Eleanor Powell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eleanor Powell
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1930s publicity photo
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Eleanor Torrey Powell
November 21, 1912 |
| Died | February 11, 1982 (aged 69) |
| Resting place | Hollywood Forever Cemetery |
| Occupation | Dancer, actress |
| Years active | 1928–1953 |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | Peter Ford |
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Eleanor Torrey Powell (born November 21, 1912 – died February 11, 1982) was a famous American dancer and actress. She is best known for her amazing tap dance routines in movies during the 1930s and 1940s. Eleanor started learning ballet when she was just six years old. By the time she was a teenager, she was already dancing in nightclubs.
At sixteen, she began studying tap dance. Soon, she was performing in big musical shows on Broadway. Her first Hollywood movie was George White's Scandals (1935). She quickly became one of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's top dancing stars. She appeared in many musical films made just for her talents. These included Born to Dance (1936) and Broadway Melody of 1938 (1937). In 1965, she was even called the "World's Greatest Tap Dancer."
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Early Life and Broadway Success
Eleanor Powell was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. Her parents were Clarence Gardner Powell and Blanche Torrey. She loved dancing from a very young age. When she was 11, a talent scout named Gus Edwards discovered her.
At 17, she brought her graceful and athletic dance style to Broadway. She starred in many popular shows. These included Follow Thru (1929) and Fine and Dandy (1930). People called her "the world's greatest female tap dancer." This was because of her incredibly fast footwork.
Journey to Hollywood
In 1935, Eleanor Powell moved to Hollywood. Her first big film was George White's 1935 Scandals. She later said this movie was a disaster for her. She was accidentally made up to look like an Egyptian.
This experience made her not like Hollywood much. When Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) offered her a contract, she said no at first. She even asked for a very high salary. She hoped this would make them give up. But MGM agreed to her demands, and she finally accepted. The studio then helped her become a big star.
Becoming a Film Star
Eleanor was very popular in her first starring role. This was in the 1935 film Broadway Melody of 1936. Audiences loved her endless energy and amazing dancing. Some say her films, especially Broadway Melody of 1936, helped MGM avoid bankruptcy.
Powell starred with many top actors of her time. These included James Stewart, Robert Taylor, and Fred Astaire. Her films from this period include Born to Dance (1936) and Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940). All these movies showed off her incredible solo tap dancing.
In Broadway Melody of 1940, she danced with Fred Astaire. They performed to "Begin the Beguine" by Cole Porter. Many people think this is one of the best tap dance scenes ever. Fred Astaire himself said she "put 'em down like a man." He meant she was a powerful and unique tap dancer.
Later Career and TV Appearances
After Broadway Melody of 1940, Eleanor had some health issues. Her movie career slowed down a bit. In Ship Ahoy (1942), she even tapped out a Morse code message during a dance!
She left MGM in 1943 and married actor Glenn Ford. She then decided to focus on raising her son, Peter Ford. She appeared in a few short films about celebrities. In 1950, she returned to MGM for one last film, Duchess of Idaho. She had a special dance number in it.
After this, Eleanor returned to private life. In 1952, she became a minister of the Unity Church. She also hosted a TV show for kids called The Faith of Our Children. Her son, Peter, was often on this show.
Eleanor divorced Glenn Ford in 1959. She then started performing in nightclubs. Her amazing dance skills stayed with her even as she got older. She also made guest appearances on TV shows like The Ed Sullivan Show. Her last public appearance was in 1981. She received a standing ovation at a tribute to Fred Astaire.
Death
Eleanor Powell passed away on February 11, 1982. She was 69 years old. She is buried in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Hollywood.
Rediscovering Eleanor Powell
Many people rediscovered Eleanor Powell through the popular That's Entertainment! documentaries. These films, released in 1974, 1976, and 1994, showed clips of her amazing dancing. She was one of the few performers to have special segments in all four films.
Her movies are still shown on TV today. Many of her films have also been released on DVD. This allows new generations to enjoy her incredible talent.
Filmography
Features
- Queen High (1930)
- George White's 1935 Scandals (1935)
- Broadway Melody of 1936 (1935)
- Born to Dance (1936)
- Broadway Melody of 1938 (1937)
- Rosalie (1937)
- Honolulu (1939)
- Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940)
- Lady Be Good (1941)
- Ship Ahoy (1942)
- Thousands Cheer (1943)
- I Dood It (1943)
- Sensations of 1945 (1944)
- Duchess of Idaho (1950)
Short films
- Screen Snapshots Series 15, No. 12 (1936)
- Screen Snapshots: Famous Hollywood Mothers (1947)
- Screen Snapshots: Hollywood Holiday (1948)
- Have Faith in Our Children (1955)
See also
In Spanish: Eleanor Powell para niños
