Born in Columbia, South Carolina. Former Broadway dancer turned acclaimed director of musicals. Donen's first job as a choreographer was on the stage version of Best Foot Forward (1941), as Gene Kelly's assistant, and he made his film directing debut as Kelly's full-fledged collaborator with the energetic ON THE TOWN (1949). Donen became a star director of musicals in the 1950s with films such as SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952) (again with Kelly), SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS (1954) and his spirited George Abbott collaborations, THE PAJAMA GAME (1957) and DAMN YANKEES (1958). In 1958 Donen began working in England, turning out sophisticated fare like the comic thriller, CHARADE (1963), and the stylish romantic drama, TWO FOR THE ROAD (1967). His later films have met with lukewarm critical response. Other notable credits in his filmography include ROYAL WEDDING (1951), LOVE IS BETTER THAN EVER and FEARLESS FAGAN (both 1952), GIVE A GIRL A BREAK (1953), DEEP IN MY HEART (1954), IT'S ALWAYS FAIR WEATHER and KISMET (uncredited) (both 1955), FUNNY FACE and KISS THEM FOR ME (both 1957), INDISCREET (1958), ONCE MORE WITH FEELING, SURPRISE PACKAGE and THE GRASS IS GREENER (all 1960), ARABESQUE (1966), BEDAZZLED (1967), STAIRCASE (1969), THE LITTLE PRINCE (1974), LUCKY LADY (1975), MOVIE MOVIE (1978), SATURN 3 (1980) and BLAME IT ON RIO (1984). He directed episodes for the TV series "Moonlighting" (1985) and the made-for-TV movie "Love Letters" (1999). His choreography was also seen in HOLIDAY IN MEXICO and NO LEAVE, NO LOVE (both 1946), THIS TIMES FOR KEEPS, LIVING IN A BIG WAY and KILLER McCOY (all 1947), BIG CITY, A DATE WITH JUDY and THE KISSING BANDIT (all 1948) and TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAVE (1949). His first wife was dancer Jeannie Coyne (who later wed Gene Kelly) from 1948 to 1949; his second wife (1952-1959) was Marion Mashall; Donen married actress Yvette Mimieux in 1972, and they later divorced.  Honorary Award 1997 - "In appreciation of a body of work marked by grace, elegance, wit and visual innovation." Winner presented statuette. 1 Honorary Award