Donald O'Connor (1925-2003) was an American actor, dancer, and singer, celebrated for his extraordinary agility and his performances in musical comedies of Hollywood's Golden Age.

His most iconic role is undoubtedly that of Cosmo Brown in *Singin' in the Rain* (1952), where he demonstrated exceptional talent in the "Make 'Em Laugh" number, which became legendary for its energy, acrobatics, and physical comedy. This film remains the cornerstone of his cinematic career.

O'Connor also gained great popularity as the lead in the *Francis the Talking Mule* series of comedy films (from 1950 onwards), which saw him interact with a talking mule. His style was characterized by irresistible physical comedy, remarkable mastery of tap dancing, and an innate ability to entertain, making him a beloved and versatile figure in the musical comedy genre.