Gene Kelly

promotional photo of Gene Kelly c. 1943, MGM, from tumblr

Birth Name: Eugene Curran Kelly

Date of Birth: August 23, 1912

Place of Birth: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Date of Death: February 2, 1996

Place of Death: Beverly Hills, California, U.S.

Ethnicity:
*75% Irish
*25% German

Gene Kelly was an American dancer, actor, singer, director, producer, and choreographer. He starred in the films An American in Paris and Singin’ in the Rain, among many others.

His father, James Patrick Joseph Kelly, was of Irish descent. His mother, Harriet Catherine (Curran), was of half Irish and half German ancestry. Gene was given Irish citizenship later in life.

Gene was married to Patricia Ward, until his death. He had a daughter with his first wife, actress Betsy Blair, and two children with his second wife, choreographic assistant Jeanne Coyne.

Gene’s paternal grandfather was John/James Kelly (the son of John Kelly and Catherine Heary/Harvey). Gene’s grandfather was born in Ontario, Canada, to Irish parents. Catherine was the daughter of Garrett Dalton and Rose McIntire.

Gene’s paternal grandmother was Catherine/Mary Barry (the daughter of Patrick Barry and Ellen Connelly). Gene’s grandmother was born in Ontario, to Irish parents, from Cork. Ellen was the daughter of Denis Connelly.

Gene’s maternal grandfather was named William “Billy” Curran. Billy was born in Londonderry, Ireland.

Gene’s maternal grandmother was named Mary Elizabeth Eckhart. Mary Elizabeth was of German descent.

Sources: Genealogies of Gene Kelly – http://www.wikitree.com
http://www.geni.com