Ruby Keeler Biography

Fast Facts

• Was a spokeswoman for the National Stroke Association, which later established the Ruby Keeler Fellowship Memorial
• Was discovered by stage director Earl Lindsay at a dance contest in 1926, leading to her Broadway debut in "Bye, Bye, Bonnie․"
• Made her screen acting debut in the film "Show Girl in Hollywood" in 1930
• Started out as a chorus girl in the show "The Rise of Rosie O'Reilly" when she was 13 years old
• Appeared in several of her Warner Bros․ musical films with Dick Powell, including "42nd Street" and "Footlight Parade․"
• Best known as a tap dancer and for her role as Peggy in "42nd Street" and as Polly in "Gold Diggers of 1933․"
• Returned to show business after 30 years of retirement in 1971 to appear in a Broadway revival of "No, No, Nanette," which ran for 871 performances