Motion Picture Director, Choreographer, Dancer and Actor. He directed popular musicals (notably collaborations with Gene Kelly) before moving on to other genres. Born to a Jewish family, his father was the manager of a dress shop. Stanley took dancing lessons during his youth and made his Broadway debut as a performer in the play 'Pal Joey' (1940 to 1941) which starred Gene Kelly. He co-choreographed (with Kelly) the musical "Best Foot Forward" (1941 to 1942) and during the decade, Donen also served as a choreographer on several films which include "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" (1949). That same year (1949), at the age of twenty-five Dolen directed his first feature film "On The Town". The picture included the memorable scene with Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly and Jules Munshin dancing and singing to the song "New York, New York (It's A Wonderful Town)". This was followed with "Royal Wedding" (1951) and "Love Is Better Than Ever" (1952). He will perhaps be remembered for his directing of the picture "Singin' in the Rain" (1953), which included Gene Kelly's iconic dancing and singing number. Further films include "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" (1954), "Deep in My Heart" (1954), "It's Always Fair Weather" (1955), "Funny Face" (1957), and "The Pajama Game" (1957). "Kiss Them For Me" (1957) and "Damn Yankees" (1958). Donen's non musical efforts include "Charade" (1963), "Two for the Road" (1966), "Bedazzled" (1967), "Staircase" (1967), "Movie Movie" (1978), and "Blame It on Rio" (1984). He was the recipient of an honorary Academy Award in 1998. Donen was married five times. His wives included actress Jeanne Coyne, Marion Marshall, and Yvette Mimieux.
Motion Picture Director, Choreographer, Dancer and Actor. He directed popular musicals (notably collaborations with Gene Kelly) before moving on to other genres. Born to a Jewish family, his father was the manager of a dress shop. Stanley took dancing lessons during his youth and made his Broadway debut as a performer in the play 'Pal Joey' (1940 to 1941) which starred Gene Kelly. He co-choreographed (with Kelly) the musical "Best Foot Forward" (1941 to 1942) and during the decade, Donen also served as a choreographer on several films which include "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" (1949). That same year (1949), at the age of twenty-five Dolen directed his first feature film "On The Town". The picture included the memorable scene with Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly and Jules Munshin dancing and singing to the song "New York, New York (It's A Wonderful Town)". This was followed with "Royal Wedding" (1951) and "Love Is Better Than Ever" (1952). He will perhaps be remembered for his directing of the picture "Singin' in the Rain" (1953), which included Gene Kelly's iconic dancing and singing number. Further films include "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" (1954), "Deep in My Heart" (1954), "It's Always Fair Weather" (1955), "Funny Face" (1957), and "The Pajama Game" (1957). "Kiss Them For Me" (1957) and "Damn Yankees" (1958). Donen's non musical efforts include "Charade" (1963), "Two for the Road" (1966), "Bedazzled" (1967), "Staircase" (1967), "Movie Movie" (1978), and "Blame It on Rio" (1984). He was the recipient of an honorary Academy Award in 1998. Donen was married five times. His wives included actress Jeanne Coyne, Marion Marshall, and Yvette Mimieux.
Bio by: C.S.
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