Newsmaker: Getting to Know Gene

Film historian Patricia Ward Kelly, the widow of the Academy Award-honored dancer, director, choreographer, actor, and singer Gene Kelly (A&S ’33), visited Pitt’s Alumni Hall Oct. 25 for Pitt’s Gene Kelly Centennial Celebration. Mrs. Kelly, who is the leading authority on the cinema and stage legend, gave commentary about Kelly’s days at Pitt and in Pittsburgh—and on the sound stages of Hollywood.

Top: From left, Lucy Fischer, Distinguished Professor of English and Film Studies at Pitt, who served as director of Pitt’s Film Studies Program from the early 1980s through June 30, 2012, and introduced Mrs. Kelly; Mrs. Kelly; and Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg, who welcomed the audience.

Bottom: Mrs. Kelly met and talked with many in the 500-member audience, both before and after her presentation.

(Photos by Mary Jane Bent/CIDDE)