Wally Green

Wally Green was a South African-born dancer and choreographer who, at one stage, partnered Juliet Prowse. He became a choreographer in London and then went to Hollywood, where he worked on several Billy Wilder films: Some Like It Hot (1959), Irma la Douce (1963), Kiss Me, Stupid (1964) and The Fortune Cookie (1966). He also did some choreography for television, including two episodes of the series Mr. Ed and the television version of Johnny Belinda (Paul Bogart/1967). In addition he was the dance director for Brigadoon, staged by the Conejo Choraliers at the California Lutheran College. Most interestingly, during this time he was also the Chief Instructor of the Pink Pussycat College of Striptease on Santa Monica Boulevard. On 22 July 1963 he appeared on the television game show To Tell the Truth on which the panel members had to guess who of three participants was the real Wally Green (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5TbkgkpJ-4)

Shortly after his return to South Africa he directed the movie Lindie (1971) for Tommie Meyer and resumed his career as choreographer. He created dance numbers for a number of musical shows and also became the head choreographer for SABC Television. In this capacity he directed the early morning exercise programme Body Beat, while the Wally Green Dance Studio trained local dancers for the medium. He worked on Alan Nathanson’s television movie Ducktails (1977), as well as on Gray Hofmeyr’s Leon Schuster film Sweet ‘n Short (1991).

Choreography for the Theatre

1977 – African Odyssey (Directed by Victor Ntoni & Michele Maxwell for the Market Theatre), 1980 – Oh What a Lovely War! (Directed by Geoffrey Sutherland for PACT), 1987 – Guys and Dolls (Directed by Celeste Litkie for the Wits Drama Department), 1991 – The Gondoliers (Directed by Conrad Haikes for the Wits Drama Department), Divorce Me, Darling! (Wits Drama Department). The Wally Green Barn Dancers took part in a TRUK Country Concert at the State Theatre in Pretoria.

Return to
Return to ESAT Personalities G

Return to South African Theatre Personalities

Return to The ESAT Entries

Return to Main Page