Danville native Donald O'Connor 1925-2003

O'Connor, who had been in declining health in recent years, died of heart failure, his daughter, Alicia O'Connor, told The Associated Press. It was in the '50s that O'Connor made the films for which he was best known -- a series of highly successful "Francis the Talking Mule" comedies and movie musicals that put his song and dance talents to good use. Songs in movie musicals are often touching or exciting, but O'Connor performed a rare feat with a number that were laugh-out-loud funny. The best, 1952's "Singin' in the Rain," also starred Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds and took a satirical look at Hollywood during the transition from silent to sound pictures.

O'Connor's father was a Danville native and they often stayed in Danville as he grew up.

A link to a complete story and obituary is here.

For a complete O'Connor biography, see his web page here.

For a story detailing his last appearance locally, click here.

For Roger Ebert's comments on Donald O'Connor, click here.