July 30th 2024.
Renowned choreographer and dancer, Bobby Banas, has passed away at the age of 90 in California. He was known for his exceptional talent in iconic films such as West Side Story, Bye Bye Birdie, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, and Mary Poppins, making him a prominent figure during the golden age of movie musicals. His son, director and photographer, Eden Tyler Banas, confirmed that Bobby had succumbed to pneumonia on Monday.
Bobby captured the hearts of a new generation when a video of him leading five dancers in a lively performance of The Nitty Gritty on an episode of The Judy Garland Show went viral online. The clip has been viewed a staggering 18 million times at the time of writing, showcasing Bobby's enduring impact and charm.
It seemed that Bobby had a knack for being a part of some of the most memorable moments in film history. In his role as Jet member Joyboy in West Side Story, he can be seen prominently in the movie's most iconic dance scenes. The following year, he shared a kiss with Marilyn Monroe in Let's Make Love, creating one of the movie's most recognizable sequences. He also joined Dick Van Dyke in the iconic rooftop dance scene in Mary Poppins as a chimney sweep.
Bobby's career was long and varied, with appearances in numerous classic movie musicals. In 1966, he made an appearance as one of the primary dancers in Made in Paris, dancing alongside Ann-Margaret in a nightclub scene. His natural talent for dancing was evident from a young age, as he took ballroom dancing lessons and became devoted to his craft. He even partnered with Natalie Wood, his future West Side Story co-star, in the Michael Panaieff Children's Ballet Company. He then attended the Hollywood Professional School and Hollywood High, solidifying his path to stardom.
Aside from his successful film career, Bobby also worked as a stage actor, dancer, and choreographer. He made his film debut in 1952 in Has Anybody Seen My Gal, followed by appearances in Carousel, The King and I, Bill Haley & His Comets' Rock Around the Clock, and Don't Knock the Rock in 1956. These roles solidified his reputation as a go-to dancer in Hollywood. He also had a brief stint on Broadway before landing the role of Joyboy in the iconic movie adaptation of West Side Story, directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise.
Bobby's talents extended beyond the big screen, as he also appeared in Damn Yankees, The Girl Most Likely, L'il Abner, Babes in Toyland, Ann-Margret's Bye Bye Birdie, Debbie Reynolds' The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Elvis Presley's Girl Happy, and a 1966 episode of Get Smart. He will be greatly missed by his son, daughter-in-law, Roxanne, and his grandson, Dylan.
If you have any stories, videos, or pictures of Bobby, please get in touch with our entertainment team at The Agency by emailing us or calling 020 3615 2145. We would love to hear from you.
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