Bobby Banas, a renowned dancer and choreographer who gained recognition for his work in West Side Story and other popular movies, died on Monday at the age of 90 in California.
He was known for his work in such films as Mary Poppins and The Unsinkrable Molly Brown.
His son, Eden Tyler Banas, confirmed that his father died due to pneumonia.
He was especially popular after a video of him instructing five dancers to “The Nitty Gritty” went viral in 1964 on The Judy Garland Show, which has since been viewed millions of times online.
Banas is known for his ability to appear in some of the most memorable moments in film history.
He played the role of Joyboy in West Side Story, and he is often seen in the film’s most popular dance sequences.
In Let’s Make Love, he was able to get a kiss from Marilyn Monroe, which created one of the most recognisable moments in the movie.
He also appeared in Mary Poppins, where he joined Dick Van Dyke for an iconic rooftop scene.
He was one of the main dancers in the 1966 film “Made in Paris.”
He had a recurring role in the nightclub scene with Ann-Margaret.
Born in 1933, he started taking ballroom dancing lessons when he was young.
He later worked with Natalie Wood, who would become his co-star in West Side Story.
Before he made his debut in the film “Has anybody seen my Gal?” in 1952, he worked as a stage actor and a dancer.
He then appeared in various other movies, such as “The King and I,” “Rock Around the Clock,” and “Don’t Knock the Rock.”
His status as a talented dancer solidified after these appearances.
After a brief Broadway stint, he landed the part of the iconic character in West Side Story which was directed by Robert Wise and Robbins.
He is also known for his performances in other movies such as “The Girl Most Likely,” “Damn Yankees,” “Toyland,” and “Ann-Margret’s Bye Bye Birdie.”
Some of his other notable performances include those in “The Unsinkrable Bobby Brown,” “Girl Happy,” and “Get Smart.”
