Ray McDonald (June 27, 1921 - February 20, 1959)[1] was a tap dancer who started his career as a vaudeville act with his older sister Grace McDonald, before being cast in a hit Broadway show, and then in films.[2][3][4] He had a starring role in the films Down in San Diego and Born to Sing, some leading roles in other films, as well as lesser roles including in uncredited dance sequences.[4]
He was born in New York City. His sister Grace was two years older. She was contracted to Universal while he signed with MGM.
He married actress Elisabeth Fraser from 1944 until 1952 and then actress Peggy Ryan from 1953 until 1957.[4] In 1949, he appeared with her in There's a Girl in My Heart and co-starred with her in the musical Shamrock Hill.[5][6] On December 4, 1956 they guest starred on the Mickey.Mouse Club.[7]
He died in a New York City in a Prescott Hotel room in 1959 at age 37.[3]
He also had unbilled dancing roles in Winged Victory (1944) and Till the Clouds Roll By (1946).[4]