Peggy Ryan, Star of Movie Musicals, Dies

LAS VEGAS - Peggy Ryan, who teamed with dance partner Donald O'Connor in movie musicals such as "This Is the Life" and "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," has died at age 80.

Ryan died Saturday in Las Vegas' Sunrise Hospital, said hospital spokeswoman Cheryl Smith. The cause was complications from two strokes, friend Dottie Fusch said.

Ryan, who taught tap dancing and produced revues in Las Vegas for the last several years, was teaching and performing until several days before entering the hospital, Fusch said.

Ryan danced and acted in more than two dozen films, but her most memorable roles were with O'Connor. The duo became known for high-energy, complex routines in films like "Mister Big" in 1943 and 1944's "Chip Off the Old Block," "The Merry Monahans" and "Bowery to Broadway."

Her final movie was "All Ashore" with Mickey Rooney in 1953.

In 1969, Ryan began starring in the television police drama "Hawaii Five-O" as Jenny Sherman, secretary to Jack Lord's Steve McGarrett.

She was born Margaret O'Rene Ryan on Aug. 28, 1924, in Long Beach, Calif. By age 3, she was dancing professionally in her parents' vaudeville act.

Ryan's television appearances included the 1948 premieres of two variety shows, Ed Sullivan's "Toast of the Town" and Milton Berle's "Texaco Star Theater."

Ryan is survived by her daughter, Kerry English, son, Sean Sherman, and five grandchildren.