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Ray McDonald (dancer)

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Ray McDonald (June 27, 1921 - 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 married 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 1959 at age 38 in New York City after choking on food in his hotel room.[3]

Filmography

Born to Sing poster
Year Title Role Notes
1941 Life Begins for Andy Hardy Jimmy Frobisher
1941 Down in San Diego Hank Parker
1941 Babes on Broadway Ray Lambert
1942 Born to Sing Steve
1943 Presenting Lily Mars Charlie Potter
1944 Winged Victory Flyer - Dance Specialty Uncredited
1946 Till the Clouds Roll By Dance Specialty (segment: "Leave It to Jane")
1947 Good News Bobby Turner
1948 Whiplash Second Uncredited
1949 Shamrock Hill Larry Hadden
1949 Flame of Youth Bill Crawford
1949 There's a Girl in My Heart Danny Kroner
1951 Inside Straight Minor Role Uncredited
1953 All Ashore Skip Edwards

References

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