Ruby Keeler
Ruby Keeler has spent 65 years building what became a distinguished career as a Musician in Canadian.
American actress, dancer, and singer (1910-1993)
"Her starring role as Peggy Sawyer in the 1933 musical "42nd Street" catapulted her to stardom." — About Ruby Keeler
| Metric | Ruby Keeler | Avg Musician | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 83 | 57 | +26 yrs |
| Career length | 65 yrs | ~35 yrs | +30 yrs |
| Based on 830 Musician profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about Ruby Keeler
Did you know that Ruby Keeler, despite being one of Hollywood's most celebrated tap dancers, only had her first formal dance lesson at age 13?
- Ruby Keeler moved to New York City at age three, beginning dance lessons shortly after arriving from Nova Scotia, Canada.
- She made her Broadway debut at 13 in the chorus line of George M. Cohan's 1923 musical, "The Rise of Rosie O'Reilly."
- Despite her fame as a dancer and singer, Keeler famously admitted she couldn't sing well, often relying on voice doubles.
- Her tumultuous marriage to fellow superstar Al Jolson was highly publicized, lasting from 1928 until their divorce in 1940.
- She had a noticeable stutter in her private life, which miraculously disappeared when she was performing on stage or film.
Her starring role as Peggy Sawyer in the 1933 musical "42nd Street" catapulted her to stardom. This iconic film, with Busby Berkeley's groundbreaking choreography, not only made Keeler a household name but also helped save the movie musical genre during the Great Depression, solidifying her image as the quintessential plucky chorus girl.
Ruby Keeler's legacy is defined by her energetic tap dancing and her embodiment of the optimistic, rags-to-riches spirit of early Hollywood musicals. She remains an enduring symbol of the golden age of movie musicals and Busby Berkeley's elaborate productions.