His first two wives were dancers. Actress Betsy Blair met Gene while she was a performer and he a choreographer in the show "Diamond Horseshoe". Second wife Jeanne Coyne was Gene's dancing assistant for many years before they married in 1960. A major talent in her own right, her dazzling footwork can be seen in the "From This Moment On" number alongside partner Bobby Van, Ann Miller, Tommy Rall, Carol Haney and Bob Fosse in Kiss Me Kate (1953) (1953). She died of leukemia in 1973.
His last movie musical was Xanadu (1980) co-starring Olivia Newton-John.
Inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame in 1992.
Is one of the many movie stars mentioned in Madonna's song "Vogue"
Kelly's father was Al Jolson's road manager in the 1920s.
Kennedy Center Honoree, 1982
Martial arts stars Jackie Chan and David Carradine both cite him as an influence.
Member of the jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 1959
Ranked #26 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list. [October 1997]
Was dance consultant for Madonna's 1993 "Girlie Show" tour.
Was named the #15 greatest actor on The 50 Greatest Screen Legends list by the American Film Institute
Was originally set to star as Don Hewes alongside Judy Garland in Easter Parade (1948). However before filming began he broke his leg, resulting in Fred Astaire coming out of retirement in order to replace him in the film.
Working on an autobiography at the time of his death.