Peggy Ryan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peggy Ryan
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Holt in Private Buckaroo (1942)
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| Born |
Margaret O'Rene Ryan
August 28, 1924 Long Beach, California, U.S.
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| Died | October 30, 2004 (aged 80) Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
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| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1930–1983 |
| Spouse(s) |
James Cross
(m. 1947; div. 1952)Ray McDonald
(m. 1953; div. 1957)Eddie Sherman
(m. 1958) |
Margaret O'Rene Ryan (born August 28, 1924 – died October 30, 2004) was an American dancer and actress. She was famous for her roles in movie musicals made by Universal Pictures. She often starred alongside Donald O'Connor and Gloria Jean.
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Early Life and Career
Peggy Ryan started performing at a very young age. She joined her parents' vaudeville act, "The Merry Dancing Ryans," before she was three years old. Vaudeville was a popular type of entertainment with different acts like singing, dancing, and comedy.
She appeared in her first film, Wedding of Jack and Jill, when she was just four years old in 1929. Peggy went to the Hollywood Professional School, which helped young performers learn and study at the same time.
Rising to Fame
Peggy's talents in singing, acting, and dancing were noticed by actor George Murphy. He helped her get a role in the 1937 movie Top of the Town.
By 1942, Peggy had a special solo dance number in the movie What's Cookin'?. This film brought together Peggy Ryan, Gloria Jean, and Donald O'Connor. They became a very popular team with moviegoers. The three teenagers made five movies together. In these films, Peggy often played a lively, funny, and confident character.
In 1944, Peggy began to appear in bigger movies. She supported famous actors like Jack Oakie and the comedy duo Abbott and Costello.
Life After Universal Studios
Peggy left Universal Studios in 1945. She continued to act and dance. She later married dancer Ray McDonald in 1953. They performed together in a nightclub act.
After her third marriage in 1958 to Hawaii columnist Eddie Sherman, Peggy stopped making movies. She started working as a choreographer, which means she created dance routines for others. Eddie Sherman adopted her two children.
Television Work
Peggy also appeared on television. She had a regular role as a secretary named Jenny Sherman in the TV show Hawaii Five-O. She was on the show from 1969 to 1976.
In her later years, Peggy taught tap dancing to showgirls in Las Vegas. Her last public performance was at her 80th birthday party. She performed a fun song-and-dance routine for her old friends from Universal Studios. She kept teaching tap dancing until just two days before she passed away.
Death
Peggy Ryan died at the age of 80. Her ashes were scattered under the famous Hollywood sign in Hollywood, California.
Selected Film and Television Roles
Peggy Ryan appeared in many films and television shows during her career. Here are some of her notable works:
- Top of the Town (1937)
- What's Cookin'? (1942)
- Private Buckaroo (1942)
- Mister Big (1943)
- Follow the Boys (1944)
- Hawaii Five-O (TV series, 1968–1976)
See also
In Spanish: Peggy Ryan para niños
- List of dancers
