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.
From 1944 to 1947, Donald entered the Army,
while there he made over 2000 personal appearances for the Special
Services. Most people were familiar with O'Conner in the "Francis
and the Talking Mule" series. However his real big break
came with the movie "Singin' in the Rain" with Gene
Kelly.
Ballrooms
