Originally scheduled to portray Franklin D. Roosevelt in "Sunrise at Campobello," a case of pneumonia forced him to abandon the role before it got to Broadway. Ralph Bellamy replaced him and won numerous awards, including the Tony. Keel played the role eventually on tour.
Portrayed Curly in the original London cast of "Oklahoma", Fred Graham in "Kiss Me Kate" (1953), and Hajj in "Kismet" (1955). Baritone Alfred Drake originated all three roles on Broadway.
President of Screen Actors Guild (SAG). [1958-1959]
Producers approached Howard Keel for the role of "Jock Ewing" on "Dallas" (1978) after Jim Davis's death but, out of respect for Davis, Keel turned them down and remained in the role of "Clayton Farlow".
Shares birthday with Ron Perlman.
Survived by ten grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.
The producers of Kiss Me Kate (1953) signed Kathryn Grayson immediately for the femme lead but actually wanted Laurence Olivier in the Petruchio role with plans to dub his singing voice. Director George Sidney, however, was able to promote Keel enough for him to get the part.
Was best/good friends with: Ann Miller, Esther Williams, Cyd Charisse, Jack Elam, Keenan Wynn and George Sidney.
Was cremated and his ashes scattered at various favorite places including Mere Golf Club, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, and in Tuscany, Italy.
Was the original choice to play the lead in Singin' in the Rain (1952). The part went to Gene Kelly instead.
Worked as a representative for the Douglas Aircraft Corporation in Southern California before embarking on his singing and acting career