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

20th Century Fox 20th Century Studios, Inc. (previously known as 20th Century Fox) is an American film production company headquartered at the Fox Studio Lot in the Century City area of Los Angeles. As of 2019, it serves as a film production arm of Walt Dis ...

such as ''

Mother Wore Tights ''Mother Wore Tights'' is a 1947 Technicolor musical film starring Betty Grable and Dan Dailey as married vaudeville performers, directed by Walter Lang. This was Grable and Dailey's first film together, based on a book of the same name by Miria ...

'' (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. Biography Dailey was born in New York City, the daughter of Helen Theresa (née Ryan) and Daniel James Dailey. Her brother was actor Da ...

Theatre

He appeared in a

minstrel show The minstrel show, also called minstrelsy, was an American form of racist theatrical entertainment developed in the early 19th century. Each show consisted of comic skits, variety acts, dancing, and music performances that depicted people spe ...

in 1921 and later appeared in

vaudeville Vaudeville (; ) is a theatrical genre of variety entertainment born in France at the end of the 19th century. A vaudeville was originally a comedy without psychological or moral intentions, based on a comical situation: a dramatic composition ...

. He worked as a golf caddy and shoe seller before his first big break, working for a South American cruise line in 1934. He made his

Broadway Broadway may refer to: Theatre * Broadway Theatre (disambiguation) * Broadway theatre, theatrical productions in professional theatres near Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, U.S. ** Broadway (Manhattan), the street **Broadway Theatre (53rd Stree ...

debut in 1937 in ''

Babes in Arms ''Babes in Arms'' is a 1937 coming-of-age musical comedy with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart and book by Rodgers and Hart. It concerns a group of small-town Long Island teenagers who put on a show to avoid being sent to a wor ...

''. 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 and abbreviated as MGM, is an American film, television production, distribution and media company owned by amazon (company), Amazon through MGM Holdings, founded o ...

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 ''The Mortal Storm'' is a 1940 American drama film produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.''Harrison's Reports'' film review; June 22, 1940, page 98. It was directed by Frank Borzage and stars Margaret Sullavan and James Stewart. The film shows the ...

'' (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 ''Keeping Company'' is a 1940 drama film directed by S. Sylvan Simon and starring Frank Morgan as a real estate broker with three daughters who all have their own problems. The film was followed by ''This Time for Keeps ''This Time for Keeps'' ...

'' (1941) and was the juvenile in '' The Wild Man of Borneo'' (1941). He could be seen in ''

Washington Melodrama ''Washington Melodrama'' is a 1941 American drama film directed by S. Sylvan Simon and starring Frank Morgan, Ann Rutherford, and Kent Taylor. Plot It is 1941 and the United States remains at an uneasy peace. Prominent Washington, D.C. industria ...

'' (1941) and ''

Ziegfeld Girl Ziegfeld Girls were the chorus girls and showgirls from Florenz Ziegfeld's theatrical Broadway revue spectaculars known as the ''Ziegfeld Follies'' (1907–1931), in New York City, which were based on the Folies Bergère of Paris. Descripti ...

'' (1941), and played a gangster in '' The Get-Away'' (1941). Dailey was third billed in a "B", ''

Down in San Diego ''Down in San Diego'' is a 1941 American adventure film directed by Robert B. Sinclair and written by Franz Schulz and Harry Clork. The black-and-white movie was filmed in San Diego and stars Bonita Granville, Ray McDonald, Dan Dailey, Leo Gor ...

'' (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 motion picture comedy directed by Alfred L. Werker. Cast * John Sutton as Phillip Rossiter *Lynn Bari as Susan Rossiter *Alan Mowbray as Grover Sloan *Leonard Carey as Dusty *Dan Dailey Daniel James Dailey ...

'' (1941), then appeared opposite

Donna Reed Donna Reed (born Donna Belle Mullenger; January 27, 1921 – January 14, 1986) was an American actress. Her career spanned more than 40 years, with performances in more than 40 films. She is well known for her portrayal of Mary Hatch Bailey in ...

in ''

Mokey ''Mokey'' is a 1942 comedy-drama film released by MGM, directed by Wells Root and starring Donna Reed, Dan Dailey, and Robert Blake. Plot Cast * Dan Dailey as Herbert Delano * Donna Reed as Athena Delano * Robert Blake as Daniel "Mokey" D ...

'' (1942). He was third-billed in '' Sunday Punch'' (1942). Universal borrowed him to support

Leo Carrillo Leopoldo Antonio Carrillo (; August 6, 1880 – September 10, 1961), known professionally as Leo Carrillo, was an American actor, vaudevillian, political cartoonist, and conservationist. He was best known for playing Pancho in the television ...

in ''

Timber Lumber is wood that has been processed into dimensional lumber, including beams and planks or boards, a stage in the process of wood production. Lumber is mainly used for construction framing, as well as finishing (floors, wall panels, wi ...

'' (1942). He stayed at that studio for ''

Give Out, Sisters ''Give Out, Sisters'' is a 1942 American film starring The Andrews Sisters. The film co-stars Dan Dailey and the teenage couple of the time, Donald O'Connor and Peggy Ryan. Dailey and O'Connor went on to be in the 1954 film '' There's No Busin ...

'' (1942), a musical with

The Andrews Sisters The Andrews Sisters were an American close harmony singing group of the Swing music, swing and boogie-woogie eras. The group consisted of three sisters: contralto LaVerne Sophia Andrews (July 6, 1911 – May 8, 1967), soprano Maxene Anglyn Andre ...

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 with Gloria Jean, Peggy Ryan, and Francis the Talking Mule. His best ...

. Dailey's last film for MGM was ''

Panama Hattie ''Panama Hattie'' is a 1940 American musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter and book by Herbert Fields and B. G. DeSylva. The musical is about a nightclub owner, Hattie Maloney, who lives in the Panama Canal Zone and ends up dealing with ...

'' (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 actor, dancer, singer, filmmaker, 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.

World War II

He served in the

United States Army The United States Army (USA) is the land service branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is one of the eight U.S. uniformed services, and is designated as the Army of the United States in the U.S. Constitution.Article II, section 2, cla ...

during World War II, commissioned as an Army officer after graduation from Signal Corps

Officer Candidate School An officer candidate school (OCS) is a military school which trains civilians and Enlisted rank, enlisted personnel in order for them to gain a Commission (document), commission as Commissioned officer, officers in the armed forces of a country. ...

Fort Monmouth Fort Monmouth is a former installation of the Department of the Army in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The post is surrounded by the communities of Eatontown, Tinton Falls and Oceanport, New Jersey, and is located about from the Atlantic Ocean. T ...

New Jersey New Jersey is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York; on the east, southeast, and south by the Atlantic Ocean; on the west by the Delaware ...

. During his army service, he appeared in ''

This Is the Army ''This Is the Army'' is a 1943 American wartime musical comedy film produced by Hal B. Wallis and Jack L. Warner, and directed by Michael Curtiz, adapted from a wartime stage musical with the same name, designed to boost morale in the U.S. duri ...

'' (1943).

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 ''

'' (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; for 10 consecutive years (1942–1951) she reign ...

. 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'' (1949). She also starred in the films ''In the Meantime, Darling'' (1944 ...

, 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 virtually all genres, including westerns, musicals, comedies, gangster films, an ...

who also directed him in ''

Give My Regards to Broadway "Give My Regards to Broadway" is a song written by George M. Cohan for his musical play ''Little Johnny Jones'' which debuted in 1904 in New York. Cohan, playing the title character, sings this song as his friend is about to sail to Americ ...

'' (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, better known as the Oscars, are awards for artistic and technical merit for the American and international film industry. The awards are regarded by many as the most prestigious, significant awards in the entertainment ind ...

nomination for Best Actor at the 21st Academy Awards. Fox tried Dailey in a comedy, ''

Chicken Every Sunday ''Chicken Every Sunday'' is a 1949 American comedy film directed by George Seaton. The screenplay by Seaton and Valentine Davies is based on the 1944 play of the same title by Julius J. Epstein and Philip G. Epstein, which was based on Chicken Ev ...

'' (1949) with

Celeste Holm Celeste Holm (April 29, 1917 – July 15, 2012) was an American stage, film and television 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 th ...

, then he teamed with Anne Baxter 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 (July 6, 1911 – May 8, 1967), soprano Maxene Anglyn Andrews (January ...

. 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 "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" is a 1908 Tin Pan Alley song by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer which has become the unofficial anthem of North American baseball, although neither of its authors had attended a game prior to writing the song ...

" 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 Evans and lyrics by Ren Shields. Background Shields and Evans were at first unsuccessful in trying to sell the song to one of New Yor ...

", 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. Nicknamed the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Chairman of the Board" and later called "Ol' Blue Eyes", Sinatra was one of the most popular ...

( ''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. While critically acclaimed for many different roles throughout her career, she is widely known for playing the part of Dorothy Gale in '' The ...

and

Van Johnson Charles Van Dell Johnson (August 25, 1916 – December 12, 2008) was an American film, television, theatre and radio actor. He was a major star at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer during and after World War II. Johnson was described as the embodiment o ...

(''

In the Good Old Summertime ''In the Good Old Summertime'' is a 1949 American Technicolor musical film directed by Robert Z. Leonard. It stars Judy Garland, Van Johnson, S.Z. Sakall, Spring Byington, Clinton Sundberg, and Buster Keaton in his first featured film role at M ...

''). 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), known professionally as John Ford, was an American film director and naval officer. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers of his generation. He ...

, ''

When Willie Comes Marching Home ''When Willie Comes Marching Home'' is a 1950 World War II comedy film directed by John Ford and starring Dan Dailey and Corinne Calvet. It is based on the 1945 short story "When Leo Comes Marching Home" by Sy Gomberg. The film won the Golden L ...

'' (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. More popular was a third teaming with Grable, '' 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 ''A Ticket to Tomahawk'' is a 1950 American Western film directed by Richard Sale and starring Dan Dailey and Anne Baxter. It was released by 20th Century Fox. Marilyn Monroe appeared in one of her earliest roles. Plot In 1876, Johnny Jameson ...

'' (1950), often noted as one of the first screen appearances of

Marilyn Monroe Marilyn Monroe (; born Norma Jeane Mortenson; 1 June 1926 4 August 1962) was an American actress. Famous for playing comedic " blonde bombshell" characters, she became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s, as wel ...

, who played a very small part as a dance hall girl. He made a fourth (and final) film with Grable, ''

Call Me Mister ''Call Me Mister'' is a revue with sketches by Arnold Auerbach and words and music by Harold Rome. The title refers to troops who are happily returning to civilian life and no longer want to be addressed by their military ranks. The Broadway pr ...

'' (1951). Fox tried Dailey in a romantic drama, ''

I Can Get It for You Wholesale ''I Can Get It for You Wholesale'' is a musical, produced by David Merrick, music and lyrics by Harold Rome, and book by Jerome Weidman, based on his 1937 novel of the same title. It marked the Broadway debut of 19-year-old Barbra Streisand ...

'' (1951), playing opposite

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

. Then he was in a biopic, ''

The Pride of St. Louis ''The Pride of St. Louis'' is a 1952 American biographical film of the life of Major League Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Dizzy Dean. It starred Dan Dailey as Dean, Joanne Dru as his wife, and Richard Crenna as his brother Paul "Daffy" Dean, a ...

'' (1951), as the baseball player

Dizzy Dean Jay Hanna "Dizzy" Dean (January 16, 1910 – July 17, 1974), also known as Jerome Herman Dean (both the 1910 and 1920 Censuses show his name as "Jay"), was an American professional baseball pitcher. During his Major League Baseball (MLB) career ...

. 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, dancer and film director. On stage and in film, Cagney was known for his consistently energetic performances, distinctive vocal style, and deadpan comic timing. He ...

. Universal borrowed him for a musical, ''

Meet Me at the Fair ''Meet Me at the Fair'' is a 1953 American musical film directed by Douglas Sirk and starring Dan Dailey, Diana Lynn and Hugh O'Brian. Produced and distributed by Universal Pictures, it was shot in technicolor. Synopsis A boy named Tad flees from ...

'' (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 driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers, often for a non-shared ride. A taxicab conveys passengers between locations of their choice ...

'' (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 musicals, but she never achie ...

, '' 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 "There's No Business Like Show Business" is an Irving Berlin song, written for the 1946 musical '' Annie Get Your Gun'' and orchestrated by Ted Royal. The song, a slightly tongue-in-cheek salute to the glamour and excitement of a life in show b ...

'' (1954), which featured

Irving Berlin Irving Berlin (born Israel Beilin; yi, ישראל ביילין; May 11, 1888 – September 22, 1989) was a Russian-American composer, songwriter and lyricist. His music forms a large part of the Great American Songbook. Born in Imperial Russi ...

's music and also starred Monroe,

Ethel Merman Ethel Merman (born Ethel Agnes Zimmermann, January 16, 1908 – February 15, 1984) was an American actress and singer, known for her distinctive, powerful voice, and for leading roles in musical theatre.Obituary ''Variety'', February 22, 1984. ...

Mitzi Gaynor Mitzi Gaynor (born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber; September 4, 1931) is an American actress, singer, and dancer. Her notable films include '' We're Not Married!'' (1952), '' There's No Business Like Show Business'' (1954), '' The Birds ...

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 movie studio, film production company. The ...

's poor health. Dailey agreed to appear in '' Susan Slept Here'' and ''

Heller in Pink Tights ''Heller In Pink Tights'' is a 1960 American Technicolor Western film adapted from Louis L'Amour's 1955 novel ''Heller with a Gun''. It stars Sophia Loren and Anthony Quinn and was directed by George Cukor. The movie is noted for its lavishly ...

''. But ''Susan'' ended up being made with

Dick Powell Richard Ewing Powell (November 14, 1904 – January 2, 1963) was an American actor, musician, producer, director, and studio head. Though he came to stardom as a musical comedy performer, he showed versatility, and successfully transformed into ...

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 MGM musical satire scripted by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, who also wrote the show's lyrics, with music by André Previn and starring Gene Kelly, Dan Dailey, Cyd Charisse, Dolores Gray, and dancer/chore ...

'' (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 Cyd Charisse (born Tula Ellice Finklea; March 8, 1922 – June 17, 2008) was an American actress and dancer. After recovering from polio as a child and studying ballet, Charisse entered films in the 1940s. Her roles usually featured her abilit ...

and

Agnes Moorehead Agnes Robertson Moorehead (December 6, 1900April 30, 1974) was an American actress. In a career spanning four 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 ''Meet Me in Las Vegas'' (1956) is an MGM musical comedy produced by Joe Pasternak, directed by Roy Rowland (film director), Roy Rowland, filmed in Eastman Color and CinemaScope, and starring Dan Dailey and Cyd Charisse. The screenplay is by Iso ...

'' (1956). Dailey returned to Fox for one more musical, ''

The Best Things in Life Are Free "The Best Things in Life Are Free" is a duet between American singers Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson, recorded for the Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis-produced soundtrack to the 1992 American film '' Mo' Money'', starring Damon Wayans. The song was ...

'' (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, United States, Henderson moved to New York City and became a popular composer in Tin Pan Alley. He was o ...

opposite

Gordon MacRae Albert Gordon MacRae (March 12, 1921 – January 24, 1986) was an American actor, singer and radio/television host who appeared in the film versions of two Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals ''Oklahoma!'' (1955) and '' Carousel'' (1956) and who p ...

. The following year, he portrayed "Jughead" Carson in the drama ''

The Wings of Eagles ''The Wings of Eagles'' is a 1957 American Metrocolor film starring John Wayne, Dan Dailey and Maureen O'Hara, based on the life of Frank "Spig" Wead and the history of U.S. Naval aviation from its inception through World War II. The film is ...

'' (1957) for John Ford, a biographical film on the life of

Frank Wead Frank Wilbur "Spig" Wead (24 October 1895 – 15 November 1947) was a U.S. Navy aviator who helped promote United States Naval aviation from its inception through World War II. Commander Wead was a recognized authority on early aviation. Followi ...

, starring

John Wayne Marion Robert Morrison (May 26, 1907 – June 11, 1979), known professionally as John Wayne and nicknamed The Duke or Duke Wayne, was an American actor who became a popular icon through his starring roles in films made during Hollywood's Gol ...

. He was one of several stars in Fox's comedy ''

Oh, Men! Oh, Women! ''Oh, Men! Oh, Women!'' is a 1957 American comedy film written, produced and directed by Nunnally Johnson, based on the play of the same name by Edward Chodorov. It stars Ginger Rogers, Dan Dailey and David Niven. It was the feature film debut of ...

'' (1957). For the same studio, he was part of the ensemble in ''

The Wayward Bus ''The Wayward Bus'' is a novel by American author John Steinbeck, published in 1947. The novel's epigraph is a passage from 15th-century English play ''Everyman (15th-century play), Everyman'', with its archaic English intact; the quotation refe ...

'' (1957). Dailey made a profitable low-budget war film for MGM, ''

Underwater Warrior ''Underwater Warrior'' is a 1958 CinemaScope film telling the story of the US Navy's Underwater Demolition Teams between World War II and the Korean War. It was based on the 1957 nonfiction book ''The Naked Warriors'' by Commander Francis Dougla ...

'' (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'' (1959–60). He starred with Cantinflas in ''

Pepe Pepe is a pet form of the Spanish name José (Josep). It is also a surname. * People Mononyms * Pepe (footballer, born 1935), real name José Macia, Brazilian footballer *Pepe (footballer, born 1983), real name Képler Laveran Lima Ferreira ...

'' (1960) and had a cameo in ''

Hemingway's Adventures of a Young Man ''Hemingway's Adventures of a Young Man'' is a 1962 American adventure film directed by Martin Ritt based on Ernest Hemingway's semi-autobiographical character Nick Adams, and featuring Richard Beymer as Adams. A.E. Hotchner wrote the screenpl ...

'' (1961) and made ''

Four Nights of the Full Moon ''Four Nights of the Full Moon'' ( es, Las cuatro noches de la luna llena) directed by Sobey Martin is a 1963 Documento film, starring an international ensemble cast with Gene Tierney, Dan Dailey, and Analia Gade. This film is considered a lost ...

'' (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 Odd Couple may refer to: Neil Simon play and its adaptations * ''The Odd Couple'' (play), a 1965 stage play by Neil Simon ** ''The Odd Couple'' (film), a 1968 film based on the play *** ''The Odd Couple'' (1970 TV series), a 1970–1975 televisi ...

'', co-starring

Elliott Reid Edgeworth Blair "Elliott" Reid (January 16, 1920 – June 21, 2013) was an American actor. Early life Reid was born in Manhattan, the son of artist Christine Challenger Reid and banker Blair Reid. He attended the Professional Children's S ...

as Felix Unger and also featuring

Peter Boyle Peter Lawrence Boyle (October 18, 1935 – December 12, 2006) was an American actor. Known as a character actor, he played Frank Barone on the CBS sitcom ''Everybody Loves Raymond'' and the comical monster in Mel Brooks' film spoof ''Young Fra ...

as Murray the cop. He did a stint on Broadway in ''

Plaza Suite ''Plaza Suite'' is a comedy play by Neil Simon. Plot The play is composed of three acts, each involving different characters but all set in Suite 719 of New York City's Plaza Hotel. The first act, ''Visitor From Mamaroneck'', introduces the au ...

''. From 1969 to 1971, Dailey was the Governor opposite

Julie Sommars Julie Sergie Sommars 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 Best Supporting ...

'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 ''The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover'' is a 1977 American biographical drama film written, produced, and directed by Larry Cohen. It stars Broderick Crawford as Hoover, alongside an ensemble cast including Jose Ferrer, Michael Parks, Rip Tor ...

'' (1977), as

Clyde Tolson Clyde Anderson Tolson (May 22, 1900 – April 14, 1975) was the second-ranking official of the FBI from 1930 until 1972, from 1947 titled Associate Director, primarily responsible for personnel and discipline. He was the ''protégé'', long-ti ...

Personal life

Dailey married first wife Elizabeth in 1942. They had one son – Dan, Jr. – 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) *''

'' (1940) – Holl *'' The Captain Is a Lady'' (1940) – Perth Nickerson *'' Dulcy'' (1940) – Bill Ward *'' Hullabaloo'' (1940) – Bob Strong *''

'' (1940) – Jim Reynolds *'' The Wild Man of Borneo'' (1941) – Ed LeMotte *''

'' (1941) – Whitney King *''

'' (1941) – Jimmy Walters *'' The Getaway'' (1941) – Sonny Black *''

'' (1941) – Al Haines *'' Lady Be Good'' (1941) – Bill Pattison *''

'' (1941) – Rex *''

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

'' (1942) – Kansas *''

'' (1942) – Bob Edwards *''

'' (1942) – Dick Bulliard *''

'' (1943) – Soldier – 'This Is the Army' Number (uncredited) *''

'' (1947) – Daddy *'' You Were Meant for Me'' (1948) – Chuck Arnold *''

'' (1948) – Bert Norwick *'' When My Baby Smiles at Me'' (1948) – 'Skid' Johnson *''

'' (1948) – Jim Hefferan *'' You're My Everything'' (1949) – Timothy O'Connor *''

'' (1950) – William 'Bill' Kluggs *''

'' (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) *''

'' (1951) – Shep Dooley *''

'' (1951) – Teddy Sherman *''

'' (1952) – Jerome Hanna 'Dizzy' Dean *'' What Price Glory?'' (1952) – 1st Sgt. Quirt *''

'' (1953) – Ed Nielson *''

'' (1953) – Doc Tilbee *'' The Girl Next Door'' (1953) – Bill Carter *'' The Kid from Left Field'' (1953) – Larry 'Pop' Cooper *''

'' (1954) – Terrance Donahue *''

'' (1955) – Doug Hallerton *''

'' (1956) – Chuck Rodwell *''

'' (1956) – Ray Henderson *''

'' (1957) – 'Jughead' Carson *''

'' (1957) – Arthur Turner *''

'' (1957) – Ernest Horton *''

'' (1958) – Cmdr. David Forest *''

'' (1960) – Ted Holt *''

'' (1962) – Billy Campbell *''

'' (1963) *''

'' (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 th ...

'' (1948) *''

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

'' (1949–1954) (multiple adaptations) Television: *'' The Four Just Men'' (1959–1960) *''

The Untouchables Untouchables or The Untouchables may refer to: American history * Untouchables (law enforcement), a 1930s American law enforcement unit led by Eliot Ness * ''The Untouchables'' (book), an autobiography by Eliot Ness and Oscar Fraley * ''The U ...

Dexter Bayless (1962) *'' 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 thir ...

'' 1971 *'' Faraday & Company'' (1973–1974) – Frank Faraday Stage: *''

'' (1937) *''

I Married an Angel ''I Married An Angel'' is a 1938 musical comedy by Rodgers and Hart. It was adapted from a play by Hungarian playwright János Vaszary, entitled ''Angyalt Vettem Felesegul''. The book was by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, with music by Rodge ...

'' (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 ''Take Me Along'' is a 1959 musical based on the 1933 Eugene O'Neill play '' Ah, Wilderness'', with music and lyrics by Bob Merrill and book by Joseph Stein and Robert Russell.Mandelbaum, Ke"Ken Mandelbaum's Musicals On Disc: Remembering Bob Me ...

'' (1961) *''

Guys and Dolls ''Guys and Dolls'' is a 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 Runyon, and also bo ...

'' (1961–1965) *''

High Button Shoes ''High Button Shoes'' is a 1947 musical with music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Sammy Cahn and book by George Abbott and Stephen Longstreet. It was based on the semi-autobiographical 1946 novel ''The Sisters Liked Them Handsome'' by Stephen Longs ...

'' (1964) *''Catch Me If You Can'' (1965; 1972) *''

'' (1966–1968) *''

'' (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, Pasadena, California, United States, on New Year's Day (or on Mon ...

'' (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 American male film actors American male dancers American male television actors American male musical theatre actors American male radio actors Blackface minstrel performers Vaudeville performers Burials at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale) Male actors from New York City Singers from New York City Best Musical or Comedy Actor Golden Globe (television) winners Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer contract players United States Army personnel of World War II 20th-century American male actors 20th-century American singers United States Army officers 20th-century American dancers 20th-century American male singers