Introduction
Howard Keel was an American actor and singer who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. He appeared in numerous films, stage productions, and television shows throughout his career. Keel was known for his deep, rich voice and his towering height, which made him a commanding presence on screen. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Howard Keel’s life, height, movies, death, affairs, children, and his relationship with Kathryn Grayson, both on and off screen.
Early Life and Career
Howard Keel was born Harry Clifford Keel on April 13, 1919, in Gillespie, Illinois. He grew up in poverty and worked various odd jobs before joining the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, Keel moved to California and began working in the film industry as a contract player for MGM. He made his film debut in 1948 in the musical comedy “Easter Parade,” starring Judy Garland and Fred Astaire.
Keel’s breakthrough role came in 1951 when he was cast as Frank Butler in the film adaptation of the musical “Annie Get Your Gun,” opposite Betty Hutton. He went on to star in a string of successful musicals, including “Show Boat” (1951), “Kiss Me Kate” (1953), and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” (1954). Keel’s deep, resonant voice and imposing stature made him a natural fit for these larger-than-life roles, and he quickly became one of the most popular leading men in Hollywood.
Height and Physical Appearance
Howard Keel was known for his towering height, standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall. His imposing stature made him a commanding presence on screen, and he often played characters who were larger-than-life. Keel was also known for his rugged good looks and his deep, rich voice, which made him a popular choice for musical roles.
Movies and TV Shows
Howard Keel appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career. Some of his most notable film roles include “Annie Get Your Gun” (1950), “Show Boat” (1951), “Kiss Me Kate” (1953), “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” (1954), and “Calamity Jane” (1953). Keel also made appearances on several popular TV shows, including “Dallas” and “The Love Boat.”
Death and Legacy
Howard Keel passed away on November 7, 2004, at the age of 85. He left behind a legacy as one of the most beloved actors of his time, known for his powerful voice, towering height, and charismatic presence on screen. Keel’s films and musicals continue to be popular with audiences today, and his contributions to the entertainment industry will not be forgotten.
Affairs, Children, and Kathryn Grayson Connection
Howard Keel was married three times and had six children. He was known to have had several affairs throughout his life, including a well-publicized relationship with his “Show Boat” co-star, Kathryn Grayson. The two were said to have had a tumultuous relationship both on and off screen, with rumors of infidelity and jealousy plaguing their time together. Despite their rocky relationship, Keel and Grayson remained close friends until her death in 2010.
In conclusion, Howard Keel was a talented actor and singer who left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. His towering height, powerful voice, and commanding presence on screen made him a beloved figure among audiences, and his films and musicals continue to be enjoyed by fans today. While his personal life may have been marked by drama and controversy, Keel’s contributions to the world of entertainment will not be forgotten.
