Stage Name |
Birth Name |
| Donald
O'Connor |
Donald
David Dixon Ronald |
-
Donald was born into a theatrical family. Donald's father Chuck
was a professional boxer and circus performer. Donald was put
on Stage at 13 months old, doing things like hand stands with
his family's act.
--
When Donald's father passed away his mother kept the act going,
developing their act into a successful Vaudeville routine. Donald's
mother taught him such dances as Buck, Tap, Black Bottom and was
doing routines and by four years old his comedic dancing would
became a big part of the routine.
-
When
he was sixteen years of age he was part of a swing dance troupe
called the Jivin
Jack's and Jill's with partner Peggy Ryan who he would partner
in many of his earlier Films. Later he got his formal dance training
from Johnny Boyle and Louis DaPron. He entered the movies with
then famous Bing Crosby in "Sing You Sinners" in 1938
when a studio executive saw his act. Later Louis DaPron was a
major influence in his dance ability.
|
