Gene Krupa

Actor-musician Gene Krupa made a splash in Hollywood both on and off-screen for years. In his early acting career, Krupa appeared in such films as "Some Like It Hot" (1939), the Joan Davis musical comedy "George White's Scandals" (1945) and the Frances Langford adaptation "Beat the Band" (1947). He also appeared in "Smart Politics" (1948) and the biopic "The Glenn Miller Story" (1954) with James Stewart. He also contributed to a variety of television specials, including "The Swingin' Years" (1959-1960), "The Big Band and All That Jazz" (NBC, 1972-73) and "All-Star Swing Festival" (PBS, 1976-77). He also had roles in film during these years, including roles in "The Benny Goodman Story" (1955) with Steve Allen. Krupa's music was most recently featured in the Robert Downey Jr. hit action picture "Avengers: Age Of Ultron" (2015). Krupa passed away in October 1973 at the age of 64.