- Born
- Died
- Birth nameDonald Cohen McKayle
- Height6′ 2″ (1.88 m)
- Donald McKayle was born on July 6, 1930 in New York City, New York, USA. He was an actor and director, known for Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971), Good Times (1974) and The Great White Hope (1970). He was married to Lea Vivante and Esta Beck. He died on April 6, 2018 in Orange, California, USA.
- SpousesLea Vivante(1965 - April 6, 2018) (his death, 1 child)Esta Beck (divorced, 2 children)
- Has been nominated for Broadway's Tony Award five times: four times as Best Choreographer: in 1965 for "Golden Boy," in 1974 for "Raisin," in 1975 for "Doctor Jazz" and in 1981, shared with 'Henry le Tan' and Michael Smuin, for "Sophisticated Ladies;" and as Best Director (Musical) in 1974 for "Raisin." He has yet to win.
- . Emeritus professor of dance at the University of California, Irvine and the first black man to direct and choreograph a Broadway musical.
- His parents were Jamaican immigrants.
- He taught at the Juilliard School, Bennington College, Sarah Lawrence College, and California Institute of the Arts.
- He was inspired to become a dancer when he attended a performance by Pearl Primus, who used African and Caribbean elements in her dances.
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