Daniel James Dailey Jr. (December 14, 1915 – October 16, 1978) was an American actor and dancer. He is best remembered for a series of popular musicals he made at

20th Century Fox 20th Century Studios, Inc., formerly 20th Century Fox, is an American film studio, film production and Film distributor, distribution company owned by the Walt Disney Studios (division), Walt Disney Studios, the film studios division of the ...

such as '' Mother Wore Tights'' (1947).

Biography

Early life

Dailey was born on December 14, 1915, in New York City, to Daniel James Dailey Sr. and Helen Theresa (née Ryan) Dailey. His younger sister was actress

Irene Dailey Irene Dailey (September 12, 1920 – September 24, 2008) was an American stage, film, and television actress. Early years Dailey was born on September 12, 1920, in New York City, the daughter of Helen Theresa (née Ryan) and Daniel James Dailey. ...

Theatre

He appeared in a

minstrel show The minstrel show, also called minstrelsy, was an American form of theater developed in the early 19th century. The shows were performed by mostly white actors wearing blackface makeup for the purpose of portraying racial stereotypes of Afr ...

in 1921 and later appeared in

vaudeville Vaudeville (; ) is a theatrical genre of variety entertainment which began in France in the middle of the 19th century. A ''vaudeville'' was originally a comedy without psychological or moral intentions, based on a comical situation: a drama ...

. He worked as a golf caddy and shoe salesman before he got his first good break, playing in a show on a South American cruise ship in 1934. He made his Broadway debut in 1937 in '' Babes in Arms''. He followed it with ''Stars in Your Eyes'' and '' I Married an Angel''.

MGM

In 1940, he was signed by

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (also known as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, commonly shortened to MGM or MGM Studios) is an American Film production, film and television production and film distribution, distribution company headquartered ...

to make films and, although his past career had been in musicals, he was initially cast in the drama '' Susan and God'' (1940). He also played a Nazi in '' The Mortal Storm'' (1940). Dailey was the juvenile lead in '' The Captain Is a Lady'' (1940) and '' Dulcy'' (1940). He appeared in a musical comedy in '' Hullabaloo'' (1940), then had a small role in the drama '' Keeping Company'' (1941) and was the juvenile in '' The Wild Man of Borneo'' (1941). He could be seen in '' Washington Melodrama'' (1941) and '' Ziegfeld Girl'' (1941), and played a gangster in '' The Get-Away'' (1941). Dailey was third billed in a "B", '' Down in San Diego'' (1941) and had a small part in an "A" musical, '' Lady Be Good'' (1941). Dailey was loaned out to

for ''

Moon Over Her Shoulder ''Moon Over Her Shoulder'' is a 1941 American comedy film directed by Alfred L. Werker and starring Lynn Bari, John Sutton (actor), John Sutton and Alan Mowbray.Fetrow p.320 It was produced and distributed by Twentieth Century Fox. Plot Cast ...

'' (1941), then appeared opposite Donna Reed in '' Mokey'' (1942). He was third-billed in '' Sunday Punch'' (1942). Universal borrowed him to support Leo Carrillo in ''

Timber Lumber is wood that has been processed into uniform and useful sizes (dimensional lumber), including beams and planks or boards. Lumber is mainly used for construction framing, as well as finishing (floors, wall panels, window frames). ...

'' (1942). He stayed at that studio for '' Give Out, Sisters'' (1942), a musical with

The Andrews Sisters The Andrews Sisters were an American close harmony singing group of the swing and boogie-woogie eras. The group consisted of three sisters: contralto LaVerne Sophia Andrews (1911–1967), soprano Maxene Anglyn Andrews (1916–1995), and mezzo ...

and

Donald O'Connor Donald David Dixon Ronald O'Connor (August 28, 1925 – September 27, 2003) was an American dancer, singer and actor. He came to fame in a series of films in which he co-starred, in succession, with Gloria Jean, Peggy Ryan, and Francis the Talki ...

. Dailey's last film for MGM was '' Panama Hattie'' (1942). It was a hit and Dailey's career looked like it was going to the next level when cast in '' For Me and My Gal''. However, Dailey was drafted and

Gene Kelly Eugene Curran Kelly (August 23, 1912 – February 2, 1996) was an American dancer, actor, singer, director and choreographer. He was known for his energetic and athletic dancing style and sought to create a new form of American dance accessibl ...

ended up taking the role.

20th Century Fox

When Dailey returned to Hollywood, MGM did not renew his contract, which led him to sign a contract with

. Their association began brilliantly with '' Mother Wore Tights'' (1947) in which Dailey supported the studio's biggest star,

Betty Grable Elizabeth Ruth Grable (December 18, 1916 – July 2, 1973) was an American actress, pin-up girl, dancer, model, and singer. Her 42 films during the 1930s and 1940s grossed more than $100 million, and for 10 consecutive years (1942–1951) she p ...

. His part was built up during filming and the movie was Fox's most popular movie of 1947, making $5 million. Fox promptly cast Dailey opposite their other big female star,

Jeanne Crain Jeanne Elizabeth Crain (May 25, 1925 – December 14, 2003) was an American actress. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her title role in ''Pinky (film), Pinky'' (1949). She also starred in the films ''In the Meantime, Da ...

, in '' You Were Meant for Me'' (1948). It was directed by

Lloyd Bacon Lloyd Francis Bacon (December 4, 1889 – November 15, 1955) was an American screen, stage, and vaudeville actor and film director. As a director, he made films in numerous genres, including westerns, musicals, comedies, gangster films, and c ...

who also directed him in '' Give My Regards to Broadway'' (1948). Dailey was reunited with Grable in '' When My Baby Smiles at Me'' (1948). It was Fox's biggest hit of the year and garnered Dailey an

Academy Award The Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, are awards for artistic and technical merit in film. They are presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in the United States in recognition of excellence ...

nomination for Best Actor at the

21st Academy Awards The 21st Academy Awards were held on March 24, 1949, honoring the films of 1948. The ceremony was moved from the Shrine Auditorium to the Academy's own theater, primarily because the major Hollywood studios had withdrawn their financial support ...

. Fox tried Dailey in a comedy, '' Chicken Every Sunday'' (1949) with

Celeste Holm Celeste Holm (April 29, 1917 – July 15, 2012) was an American actress. Holm won an Academy Award for her performance in Elia Kazan's '' Gentleman's Agreement'' (1947), and was nominated for her roles in '' Come to the Stable'' (1949) and ''A ...

, then he teamed with

Anne Baxter Anne Baxter (May 7, 1923 – December 12, 1985) was an American actress, star of Hollywood films, Broadway theatre, Broadway productions, and television series. She won an Academy Awards, Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, Golden Globe, and t ...

in the popular musical '' You're My Everything'' (1949). In 1949, he showcased his singing abilities by recording four songs for Decca Records with the popular

Andrews Sisters The Andrews Sisters were an American close harmony singing group of the swing and boogie-woogie eras. The group consisted of three sisters: contralto LaVerne Sophia Andrews (1911–1967), soprano Maxene Anglyn Andrews (1916–1995), and mezz ...

. Two of the songs were Irish novelties ("Clancy Lowered the Boom!" and "I Had a Hat (When I Came In)"). The other songs, " Take Me Out to the Ball Game" and "

In the Good Old Summer Time "In the Good Old Summer Time" is an American Tin Pan Alley song first published in 1902 with music by George "Honey Boy" Evans, George Evans and lyrics by Ren Shields. The song is in the public domain. Background Shields and Evans were at first ...

", capitalized on the success of two MGM blockbuster films of the same names, starring

Esther Williams Esther Jane Williams (August 8, 1921 – June 6, 2013) was an American competitive swimmer and actress. She set regional and national records in her late teens on the Los Angeles Athletic Club swim team. Unable to compete in the 1940 Summer Ol ...

, and

Frank Sinatra Francis Albert Sinatra (; December 12, 1915 – May 14, 1998) was an American singer and actor. Honorific nicknames in popular music, Nicknamed the "Chairman of the Board" and "Ol' Blue Eyes", he is regarded as one of the Time 100: The Most I ...

( ''Take Me Out to the Ball Game''); and

Judy Garland Judy Garland (born Frances Ethel Gumm; June 10, 1922June 22, 1969) was an American actress and singer. Possessing a strong contralto voice, she was celebrated for her emotional depth and versatility across film, stage, and concert performance. ...

and Van Johnson (''

In the Good Old Summertime IN, In or in may refer to: Dans * India (country code IN) * Indiana, United States (postal code IN) * Ingolstadt, Germany (license plate code IN) * In, Russia, a town in the Jewish Autonomous Oblast Businesses and organizations * Independen ...

''). Dailey and The Andrews Sisters were an excellent match, and their vocal stylings were full of gaiety and fun. Dailey starred in a film for

John Ford John Martin Feeney (February 1, 1894 – August 31, 1973), better known as John Ford, was an American film director and producer. He is regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers during the Golden Age of Hollywood, and w ...

, '' When Willie Comes Marching Home'' (1950) which was a mild success at the box office. He received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy in 1951. A third teaming with Grable was in '' My Blue Heaven'' (1950). He made a cameo in '' I'll Get By'' (1950). Dailey was reunited with Anne Baxter in '' A Ticket to Tomahawk'' (1950), often noted as one of the first screen appearances of

Marilyn Monroe Marilyn Monroe ( ; born Norma Jeane Mortenson; June 1, 1926 August 4, 1962) was an American actress and model. Known for playing comic "Blonde stereotype#Blonde bombshell, blonde bombshell" characters, she became one of the most popular sex ...

, who played a dance hall girl. He made a fourth (and final) film with Grable, '' Call Me Mister'' (1951). Fox tried Dailey in a romantic drama, '' I Can Get It for You Wholesale'' (1951), playing opposite

Susan Hayward Susan Hayward (born Edythe Marrener; June 30, 1917 – March 14, 1975) was an American actress best known for her film portrayals of women that were based on true stories. After working as a fashion model for the Walter Clarence Thornton, Walt ...

. Then he was in a biopic, '' The Pride of St. Louis'' (1951), as the baseball player Dizzy Dean. Dailey made a second film with Ford, a remake of ''

What Price Glory What Price Glory? may refer to: * ''What Price Glory?'' (1926 film), directed by Raoul Walsh * ''What Price Glory'' (1952 film), directed by John Ford * ''What Price Glory?'' (play), a 1924 play by Maxwell Anderson and Laurence Stallings; basis for ...

'' (1952), where he teamed with

James Cagney James Francis Cagney Jr. (; July 17, 1899March 30, 1986) was an American actor and dancer. On stage and in film, he was known for his consistently energetic performances, distinctive vocal style, and deadpan comic timing. He won acclaim and maj ...

. Universal borrowed him for a musical, '' Meet Me at the Fair'' (1953). Fox put him in a drama, ''

Taxi A taxi, also known as a taxicab or simply a cab, is a type of vehicle for hire with a Driving, driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers, often for a non-shared ride. A taxicab conveys passengers between locations of thei ...

'' (1953), then a musical with

June Haver June Haver (born Beverly June Stovenour; June 10, 1926 – July 4, 2005) was an American film actress, singer and dancer. Once groomed by 20th Century Fox to be "the next Betty Grable," Haver appeared in a string of Musical film, musicals, but sh ...

, '' The Girl Next Door'' (1953). He did another baseball-themed film, '' The Kid from Left Field'' (1953). In 1954, Dailey signed a new seven-year contract with Fox. Dailey was scheduled to appear in the

musical extravaganza '' There's No Business Like Show Business'' (1954), which featured

Irving Berlin Irving Berlin (born Israel Isidore Beilin; May 11, 1888 – September 22, 1989) was a Russian-born American composer and songwriter. His music forms a large part of the Great American Songbook. Berlin received numerous honors including an Acade ...

's music and also starred Monroe,

Ethel Merman Ethel Merman (born Ethel Agnes Zimmermann; January 16, 1908 – February 15, 1984) was an American singer and actress. Known for her distinctive, powerful voice, and her leading roles in musical theatre, musical theater,Obituary ''Variety Obitua ...

Mitzi Gaynor Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber (September 4, 1931 – October 17, 2024), known professionally as Mitzi Gaynor, was an American actress, singer, and dancer. Her notable films included ''We're Not Married!'' (1952), ''There's No Business ...

Johnnie Ray John Alvin Ray (January 10, 1927 – February 24, 1990) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Highly popular for most of the 1950s, Ray has been cited by critics as a major precursor to what became rock and roll, for his jazz and blu ...

, and

, whose wife Gwen divorced him and married Dailey around that time. Filming was delayed due to director

Walter Lang Walter Lang (August 10, 1896 – February 7, 1972) was an American film director. Early life Walter Lang was born in Tennessee. As a young man he went to New York City where he found clerical work at a film production company. The business p ...

's poor health. Dailey agreed to appear in '' Susan Slept Here'' and '' Heller in Pink Tights''. But ''Susan'' ended up being made with Dick Powell and ''Pink Tights'' was postponed. Eventually ''There's No Business Like Show Business'' was made and proved to be Dailey's biggest hit in a long time.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Dailey went to

to play GI-turned-advertising man Doug Hallerton in ''

It's Always Fair Weather ''It's Always Fair Weather'' is a 1955 American Musical film, musical romantic comedy film directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen. The film was scripted by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, who also wrote the show's lyrics, with music by André P ...

'' (1955) alongside

. The film was screened at drive-in theaters and was not a box-office success, although it did receive good reviews. He starred opposite Cyd Charisse and

Agnes Moorehead Agnes Robertson Moorehead (December 6, 1900April 30, 1974) was an American actress. In a career spanning five decades, her credits included work in radio, stage, film, and television.Obituary '' Variety'', May 8, 1974, page 286. Moorehead was th ...

in '' Meet Me in Las Vegas'' (1956). Dailey returned to Fox for one more musical, '' The Best Things in Life Are Free'' (1956) to play songwriter

Ray Henderson Ray Henderson (born Raymond Brost; December 1, 1896 – December 31, 1970) was an American songwriter. Early life Born in Buffalo, New York, Henderson moved to New York City and became a popular composer in Tin Pan Alley. He was one-third of ...

opposite Gordon MacRae. The following year, he portrayed "Jughead" Carson in the drama '' The Wings of Eagles'' (1957) for John Ford, a biographical film on the life of Frank Wead, starring

John Wayne Marion Robert Morrison (May 26, 1907 – June 11, 1979), known professionally as John Wayne, was an American actor. Nicknamed "Duke", he became a Pop icon, popular icon through his starring roles in films which were produced during Hollywood' ...

. He was one of several stars in Fox's comedy '' Oh, Men! Oh, Women!'' (1957). For the same studio, he was part of the ensemble in '' The Wayward Bus'' (1957). Dailey made a war film for MGM, '' Underwater Warrior'' (1958).

Later career

As the musical genre began to wane in the late-1950s, he moved on to various comedic and dramatic roles on television, including starring in '' The Four Just Men'' (1959–1960). He starred with Cantinflas in '' Pepe'' (1960), had a cameo in '' Hemingway's Adventures of a Young Man'' (1961), and made '' Four Nights of the Full Moon'' (1963) in Spain. He returned to Broadway in ''Catch Me If You Can'' (1965). In the late 1960s, Dailey toured as Oscar Madison in a road production of '' The Odd Couple'', co-starring Elliott Reid as Felix Unger and also featuring

Peter Boyle Peter Lawrence Boyle (October 18, 1935 – December 12, 2006) was an American actor. He is known for his character actor roles in film and television and received several awards including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. ...

as Murray the cop. He did a stint on Broadway in '' Plaza Suite''. From 1969 to 1971, Dailey played "The Governor" opposite

Julie Sommars Julie Sommars (born April 15, 1940) is an American actress. She won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy for her role in '' The Governor & J.J.'' in 1970, and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for ...

's "J.J." in the sitcom '' The Governor & J.J.'', which revolved around the relationship between his character, the conservative governor of an unnamed state, and his liberal daughter Jennifer Jo. His performance won him the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Musical or Comedy for performances in 1969, the year that this category was introduced. He starred in a short-lived series '' Faraday & Company'' in 1973. Later film performances included '' The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover'' (1977), as Clyde Tolson.

Personal life

Dailey divorced his first wife in 1941 and remarried a year later to Elizabeth Hofert. They had one son, Dan III, in 1947, and separated in 1949. They divorced in 1951. Dailey's son died by suicide in 1975. Dailey broke his hip in 1977 and developed anemia. He died on October 16, 1978, from complications following hip replacement surgery. He is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

Filmography

Films: *'' Susan and God'' (1940) – Homer (uncredited) *'' The Mortal Storm'' (1940) – Holl *'' The Captain Is a Lady'' (1940) – Perth Nickerson *'' Dulcy'' (1940) – Bill Ward *'' Hullabaloo'' (1940) – Bob Strong *'' Keeping Company'' (1940) – Jim Reynolds *'' The Wild Man of Borneo'' (1941) – Ed LeMotte *'' Washington Melodrama'' (1941) – Whitney King *'' Ziegfeld Girl'' (1941) – Jimmy Walters *'' The Getaway'' (1941) – Sonny Black *'' Down in San Diego'' (1941) – Al Haines *'' Lady Be Good'' (1941) – Bill Pattison *''

'' (1941) – Rex *'' Mokey'' (1942) – Herbert Delano *'' Sunday Punch'' (1942) – Olaf 'Ole' Jensen *''

'' (1942) – Kansas *'' Give Out, Sisters'' (1942) – Bob Edwards *'' Panama Hattie'' (1942) – Dick Bulliard *''

This Is the Army ''This Is the Army'' is a 1943 American wartime musical film, musical comedy film produced by Jack L. Warner and Hal B. Wallis and directed by Michael Curtiz, adapted from This Is the Army (musical), the wartime stage musical of the same name, d ...

'' (1943) – Soldier – 'This Is the Army' Number (uncredited) *'' Mother Wore Tights'' (1947) – Daddy *'' You Were Meant for Me'' (1948) – Chuck Arnold *'' Give My Regards to Broadway'' (1948) – Bert Norwick *'' When My Baby Smiles at Me'' (1948) – 'Skid' Johnson *'' Chicken Every Sunday'' (1948) – Jim Hefferan *'' You're My Everything'' (1949) – Timothy O'Connor *'' When Willie Comes Marching Home'' (1950) – William 'Bill' Kluggs *'' A Ticket to Tomahawk'' (1950) – Johnny Behind-the-Deuces *'' My Blue Heaven'' (1950) – Jack Moran *'' I'll Get By'' (1950) – G.I. Dancing with June Haver & Gloria DeHaven (uncredited) *'' Call Me Mister'' (1951) – Shep Dooley *'' I Can Get It for You Wholesale'' (1951) – Teddy Sherman *'' The Pride of St. Louis'' (1952) – Jerome Hanna 'Dizzy' Dean *'' What Price Glory?'' (1952) – 1st Sgt. Quirt *''

'' (1953) – Ed Nielson *'' Meet Me at the Fair'' (1953) – Doc Tilbee *'' The Girl Next Door'' (1953) – Bill Carter *'' The Kid from Left Field'' (1953) – Larry 'Pop' Cooper *'' There's No Business Like Show Business'' (1954) – Terrance Donahue *''

'' (1955) – Doug Hallerton *'' Meet Me in Las Vegas'' (1956) – Chuck Rodwell *'' The Best Things in Life Are Free'' (1956) – Ray Henderson *'' The Wings of Eagles'' (1957) – 'Jughead' Carson *'' Oh, Men! Oh, Women!'' (1957) – Arthur Turner *'' The Wayward Bus'' (1957) – Ernest Horton *'' Underwater Warrior'' (1958) – Cmdr. David Forest *'' Pepe'' (1960) – Ted Holt *'' Hemingway's Adventures of a Young Man'' (1962) – Billy Campbell *'' Four Nights of the Full Moon'' (1963) *'' The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover'' (1977) – Clyde Tolson (final film role) Radio: *''

Philco Radio Time ''Philco Radio Time'' was an old-time radio radio series starring entertainer Bing Crosby. The series ran over ABC Radio with episodes airing from October 16, 1946–June 1, 1949. The series also was syndicated for a period of time over the ...

'' (1948) *''

Lux Radio Theatre ''Lux Radio Theatre'', sometimes spelled ''Lux Radio Theater'', a old-time radio, classic radio anthology series, was broadcast on the Blue Network, NBC Blue Network (1934–35) (owned by the National Broadcasting Company, later predecessor of A ...

'' (1949–1954) (multiple adaptations) Television: *'' The Four Just Men'' (1959–1960) *'' The Untouchables'' (1962) - Dexter Bayless *''

The Alfred Hitchcock Hour ''Alfred Hitchcock Presents'' is an American television anthology series created, hosted and produced by Alfred Hitchcock, airing on CBS and NBC, alternately, between 1955 and 1965. It features dramas, thrillers, and mysteries. Between 1962 a ...

'' (1962) (Season 1 Episode 14: "The Tender Poisoner") - Philip 'Barney' Bartel *'' The Governor & J.J.'' (1969–1970) – Gov. William Drinkwater *''

Here's Lucy ''Here's Lucy'' is an American sitcom starring Lucille Ball. The series co-starred her long-time comedy partner Gale Gordon and her real-life children Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. It was broadcast on CBS from 1968 to 1974. It was Ball's third ...

'' 1971 *'' Faraday & Company'' (1973–1974) – Frank Faraday Stage: *'' Babes in Arms'' (1937) *'' I Married an Angel'' (1939) *''Stars in Your Eyes'' (1939) *''

Burlesque A burlesque is a literary, dramatic or musical work intended to cause laughter by caricaturing the manner or spirit of serious works, or by ludicrous treatment of their subjects.

'' (1958) *'' Take Me Along'' (1961) *''

Guys and Dolls ''Guys and Dolls'' is a musical theater, musical with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. It is based on "The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown" (1933) and "Blood Pressure", which are two short stories by Damon Run ...

'' (1961–1965) *'' High Button Shoes'' (1964) *''Catch Me If You Can'' (1965; 1972) *'' The Odd Couple'' (1966–1968) *'' Plaza Suite'' (1969–1970) Other: *''

Tournament of Roses The Rose Parade, also known as the Tournament of Roses Parade (or simply the Tournament of Roses), is an annual parade held mostly along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California, United States, on New Year's Day (or on Monday, January 2 if New ...

'' (narrator) (1954) *''Testimony of Two Men'' (TV mini-series) (1977)

Box office ranking

For a number of years, movie exhibitors voted Dailey among the most popular stars in the country: *1949 – 19th (United States) *1950 – 21st (United States)

References

External links

* * * * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Dailey, Dan 1915 births 1978 deaths 20th-century American dancers 20th-century American male actors 20th-century American male singers American male dancers American male film actors American male musical theatre actors American male television actors American male radio actors American vaudeville performers Best Musical or Comedy Actor Golden Globe (television) winners Blackface minstrel performers Burials at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale) Male actors from New York City Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer contract players Military personnel from New York City Military personnel from New York (state) Singers from New York City United States Army officers United States Army personnel of World War II United States Army Signal Corps personnel