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.

Was the original choice to play the lead in Singin` in the Rain (1952). The part went to Gene Kelly instead.

Due to his huge size, many of his petite leading ladies had to stand on boxes to be in the same frame.

In the 1950s, while he was at MGM, a mistake in the publicity department started the rumor that Howard`s birth name was Harold Leek. The rumor soon became regarded as fact, though it annoyed Howard very much. His true birth name was Harry Clifford Keel.

First wife, Rosemary Cooper, was an actress and second wife, Helen Anderson, was a dancer. Third wife & widow, Judy Keel, was a one-time flight attendant.

Originally scheduled to portray Franklin Delano 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.

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.

Has some Irish heritage. A lot of his distant family reside in Ireland.

Grandfather of Mico Olmos and Bodie Olmos.

Daughter with third wife, Judy Keel: Leslie Keel, was born September 1, 1974.

His third wife was 25 years younger than him.

Esther Williams gave his daughter, Kaija Keel, swimming lessons.

Children with Helen: Kaija Keel (born January 14, 1950), Kirstine Keel (born June 21, 1952) and Gunnar Keel (born June 3, 1955).

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.

During the shooting of Annie Get Your Gun (1950), he broke his leg when his horse fell on him. He was laid up for six weeks.

Lost the film lead in South Pacific (1958) because he couldn`t get out of his MGM contract.

President of Screen Actors Guild (SAG). [1958-1959]

Enjoyed golf

Worked as a representative for the Douglas Aircraft Corporation in Southern California before embarking on his singing and acting career

From 1971-1992 he was the father-in-law of actor Edward James Olmos through Olmos` marriage to Keel`s daughter Kaija Keel.