Howard Keel: From MGM Musical Star To Dallas Icon, A Look Back

You see, he romanced his way through a whole string of those sparkly MGM musicals, pictures like “Kiss Me Kate” and “Annie Get Your Gun.” He also starred in other big ones, like “Show Boat” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” His operatic singing voice and that matinee idol look he had certainly helped him get noticed, that’s for sure. He really had a way of captivating audiences with his singing and acting, which, as a matter of fact, really helped define an era of film.

Then, later on, Howard Keel found a whole new audience. He came back to television, reviving his career with the hugely popular show “Dallas.” It’s quite a remarkable arc for an entertainer, from the grand stages of movie musicals to the prime-time drama of television. We're going to take a look at his life and his path through entertainment, from his early days to his lasting legacy, so you can learn about it all.

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Table of Contents

• A Life in Performance: The Howard Keel Story
• Howard Keel: Personal Details & Bio Data
• Early Days and Unexpected Opportunities
• The Golden Age of Musicals: A True Star Emerges
• Facing Challenges and a Remarkable Return
• The Dallas Years: A New Generation Discovers Howard Keel
• A Lasting Legacy in Entertainment
• Frequently Asked Questions About Howard Keel

A Life in Performance: The Howard Keel Story

Howard Keel, whose birth name was Harold Clifford Keel, truly lived a life filled with many different experiences. He was an American actor and a singer, someone who really showed off his abilities in musicals, Westerns, and even dramas. This fellow, you know, starred in a lot of movies, including the widely known “Man of La Mancha” and “Kiss Me, Kate,” which were quite popular. His journey through show business was, in a way, rather long and varied, touching many different types of audiences across several decades. He was a performer who, apparently, just kept on going, adapting to new roles and new mediums as time went on, which is quite interesting to consider.

Howard Keel: Personal Details & Bio Data

Early Days and Unexpected Opportunities

Born Harold Clifford Keel on April 13, 1919, in Gillespie, Illinois, his early life was, you know, marked by poverty. His father, Homer Keel, was a coal miner and had been a sailor, and his mother was Grace. It was a tough beginning, as many childhoods were during that time. But even then, there were moments of kindness that, in a way, really made a difference. For instance, his teacher, Rosa Burke, noticed that young Harry, as he was called then, never seemed to have any lunch. So, from that point on, she always brought two lunches, one for herself and one for Harry, which was a very kind gesture. It shows you, doesn't it, how small acts of compassion can truly stay with someone. He, in fact, always sent her tickets to his performances once he became a well-known performer, showing his lasting gratitude for her generosity, which is a rather touching detail.

Interestingly enough, in 1944, a big chance came his way. He received an offer to headline Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway hit, "Oklahoma!" This was, you know, a pretty huge deal for anyone in the performing arts. However, Howard Keel, being the kind of person he was, stuck with his day job at the Douglas Aircraft Corporation instead. He put his own ambition aside to help out with the Allied effort through the end of World War II. It tells you something about his character, doesn't it? He prioritized something bigger than himself, which is something to think about, really. This decision, of course, meant his path to stardom took a slightly different route, but it shows a deep sense of commitment, as a matter of fact.

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The Golden Age of Musicals: A True Star Emerges

Once the war ended, Howard Keel truly stepped into the spotlight, becoming a major player in the golden age of movie musicals during the 1950s. He was, in some respects, seen as the Errol Flynn and Clark Gable of that particular film genre. His big, operatic singing voice combined with his dashing matinee idol looks made him a natural fit for those grand, sweeping productions. He starred in quite a few MGM musicals, which, you know, really defined his early screen career. These were the films where he truly shone, showing off his vocal range and his acting abilities, which, you know, were pretty impressive.

Some of his most memorable roles from this period include the very popular "Show Boat" from 1951, where he really made an impression. Then there was "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," a film that, in a way, just captivated audiences with its energy and catchy tunes. He also graced the screen in "Kiss Me Kate" and "Annie Get Your Gun," where he, apparently, romanced his way through the stories, adding a touch of glamour and excitement. He even appeared in "Man of La Mancha," showing his versatility beyond just the MGM studio. These roles cemented his reputation as a leading man in the musical world, and honestly, his performances in these films are still enjoyed by many people today, which is quite a testament to his talent.

He had this ability to command the screen, whether he was singing a powerful ballad or engaging in a bit of playful banter. His presence was, you know, quite strong, and he had a charm that really came through. Films like "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," which was directed by Stanley Donen, really showcased his abilities alongside other great performers like Jane Powell. He also played a part in a story where a roguish poet gets to wander around a scheming wazir's harem while pretending to help him take over from the young caliph, which sounds like quite a fun and adventurous role. These musicals, you know, were a big part of what made him a household name for an earlier generation, and they are, in fact, still very much appreciated for their entertainment value, even now.

Facing Challenges and a Remarkable Return

Despite his early success in Hollywood, Howard Keel faced some rather tough times later on. He continued to make a good living from singing on stage, which, you know, is quite a feat in itself, but he truly missed the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. It’s understandable, isn't it, to miss that particular kind of excitement once you’ve experienced it. During this period, he developed a problem with drinking, and his second marriage also came to an end, which must have been very difficult for him. These were, in some respects, very personal struggles that he had to go through, showing that even stars face their own share of difficulties, which is something to consider.

But, as it happens, he was rescued by what were, apparently, two lucky breaks. These unexpected turns in his life helped him get back on track and find a new direction. It just goes to show, doesn't it, how things can change when you least expect them to. These moments, whatever they were, clearly gave him the push he needed to move forward. He was, in a way, given a fresh start, which is pretty amazing when you think about it. This period of his life, you know, really highlights his resilience and his ability to bounce back from adversity, which is a rather inspiring part of his story, honestly.

The Dallas Years: A New Generation Discovers Howard Keel

For a lot of people who grew up later, Howard Keel is best known for a completely different role: Clayton Farlow in the CBS television series “Dallas.” He joined the show in 1981 and stayed with it until 1991, playing the part of the oil baron, which was a very significant role. He acted opposite Barbara Bel Geddes’s character, Miss Ellie, and their on-screen relationship became a really central part of the show’s appeal. This role, in a way, introduced him to a whole new group of viewers who might not have been familiar with his earlier musical work. It was, apparently, a rather unexpected comeback that truly cemented his place in television history, which is quite something.

His portrayal of Clayton Farlow was, you know, quite memorable. He brought a certain dignity and strength to the character, making him a beloved figure on the show. The series “Dallas” was, as a matter of fact, a huge hit around the world, and his involvement certainly helped its popularity. It showed that he could transition from the singing and dancing of musicals to the dramatic storytelling of a prime-time soap opera with great success. This period of his career was, you know, very lucrative for him, and it gave him a renewed sense of purpose in the entertainment world. It just goes to show, doesn't it, how talent can find new avenues to shine, even after a bit of a break.

The role of Clayton Farlow allowed him to connect with millions of viewers every week. He became, in some respects, a familiar face in living rooms across the globe. His character was a strong, dependable presence, which, you know, resonated with many people. This was a very different kind of performance than his musical roles, requiring a different kind of acting, but he handled it with ease. He was, honestly, quite good at it. His time on "Dallas" really made him a household name for a modern audience, demonstrating his enduring appeal as a performer, which is pretty cool to think about.

A Lasting Legacy in Entertainment

Howard Keel passed away at the age of 85 on November 7, 2004, in Palm Desert, California. He died of colon cancer, which was a sad end to a very full life. His ashes were scattered in several places he loved, including the Mere Golf Club in England, which is a rather personal touch, isn't it? His life story, you know, is quite a testament to a performer’s ability to adapt and endure. He was the 12th president of the Screen Actors Guild, too, which shows his commitment to his fellow actors and the industry itself. This role, in a way, also highlights his leadership qualities beyond just his acting and singing.

From his humble beginnings in Gillespie, Illinois, to becoming a major movie star and then a beloved television personality, his career truly spanned decades and genres. He was a versatile performer, someone who could sing, act, and charm audiences whether he was in a musical, a Western, or a drama. His powerful voice and striking looks certainly helped him, but it was his genuine talent and ability to connect with people that truly made him special. You can learn more about classic Hollywood on our site, and perhaps discover other performers who, similarly to Howard, made a lasting mark. He left behind a body of work that continues to entertain and inspire, which is a wonderful thing, honestly. His impact on both film and television is, you know, still remembered by many fans and historians alike, and his story is, apparently, one of perseverance and artistic success.

Frequently Asked Questions About Howard Keel

What was Howard Keel best known for?
Howard Keel is best known for his starring roles in MGM movie musicals during the 1950s, like “Show Boat” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” He also gained significant recognition later in his career for playing Clayton Farlow in the popular television series “Dallas” from 1981 to 1991, which, you know, introduced him to a whole new generation of viewers.

When and where was Howard Keel born?
Howard Keel, whose birth name was Harold Clifford Keel, was born on April 13, 1919, in Gillespie, Illinois. His childhood was, in some respects, marked by poverty, but he went on to achieve great success in the entertainment world, which is quite an inspiring story, really.

What kind of voice did Howard Keel have?
Howard Keel possessed a powerful operatic singing voice, which was a key part of his appeal in the movie musicals he starred in. His strong vocals, combined with his matinee idol looks, made him a very popular leading man during the 1950s, which, you know, really helped him stand out.

His story, you know, truly shows how a person can adapt and find success across different entertainment forms. From the grand, singing stages to the dramatic, prime-time television, Howard Keel made his mark. He left a legacy that continues to resonate with fans of classic films and television alike. You can explore more about his amazing career and other iconic figures from that era right here. His journey is, apparently, a great example of dedication and talent.