Eleanor Powell

Eleanor Powell

Deceased · Born: Nov 21, 1912 · Died: Feb 11, 1982

Personal Details

BornNov 21, 1912 Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
Parents
  • Clarence Gardner Powell
  • Blanche Helen Torrey

Biography

Eleanor Powell, a talented dancer and performer, was born in 1912 in Springfield, Massachusetts, and began her professional career in Atlantic City clubs, before moving to New York's Ritz Grill and Casino de Paris at the tender age of sixteen.

She made her Broadway debut in 1929, where her impressive machine-gun footwork earned her the title of world champion in tapping. Powell's remarkable talent and charisma quickly made her a household name.

In 1935, she made the transition to Hollywood, starring in the iconic MGM musicals of the late 1930s, solidifying her reputation as the "Queen of Ra-Ta-Taps." Despite being primarily a solo performer, Powell also had the opportunity to dance alongside legendary talents such as Fred Astaire and George Murphy.

After her marriages, Powell's screen appearances became less frequent, with the exception of a brief number in the 1950 film, "The Duchess of Idaho." However, following her divorce, she launched a successful night-club career, showcasing her remarkable talent to a new generation of fans.

Career

1994
That's Entertainment! III
That's Entertainment! III as (archive footage)
1976
1974
That's Entertainment!
That's Entertainment! as (archive footage)
1950
Duchess of Idaho
Duchess of Idaho as Eleanor Powell
1945
The Great Morgan
The Great Morgan as Film Character (archive footage)
1944
Sensations of 1945
Sensations of 1945 as Virginia 'Ginny' Walker
1943
I Dood It
I Dood It as Miss Constance 'Connie' Shaw
Thousands Cheer
Thousands Cheer as Eleanor Powell
1942
Ship Ahoy
Ship Ahoy as Tallulah Winters
1941
Lady Be Good
Lady Be Good as Marilyn Marsh
1940
1939
Honolulu
Honolulu as Miss Dorothy 'Dot' March
1937
Rosalie
Rosalie as Princess Rosalie Romanikov
1936
Born to Dance
Born to Dance as Nora Paige
1935
1930
Queen High
Queen High as Party Guest / Dancer (uncredited)