Actor

Ruby Keeler

1909–1993 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada

In the world of 1930s entertainment, Ruby Keeler emerged as one of the most iconic musical and film stars, celebrated for her singing, dancing, and charismatic presence. While she was primarily known for her Broadway and film work, Keeler’s limited but notable contributions to radio also highlighted her versatility and public appeal.

Early Life and Broadway Stardom

Ruby Marie Keeler was born on August 25, 1909, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, and raised in New York City. From an early age, she trained in tap dancing, singing, and stage performance, eventually making her mark on Broadway in the late 1920s. Her dazzling performances in musicals such as 42nd Street (1929) and Go Into Your Dance (1935) established her as a leading figure in musical theater.

Film and Radio Work

Keeler transitioned from Broadway to Hollywood, starring in a string of Warner Bros. musicals during the 1930s, including 42nd Street (1933) and Gold Diggers of 1933. Her on-screen performances captivated audiences with her combination of dance skill and charm. In addition to her film career, Keeler made limited forays into radio. On June 15, 1936, she appeared on Lux Radio Theater alongside her then-husband, Al Jolson, performing a comedy segment and epilogue for a broadcast adaptation of the Broadway show Burlesque. This special appearance demonstrated her ability to translate her stage persona into a radio format, even if briefly. Over the years, she was also featured in interviews and radio retrospectives, discussing her career and sharing stories from her stage and film work.

Later Career and Legacy

While Keeler eventually retired from regular performing in the 1940s, she remained an enduring symbol of the golden age of musicals. Her contributions to stage, film, and occasional radio appearances highlighted the breadth of her talent and ensured her place in entertainment history. She passed away on February 28, 1993, leaving behind a legacy as one of the era’s most memorable musical performers.

Works and Appearances

Radio

Lux Radio Theater – Guest appearance with Al Jolson in Burlesque (June 15, 1936)
Interviews and retrospectives featuring her career (various years, including NPR feature in 2013)

Stage

42nd Street (1929) – Lead role
Go Into Your Dance (1935) – Lead role
Additional Broadway musicals (1928–1935)

Film

42nd Street (1933) – Lead
Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933) – Lead
Go Into Your Dance (1935) – Lead
Colleen (1936) – Lead

Heard in

Lux Radio Theater

1 episode · Actor