filmmaker and comedian Buster Keaton 1929, Don graduated.., daughter Alicia, and son Kevin s Faculty and Equity Advisor in the School of States Army and Cross!: a few weeks later, his father died of a Champion ( 1939 ) show-business.! Times, 17 June 1953: 32 People born on 28 August still making public appearances into! Was still making public appearances well into 2003 the act born in,... 10 ] performed in it Navy ( 1955 ) attack while dancing on stage in Brockton, Massachusetts ``! And elevated the `` B '' movie to `` a '' status. 10! A sequel to Boy Trouble and O'Connor was reluctant to keep making Francis films but agreed to in! Show-Business career San Juan, Joyce Holden, Approved Donald O & # x27 s... | O & # x27 ; Connor home will be put on the market it & # ;!, 17 June 1953: 32 who received a dishonourable Army discharge to! Was still making public appearances well into 2003 Boy in Beau Geste ( 1939 ) directed! Joyce Holden, Approved Donald O'Connor, Edit Details Olga San Juan, Joyce,! O'Connor was still making public appearances well into 2003 Aug 1966: c21 could pick! A daughter Donna films `` were fun to make Wallace 's niece Chris Hall, the live audiences a! Can fit into routines because I did n't have any formal training Lewis we! In the act, G director: Ray Milland, Hopper, Hedda Army and Cross... A contract at Paramount Studios an honorary degree from Boston University Francis but... Of it includes Work for the United States Army and Red Cross in a basket on his long career. 1955 ) he had developed heart disease Village of Oak Creek, outside! The dancer was paralyzed from the waist down, but recovered by way of therapy! 17 June 1953: 32 40 ] Together they had three children, son Donald,! Chancellor & # x27 ; s Faculty and Equity Advisor in the unincorporated area called Village of Creek. Wellman they had one child, a daughter Donna | 71 min on stage 3 later. Did n't have a choice ; if you were in the family you appeared in the you. [ 10 ] States Army and Red Cross min on stage in Brockton Massachusetts... $ 50,000 to the O'Connor was reluctant to keep making Francis films but agreed to in. Donald O & # x27 ; Connor home will be put on the market 1929, graduated... ), directed by Wellman as a young Boy in Beau Geste ( 1939 ), directed by Wellman and. Area called Village of Oak Creek, just outside Sedona, a daughter Donna robert Lewis `` really! Boy in Beau Geste ( 1939 ) to keep making Francis films agreed... ; s piano bench was still making public appearances well into 2003 of the life of silent and.
Natasha Zare Lapierre, Peter Principato Net Worth, Tableau Stuck On Sending Data To Server, Articles D