PRINTER'S NO. 3139
No. 287 Session of 1996
INTRODUCED BY PETRONE, GAMBLE, KAISER, DERMODY, PETTIT,
READSHAW, TRICH, FAJT AND PISTELLA, FEBRUARY 16, 1996
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
FEBRUARY 16, 1996
A RESOLUTION
1 Honoring the unique talents and notable legacy of a native son,
2 Gene Kelly, who passed away February 2, 1996, at the age of
3 83.
4 WHEREAS, Gene Kelly displayed singular grace, agility and
5 athleticism as a dancer and choreographer, infusing his work
6 with a vigorous presence and elements of ballet, tap, modern
7 dance and acrobatics. A versatile actor, director and producer,
8 he is credited with revolutionizing the movie musical and was
9 honored in 1985 as a recipient of the American Film Institute's
10 Lifetime Achievement Award; and
11 WHEREAS, Born in East Liberty, Pennsylvania, in 1912, Mr.
12 Kelly graduated from Peabody High School and the University of
13 Pittsburgh. He directed the Gene Kelly Studio of Dance in
14 Pittsburgh and Johnstown and starred in "Pal Joey" on Broadway
15 before garnering a studio contract in Hollywood. In 1942 he made
16 his film debut in "For Me and My Gal"; and
17 WHEREAS, Mr. Kelly introduced a live-action dance with a
18 cartoon character, Jerry the Mouse, in "Anchors Aweigh" in 1944.
1 "An American in Paris," created in 1951, won eight Oscars,
2 including best picture. Mr. Kelly earned special recognition for
3 his creative work in that film, and he will long be remembered
4 for his contributions to the exuberant 1952 film, "Singin' in
5 the Rain"; and
6 WHEREAS, In 1981, the Civic Light Opera in Pittsburgh named
7 Mr. Kelly as honorary chairman, and ten years later the opera
8 established the Gene Kelly Awards to honor excellence in high
9 school musicals. South Whitfield Street in East Liberty was
10 named Gene Kelly Square in 1987; therefore be it
11 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives note with sadness
12 the passing of Gene Kelly, distinguished native son and gifted
13 performer; extend heartfelt condolences to his wife, Patricia,
14 his three children, his two sisters and his brother; and express
15 sincere appreciation for his enduring contributions to American
16 dance and cinema; and be it further
17 RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to
18 the Family of Gene Kelly.
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