Howard Keel Biography

Fast Facts

• Aside from his Soap Opera Digest nomination for his role in "Dallas," he has received numerous awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
• After performing for small crowds for his the staff and clients of his aircraft company, he decided to sing professionally after attending a Hollywood Bowl concert
• Quote: "Any time you get in an area that takes a great deal of skill, you'll find that the tendrils are much more sensitive․ People talk about actors being temperamental, but that sort of thing is everywhere․"
• After performing as an understudy in "Oklahoma!" and taking the lead in the London production, audiences took a liking to him after he remained there as a performer
• After receiving an offer from Warner Brothers, he returned to the U․S․ and starred in the film version of the Broadway musical "Annie Get Your Gun․"
• Was the original choice for the lead in "Singin’ in the Rain," but the part ended up going to Gene Kelly
• Due to his towering height, many of his female co-stars had to stand on boxes in order to be in the same frame