(1912 – 1996) Leaving Broadway for Hollywood in the 1940s, Kelly’s dancing, choreography and directing revolutionized the Hollywood musical. He countered Fred Astaire’s ballroom rhythms with a more athletic and masculine, free-flowing style (and gravelly singing). He also incorporated symphonic jazz and ballet into movies such as the classic Singin’ in the Rain (MGM, 1952), which he in the latter codirected and co-choreographed. His own title number is an artful synthesis of dance and the camera using long takes to create magic.

Although Kelly never received an Oscar, his lifetime achievements were recognized by the Kennedy Center and the American Film Institute in the 1980s.