Gene Kelly

Gene Kelly (August 23, 1912 – February 2, 1996) was an American dancer, actor, singer, film director and producer, and choreographer. He guest starred on The Muppet Show in episode 501. Originally, Mickey Mouse was going to appear in the dancing sequence from Gene Kelly's 1945 film Anchors Aweigh. Some sources claim Walt Disney initially agreed to loan out Mickey, but Roy O. Disney rejected the deal. According to Bob Thomas's book on Roy Disney, the studio was in debt after World War II and they were focusing on trying to get their own films out on time. According to Roy, they had no business making cartoons for other people. So at the last minute, Mickey's appearance in the film was replaced by MGM's famous cartoon stars at that time, Tom and Jerry.