Hal was born John LeRoy Schotte in Cincinnati, Ohio. A National Treasure, Triple Threat Talent. He quickly worked his way into Broadway roles where his dance style created a sensation in the Ziegfeld Follies of 1931.
Hal did a series of musical film Short for Vitaphone and Warner Brothers Pictures. This clip is from the Short Private Lessons 1934 where Hal plays the role of a tap salesman and puts on a demonstration for his potential customers including singer Dorothy Dare and dancers Dawn O’ Day and Barbara MacDonald.
His film credits are over 20 films. Aside from his work on Broadway and in film, he also performed in revues, vaudeville and as a featured entertainer in New York’s nightclub scene. LeRoy died in 1985 of post-operative complications following heart surgery.
His Broadway Credits: The Gang’s All Here 1931 – Ziegfeld Follies of 1931 1931 – Strike Me Pink 1933 – Thumbs Up! 1934–1935 – Count Me In 1942.