Ray McDonald (June 27, 1920 – 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][unreliable source?] 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][unreliable source?]
McDonald's Broadway credits include Park Avenue (1946), Winged Victory (1943), Crazy With the Heat (1941), and Babes in Arms (1937).[5]
McDonald was born in New York City. His sister Grace was two years older. She was contracted to Universal while he signed with MGM.[citation needed]
He was married to actress Elisabeth Fraser from 1944 until 1952 and then actress Peggy Ryan from 1953 until 1957.[4][unreliable source?] In 1949, he appeared with her in There's a Girl in My Heart and co-starred with her in the musical Shamrock Hill.[6][7] On December 4, 1956, they guest starred on the Mickey Mouse Club.[8]
He died in 1959 at age 38 in New York City after choking on food in his hotel room.[3]
