Gene Kelly Family Tree: The Story Behind Singin' in the Rain

Eugene Curran "Gene" Kelly (1912–1996), born 23 August 1912 in Pittsburgh, PA, USA, and died 2 February 1996 in Beverly Hills, was Hollywood's most-influential dancer-choreographer — For Me and My Gal (1942), Anchors Aweigh (1945), On the Town (1949), An American in Paris (1951), Singin' in the Rain (1952), Brigadoon (1954); Honorary Academy Award (1952); AFI Life Achievement (1985).

The Family's Roots: A Pittsburgh Irish-Catholic Family

Family ran a dance studio.

His Parents

Father: James Patrick Joseph Kelly (1875–1966) — travelling gramophone salesman.

Mother: Harriet Catherine Curran Kelly (1884–1972) — ran Kelly family dance studio.

His Siblings

James Kelly (1911–1988); Louise Kelly (1914–1972); Fred Kelly (1916–2000) — dancer; Joan Kelly (1918–1988).

His Wives

Betsy Blair (m. 22 October 1941, div. 3 April 1957) — actress.

Jeanne Coyne (m. 6 August 1960, until her death 10 May 1973) — dance assistant.

Patricia Ward (m. 20 July 1990, until his death 1996) — biographer.

His Children

Kerry Kelly Novick, b. 16 October 1942 — daughter with Betsy Blair.

Timothy Kelly, b. 1962 — son with Jeanne Coyne.

Bridget Kelly, b. 1964 — daughter with Jeanne Coyne.

The Kelly Family Tree at a Glance

Father: James Patrick Kelly (1875–1966).

Mother: Harriet Curran Kelly (1884–1972).

Siblings: James (1911–1988); Louise (1914–1972); Fred (1916–2000); Joan (1918–1988).

Wives: Betsy Blair (1941-57); Jeanne Coyne (1960-73, died); Patricia Ward (1990-death).

Children: Kerry (b. 16 October 1942); Timothy (b. 1962); Bridget (b. 1964).

Gene Kelly:

  • Born 23 August 1912, Pittsburgh
  • University of Pittsburgh economics graduate
  • Broadway 1938+ — Pal Joey 1940 breakthrough
  • Hollywood 1942 — MGM
  • Athletic dance style, popularised on-location musicals
  • Honorary Academy Award: 1952
  • AFI Life Achievement: 1985
  • Died: 2 February 1996, Beverly Hills — age 83

What the Kelly Family Story Teaches Us

A dance-studio-family childhood. Four siblings, one a fellow dancer. Three marriages producing 3 children. A career that made Singin' in the Rain the world's most-recognised movie musical number.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Gene Kelly story carries the same lesson. Some careers turn Pittsburgh family dance studios into cinema's most-iconic musical dance.

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