Donald O’Connor (August 28, 1925 – September 27, 2003) was an American dancer, singer, and actor who came to fame in a series of movies in which he co-starred alternately with Gloria Jean, Peggy Ryan,Ethel Merman and Francis the Talking Mule. Perhaps his most famous performance was as Gene Kelly's sidekick in the musical Singin’ in the Rain (1952).