Jack Mattis

Jack Mattis was born in New York City on January 10, 1921. As a young man he worked in four Broadway shows, one with Danny Kaye and one with Jackie Gleason. Gleason was doing a film in Hollywood and sent for Mr. Mattis to come to Los Angeles. Jack was later under contract to MGM, Warner Bros., and Paramount beginning in the late 1940’s. Later he moved on to choreography and to producing shows. He worked in film and stage acts with stars like, Judy Garland, Debbie Reynolds, Shirley MacLaine, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Dinah Shore, Ginger Rogers, Red Buttons, Eve Arden, Kay Thompson, Pearl Bailey, Sammy Davis Jr., Janet Blair, Ann Southern, Jayne Mansfield and more. Recently he worked on many television shows including Conan O’Brien. Jack was inducted into the Swing Dance “Hall of Fame” in 2008. To dancers all over the world he would say, “Keep on swinging, and I will swing right along with you.” Jack passed peacefully on, October 8. To the end he was, sharp, handsome and charming. He called himself, a boy-dancer. He was blessed to have a life and a career that he loved. Jack Mattis is survived by, his beloved Maria Diane. Also, a granddaughter, great-grandson, daughter, niece, nephews and great-nieces and great- nephews and his wonderful agents and friends, and his sister-in law, Millie. Services were held at Eden Memorial Park. May his memory be a blessing.