West Side Story's 'Joyboy' Bobby Banas Passes Away at 90

Bobby Banas, the talented actor, dancer, and choreographer who brought life to the character of Joyboy in the iconic film "West Side Story," has sadly passed away. He was 90 years old. Banas died on Monday, September 4th, 2023, due to pneumonia at an assisted living facility in Encino, California, as confirmed by his son, director and photographer, Eden Tyler Banas.

Banas' legacy extends beyond his memorable role in "West Side Story," encompassing a wide range of beloved films and television shows. He delighted audiences in musicals like "Bye Bye Birdie," "The Unsinkable Molly Brown," and "Mary Poppins," showcasing his versatility and grace on the silver screen.

Recently, a clip of Banas leading a dance number to "The Nitty Gritty" on a 1964 episode of "The Judy Garland Show" resurfaced on YouTube, captivating a new generation of viewers and garnering millions of views. This unexpected viral sensation brought renewed attention to the talented performer's impressive career.

Born on September 22, 1933, in New York City, Robert Joseph Banas' passion for dance began early. He honed his skills through ballroom dancing lessons during his teenage years, eventually partnering with future "West Side Story" co-star Natalie Wood in the Michael Panaieff Children’s Ballet Company. His dedication to the art led him to the Hollywood Professional School and Hollywood High, further nurturing his talent.

Banas' on-screen debut came in 1952 with "Has Anybody Seen My Gal," where he showcased his energetic "Charleston." He then graced the silver screen in a series of films in 1956, including "Carousel," "The King and I," and "Rock Around the Clock" and "Don’t Knock the Rock" featuring Bill Haley & His Comets.

His exceptional dance skills caught the eye of renowned choreographer Jerome Robbins, who cast him in Broadway productions of "Peter Pan" and "The King and I." These collaborations significantly contributed to his selection for "West Side Story," a project directed by Robbins and Robert Wise.

Banas' impressive dance resume continued to grow, with roles in acclaimed films such as "Damn Yankees" (1958), "The Girl Most Likely" (1958), "L'il Abner" (1959), "Babes in Toyland" (1961), "Bye Bye Birdie" (1963) starring Ann-Margret, "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" (1964) featuring Debbie Reynolds, and Elvis Presley's "Girl Happy" (1965).

Beyond his acting and dancing, Banas also established himself as a choreographer, contributing his expertise to shows like "The Kraft Summer Music Hall," "Malibu U.," "The Jonathan Winters Show," "Mork & Mindy," "Hart Like a Wheel" (1983), and "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" (1986).

Banas leaves behind a lasting legacy, not only for his contributions to film and television but also for his infectious passion for dance and entertainment. He is survived by his son Eden Tyler Banas, daughter-in-law Roxanne, and grandson Dylan.