During the two days it took to film the iconic Singin’ in the Rain number from the 1952 musical film of the same name, Gene Kelly had a fever of 103°F (39°C).

When you’re the actor, director, and choreographer, to call in sick is to shut down production. For Gene, this wasn’t an option.

Had the story of his illness never been told, no one would have known; the performance is impeccable. Fully soaked, he sings and dances as if in perfect health.

Self-sacrifice isn’t a sustainable creative practice, but it’s an occasional need. And the world is filled with important art that only exists because of artists who have pushed through adversity for the sake of the work.