Tommy Rall facts for kids

Thomas Edward Rall (born December 27, 1929 – died October 6, 2020) was an American actor and amazing dancer. He was skilled in ballet, tap dance, and acrobatic dance. Tommy Rall was a well-known performer in musical movies during the 1950s. Later, in the 1960s, he became a successful opera singer. He sang with groups like the Opera Company of Boston and the New York City Opera.

Tommy Rall's Early Life and Career

Tommy Rall was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He grew up in Seattle, Washington. As a child, he had trouble reading. Because of this, his mother signed him up for dancing classes.

When he was young, Tommy performed in vaudeville shows in Seattle. These shows featured dance and acrobatic acts. He also tried out for small acting roles.

Moving to Los Angeles and Early Films

In the 1940s, Tommy's family moved to Los Angeles. This is where he started getting small roles in movies. His first film was a short movie from MGM called Vendetta.

He began taking tap dancing lessons. He also joined a group called the Jivin' Jacks and Jills at Universal Studios. This group was known for their jitterbug dancing.

Tommy Rall appeared in several movies with Donald O'Connor and Peggy Ryan. These films often featured the Andrews Sisters. Some of these movies include Give Out, Sisters (1942) and Mister Big (1943). He also appeared in The North Star and Song of Russia (1944).

Dancing on Broadway and in Musicals

Tommy Rall also took ballet lessons. He danced in many classical shows and on Broadway. He performed in popular musicals like Milk and Honey and Call Me Madam.

People greatly admired his dancing. A famous composer, Jerry Herman, praised Tommy's work in Milk and Honey. He said Tommy's dancing was so good that his name was added to the theater's marquee.

Tommy is especially famous for his acrobatic dancing in 1950s musical films. He starred in movies like Kiss Me, Kate (1953) and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954). He also appeared in My Sister Eileen (1955) and Merry Andrew (1958).

Later Career and Opera Singing

As movie musicals became less popular, Tommy Rall's film career slowed down. He had a role in the movie Funny Girl (1968). In this film, he played "The Prince" in a funny version of the ballet Swan Lake.

On Broadway, he was praised for his role as "Johnny" in the 1959 musical Juno. A critic, Ken Mandelbaum, said Tommy's dance in the show was a highlight.

In 1961, Tommy took on a special role in an opera in Boston. It was called Le jongleur de Notre-Dame. This role required him to sing, juggle, and dance!

Other famous dancers, like Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor, highly respected Tommy Rall. Donald O'Connor even called him one of the "greatest dancers living."

Tommy Rall's Personal Life

Tommy Rall was married to his Juno co-star, Monte Amundsen, for a short time. Later, he married Karel Shimoff, who was also a ballerina.

Tommy Rall's Passing

In September 2020, Tommy Rall had heart surgery. He was recovering well. However, in October, he needed more heart surgery. He sadly passed away on October 6, 2020, at the age of 90. He died from heart failure. Tommy was survived by his wife, Karel, and their son, Aaron. Another son, David, had passed away before him.

Tommy Rall's Film Appearances

Here are some of the films Tommy Rall appeared in:

• What's Cookin'? (1942)
• Private Buckaroo (1942)
• Give Out, Sisters (1942)
• Get Hep to Love (1942)
• Mister Big (1943)
• The North Star (1943)
• Song of Russia (1944)
• Kiss Me Kate (1953) as Bill Calhoun
• Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) as Frank
• My Sister Eileen (1955) as Chick
• Invitation to the Dance (1956)
• Merry Andrew (1958) as Giacomo Gallini
• Funny Girl (1968) as Prince in 'Swan Lake' Parody
• Pennies from Heaven (1981) as Ed
• Dancers (1987) as Patrick
• Saturday the 14th Strikes Back (1988) as The Werewolf (his last film)

Tommy Rall's Broadway Shows

Here are some of the Broadway shows where Tommy Rall performed:

• American Concertette (1945)
• Ballet Theatre (1946)
• Look Ma, I'm Dancin'! (1948)
• Miss Liberty (1949)
• Call Me Madam (1950)
• Juno (1959) as Johnny Boyle
• Milk and Honey (1961) as David
• Cry for Us All (1970) as Petey Boyle