Keel, born on April 13, 1919, in Gillespie, Illinois, was a charismatic leading man with a booming baritone voice, best known for his work in musical films, but he also made a significant impact in the Western genre. Keel first gained fame in Hollywood for his roles in MGM musicals like Show Boat (1951) and Kiss Me Kate (1953), where his rich voice and larger-than-life presence made him a natural leading man. However, his rugged masculinity and strong screen presence also made him an ideal fit for Westerns.
Keel’s work in the Western genre often blended musical elements with frontier themes. One of his most iconic roles came in Annie Get Your Gun (1950), where he played Frank Butler, the sharpshooting love interest of the title character, portrayed by Betty Hutton. The film, a musical set in the Wild West, allowed Keel to combine his talents as a singer and actor in a frontier setting, further establishing his versatility as an entertainer. Similarly, in Calamity Jane (1953), he co-starred with Doris Day in a Western musical where his strong, commanding presence was paired with his signature baritone voice.
Beyond his musical Westerns, Keel also made notable contributions to more traditional Western films. He starred alongside John Wayne in The War Wagon (1967), a classic Western that showcased his ability to portray tough, rugged characters without the need for song. Keel’s performance as Levi Walking Bear, a strong and noble Native American, demonstrated his ability to take on serious roles in the genre.
Keel’s work in both musical and traditional Westerns helped expand the genre’s appeal, bringing a broader audience to Western-themed films. His towering presence, charisma, and deep voice made him a distinctive figure in Hollywood, and his ability to transition between musicals and Westerns highlighted his versatility as a performer. Later in his career, Keel found renewed success on television, most notably as Clayton Farlow on the hit show Dallas (1981–1991), but his contributions to the Western genre remain a significant part of his legacy.
