Howard Keel Biography

(Actor and Singer Known for His Rich Bass-Baritone Singing Voice and His Role in TV Series ‘Dallas’)

Birthday: April 13, 1919 (Aries)

Born In: Gillespie, Illinois, United States

Advanced SearchHoward Keel was an American singer and actor who starred in several MGM musicals and the TV drama series ‘Dallas’. Known for his rich bass-baritone voice, he was inspired to sing professionally while attending a concert and wasted no time in pursuing his passion. He began performing at events and participated in music contests before debuting in Broadway musicals. Born to a drunkard father and a conservative homemaker mother, Keel had a difficult early life and spent his childhood in extreme poverty. Following his father’s death, he and his family moved to California from Illinois where he graduated from Fallbrook High School and later worked as a car mechanic. He held a job at Douglas Aircraft in Los Angeles before debuting as a performer. He first established himself as a star on the Broadway and eventually ventured into films as well. He had a long and successful career that spanned almost six decades. He died at his home in Palm Desert in 2004 after a bout with colon cancer. Quick Facts

Also Known As: Harry Clifford Keel

Died At Age: 85

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Helen Anderson (m. 1949–1970), Judy Keel (m. 1970–2004), Rosemary Cooper (m. 1943–1948)

father: Homer Keel

mother: Grace Osterkamp Keel

Actors American Men

Height: 6'4" (193 cm), 6'4" Males

Died on: November 7, 2004

place of death: Palm Desert, California, United States

Cause of Death: Colon Cancer

Notable Alumni: Fallbrook High School

: Colon Cancer

U.S. State: Illinois

More Facts

education: Fallbrook High School

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American CelebritiesIllinois ActorsTall CelebritiesTall Male CelebritiesAries Actors Childhood & Early LifeHoward Keel was born on April 13, 1919 in Gillespie, Illinois, USA, to Homer Keel and Grace Margaret. He had an elder brother, Frederick. His father was an alcoholic and the family struggled in poverty.After his father's death in 1930, he moved to California where he attended Fallbrook High School. He worked various odd jobs until getting a more stable one at the Douglas Aircraft Company.Continue Reading BelowRecommended Lists:American ActorsAmerican Film & Theater PersonalitiesAries MenCareerHoward Keel gave his first public performance in 1941 as Samuel the Prophet in the oratorio ‘Saul.’ He was next assigned a role in the musical ‘Oklahoma!’ which soon became the first American post-war musical to travel to England.He made his film debut in the 1948 thriller ‘The Small Voice’ (alt. title: ‘The Hideout’). Two years later, the actor had his first musical film role as Frank Butler in ‘Annie Get Your Gun’.He starred alongside Esther Williams in MGM’s hit ‘Pagan Love Song’ in 1950. This was followed by more popular hits like ‘Ride, Vaquero,’ in which he played one of the leads.In the 1950s, Keel also featured in ‘Calamity Jane’ and ‘Kiss Me Kate’, the latter of which was unprofitable at the box office.He returned to the stage in 1957 with the revival of ‘Carousel.’ His next film role was as Donovan in the thriller ‘Floods of Fear’ which released in 1959.The actor played Simon-Peter in a Biblical epic titled ‘The Big Fisherman’ in 1960. In the ensuing years, he appeared in the movies ‘Armored Command’ and ‘The Day of the Triffids’ and also starred in the Broadway production of ‘No Strings.’Keel starred in the Westerns ‘Waco,’ ‘Red Tomahawk,’ and ‘Arizona Bushwhackers’ in the 1960s.He commenced his solo recording career at the age of 64. In 1984, his album titled ‘And I Love You So’ peaked at #6 on the UK Albums Chart. This was followed by another successful album titled ‘Reminiscing – The Howard Keel Collection’ which peaked at #20 in the UK chart.In 1988, his album ‘Just for You’ charted at #51 in the UK Albums Chart. During the 1990s and the early 2000s, Keel had roles in the plays ‘South Pacific,’ ‘My Fair Lady’ and ‘White Christmas.’ Major WorksIn 1951, Howard Keel played the male lead in the musical romantic drama film ‘Show Boat’. Based on Edna Ferber’s 1926 novel and the stage musical of the same name, the film was one of MGM's most famous musicals and the third-most commercially profitable film of that year.In 1954, the actor starred in another MGM’s production, ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,’ which earned the Academy Award for the Best Scoring of a Musical Picture. In 2006, it was named one of the best Hollywood musical movies ever made by the American Film Institute.Family & Personal LifeIn 1943, Howard Keel married actress Rosemary Cooper. The couple separated in 1948.From 1949 to 1970, he was married to Helen Anderson. The two had three kids: Katija Liane, Kirstine Elizabeth and Gunnar Louis.Following his divorce from Anderson, the actor married flight attendant Judy Magamoll. They had a daughter named Leslie Grace.Keel had ten grandchildren, including actor Bodie Olmos.On November 7, 2004, he died at his home after suffering from colon cancer. He was 85 years old.