Bobby Banas, a celebrated dancer, actor, and choreographer, passed away at the age of 90 due to pneumonia. Banas was widely recognized for his role as Joyboy, a member of the Jets in the original “West Side Story” (1959), and for his work in other classic movie musicals such as “Mary Poppins” (1964), “Bye Bye Birdie” (1963), and “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” (1964). His career spanned several decades, and he was known for his versatile talent and dynamic performances.
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Born Robert Joseph Banas on September 22, 1933, in New York, he began his journey in dance as a teenager, taking ballroom dancing lessons. He soon found his way to Hollywood, where he trained at the Hollywood Professional School and Hollywood High. His early career saw him performing in various stage productions, including “Peter Pan” and “The King and I” on Broadway, both choreographed by Jerome Robbins. This experience paved the way for his role in “West Side Story.”
Banas gained renewed attention in recent years when a clip of him leading a dance number to “The Nitty Gritty” on “The Judy Garland Show” in 1964 went viral on YouTube, amassing millions of views. His filmography also includes notable performances in “Let’s Make Love” (1960), where he was kissed by Marilyn Monroe, and “Made in Paris” (1966), where he danced with Ann-Margret.
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In addition to his dancing career, Banas worked as a choreographer for various television shows, including “The Kraft Summer Music Hall,” “Mork & Mindy,” and “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” (1986). His contributions to dance and choreography have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Banas is survived by his son, director and photographer Eden Tyler Banas, his daughter-in-law Roxanne, and his grandson Dylan.
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