Ray McDonald (dancer)


Ray McDonald was a tap dancer who started his career as a vaudeville act with his older sister Grace McDonald, before being cast in a hit Broadway show, and then in films. He had a starring role in the films Down in San Diego and Born to Sing, some leading roles in other films, as well as lesser roles including in uncredited dance sequences.
McDonald's Broadway credits include Park Avenue, Winged Victory, Crazy With the Heat, and Babes in Arms.

Personal life

McDonald was born in New York City. His sister Grace was two years older. She was contracted to Universal while he signed with MGM.
He married actress Elisabeth Fraser from 1944 until 1952 and then actress Peggy Ryan from 1953 until 1957. In 1949, he appeared with her in There's a Girl in My Heart and co-starred with her in the musical Shamrock Hill. On December 4, 1956, they guest starred on the Mickey Mouse Club.
He died 1959 at age 37 in New York City after choking on food in his hotel room.

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
1941Life Begins for Andy HardyJimmy Frobisher
1941Down in San DiegoHank Parker
1941Babes on BroadwayRay Lambert
1942Born to SingSteve
1943Presenting Lily MarsCharlie Potter
1944Winged VictoryFlyer - Dance SpecialtyUncredited
1946Till the Clouds Roll ByDance Specialty
1947Good NewsBobby Turner
1948Till the Clouds Roll BySecondUncredited
1949Shamrock HillLarry Hadden
1949Flame of YouthBill Crawford
1949There's a Girl in My HeartDanny Kroner
1951Inside StraightMinor RoleUncredited
1953All AshoreSkip Edwards