**Gene Kelly** (Eugene Curran Kelly; 1912-1996) was an American actor, dancer, choreographer, and director, an icon of the film musical. He revolutionized the genre with an athletic, energetic, and innovative dance style, blending ballet, tap, and jazz with a previously unprecedented masculinity. His skill lay in seamlessly integrating dance into the narrative, making it an essential part of the plot and not merely a spectacle.

Among his typical roles were optimistic and charismatic characters, often the everyman seeking success or love. His most celebrated films include *An American in Paris* (1951), winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture, *Singin' in the Rain* (1952), considered one of the greatest musicals of all time, and *On the Town* (1949), co-directed with Stanley Donen. Kelly is remembered for his ability to elevate the musical to new levels of artistic and cinematic technique.