Eugene Curran Kelly ( August 23 , 1912 â `` February 2 , 1996 ) , better known as Gene Kelly , was an American dancer , actor , singer , director , producer , and choreographer . Eugene Curran `` Gene '' Kelly ( August 23 , 1912-February 2 , 1996 ) was an American dancer , actor , singer , film director and producer , and choreographer .