Ray_McDonald_(dancer)

Ray McDonald (dancer)

Ray McDonald (dancer)

American dancer

Ray McDonald (June 27, 1920 – February 20, 1959)[1] was a tap dancer who started his career as a vaudeville act with his older sister Grace McDonald, before being cast in a hit Broadway show, and then in films.[2][3][4][unreliable source?] He had a starring role in the films Down in San Diego and Born to Sing, some leading roles in other films, as well as lesser roles including in uncredited dance sequences.[4][unreliable source?]

McDonald's Broadway credits include Park Avenue (1946), Winged Victory (1943), Crazy With the Heat (1941), and Babes in Arms (1937).[5]

Personal life

McDonald was born in New York City. His sister Grace was two years older. She was contracted to Universal while he signed with MGM.[citation needed]

He was married to actress Elisabeth Fraser from 1944 until 1952 and then actress Peggy Ryan from 1953 until 1957.[4][unreliable source?] In 1949, he appeared with her in There's a Girl in My Heart and co-starred with her in the musical Shamrock Hill.[6][7] On December 4, 1956, they guest starred on the Mickey Mouse Club.[8]

He died in 1959 at age 38 in New York City after choking on food in his hotel room.[3]

Filmography

Born to Sing poster
More information Year, Title ...

References

  1. [1]
    Quigley, Martin; Monush, Barry (July 4, 1995). "McDonald, Ray: Actor, Dancer". First Century of Film. OCLC 516144106 – via Open WorldCat.
  2. [2]
    "Police Find Dancer Dead in His Hotel". The New York Times. February 21, 1959.
  3. [3]
    "Overview for Ray McDonald". Turner Classic Movies.
  4. [4]
    "Today's Underrated Actor Spotlight: Ray McDonald". September 2, 2015.
  5. [5]
    "("Ray McDonald" search results)". Internet Broadway Database. The Broadway League. Archived from the original on 4 July 2019. Retrieved 5 July 2019.
  6. [6]
    "SHAMROCK HILL Original 1949 Photo PEGGY RYAN Ray McDonald". www.backlotmovie.com.
  7. [7]
    Bergan, Ronald (November 6, 2004). "Obituary: Peggy Ryan" – via www.theguardian.com.
  8. [8]
    "Original MMC Show: Guest Stars". www.originalmmc.com.
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