Choreographer for 'Petticoat Junction' and Spielberg's '1941' Was 74
Matthew Perez Paul De Rolf, the choreographer, dancer and actor best known for his work on The Seven Little Foys, The Ten Commandments, Petticoat Junctionand Steven Spielberg’s 1941 has died, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. He was 74.
De Rolf passed away Thursday in Australia from Alzheimer’s disease.
De Rolf acted opposite Bob Hope in The Seven Little Foys and as a young boy he played the role of Moses’ nephew Eleazar for Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments.
In addition to 1941 and Petticoat Junction, his choreography credits include The Karate Kid II and The Beverly Hillbillies series (on which he also appeared as a dancer).
He was a mentor and choreographer who taught dance to stars including Tony Danza at his L.A. dance studio. He also regularly danced in nightclubs with actor and dancer Donald O’Connor who danced his way through many musicals including Singin‘ in the Rain.
De Rolf is survived by his wife, Dorothy (a dance instructor), and his daughter, Chantal.
