Stanley Donen, famous director of "Singin 'in the Rain", dies at the age of 94

LOS ANGELES, USA – Stanley Donen, who directed these beloved Hollywood clbadics, such as "Singin 'in the Rain," "On the Town" and "Charade," died in New York City in the age of 94 years.

His death from a heart attack was confirmed by one of his sons, Mark Donen, reported the Chicago Tribune.

Donen, whose films were known for their wit, style and energy, worked with some of Hollywood's biggest stars, from Audrey Hepburn to Fred Astaire.

Under Donen's direction, Gene Kelly's "Singin & # 39; in the Rain" dance scene, an exuberant and water-soaked scene, has become one of the film's most iconic moments.

Although often overshadowed by his stars, Donen's talent was highly regarded by his peers and earned him an Academy Award for all of his achievements in 1998. It was his only Oscar.

He worked with the greatest dancers and choreographers of his time, including Bob Fosse and Gower Champion.

"No other director, with the exception perhaps of Vincente Minnelli, has made a more aesthetic contribution to the American musical," wrote Hollywood Reporter.

But Donen was also famous for directing romantic comedies, such as the hugely popular "Two for the Road," starring Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney.

Donen, a native of South Carolina, began her dance clbades at the age of seven and left the house shortly after high school to try her luck on Broadway, according to Variety.com. He met Kelly while he was in the choir of "Pal Joey" and was eventually signed by MGM.

Donen's breakthrough took place with "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" in 1954. He also worked on the musicals "Pajama Game" and "Damn Yankees", both choreographed by Fosse.

With Paramount, he directed "Funny Face" in 1957 with Astaire and Hepburn.

Asked in subsequent years that it was possible to work with Hepburn without falling in love with her, he replied: "This is not the case".

Donen is married five times, especially with actresses Jeanne Coyne and Yvette Mimieux. He attended actresses Judy Holliday and Elizabeth Taylor. And in his later years and until his death, he was the companion of actor, comedian and director Elaine May.