Ruby Keeler

Birth Name:

Ethel Hilda Keeler

Birth Place:

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada

Profession

Actress, Soundtrack

Was a spokeswoman for the National Stroke Association, which later established the Ruby Keeler Fellowship Memorial
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
Was discovered by stage director Earl Lindsay at a dance contest in 1926, leading to her Broadway debut in "Bye, Bye, Bonnie․"
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

Fast Facts