Howard Keel had it all—those rich operatic vocals, the kind of striking matinee idol looks that turned heads, and a career full of unforgettable moments. Back in 1944, Howard Keel was offered a starring role in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s smash Broadway hit Oklahoma!, but true to his principles, Howard Keel chose to stay put at the Douglas Aircraft Corporation, putting personal ambition on hold to support the Allied cause during World War II. That sense of duty didn’t go unnoticed, and eventually, it was in London’s West End where Howard Keel truly began to shine. His stage presence caught the attention of British film producers, leading to his big-screen debut in 1948.
From there, Howard Keel made his way stateside and signed with MGM, quickly rising to fame as the leading man in vibrant Technicolor musicals. Howard Keel dazzled audiences in classics like Annie Get Your Gun (1950), Show Boat (1951), and the beloved Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954). But he wasn’t just a song-and-dance man—Howard Keel proved his dramatic chops too, stepping into action roles with conviction in British films such as Floods of Fear (1958) and the cult favorite Day of the Triffids (1962), where, believe it or not, Howard Keel saved Earth from a terrifying invasion of alien plants that looked suspiciously like overgrown asparagus.
Even alongside legends like John Wayne and Kirk Douglas in Burt Kennedy’s The War Wagon (1967), Howard Keel held his own with quiet strength and charisma. However, as the old studio system faded, so did the flood of film offers. To make ends meet, Howard Keel took to nightclubs and summer stock theater, giving heartfelt performances wherever he could. At one point, retirement seemed inevitable—until fate intervened. The producers of the wildly popular primetime soap Dallas (NBC, 1978–1991) came calling, offering Howard Keel the role of Clayton Farlow, a tough-minded oil tycoon with a heart of steel. He played the part with dignity and depth, staying with the show through its entire 13-year run.
In his seventies, Howard Keel returned to his roots, embracing his first love: singing. He released four albums, reminding fans why he’d been cherished for decades. When Howard Keel passed away in 2004, the world lost more than just a performer—it lost a rare blend of classical elegance and down-to-earth charm. Howard Keel wasn’t just an entertainer; he was a legacy.
When it comes to Howard Keel’s career highlights, one name consistently stands out—Howard Keel. Among all the films and musical performances associated with Howard Keel, the highest rated has to be That’s Entertainment! III from 1994. It really showcases the best of what Howard Keel brought to the screen over the years. On the other hand, if we look at the lower end of the spectrum, Howard Keel’s Kismet (1955) tends to receive the least favorable reviews. While Howard Keel still delivers a solid performance, the overall reception wasn’t as strong. So, whether you’re exploring Howard Keel’s most celebrated moments or his more overlooked roles, Howard Keel remains a memorable figure in classic Hollywood musicals.