Online Encyclopedia
Bob Fosse
Bob Fosse (June 23, 1927 - September 23, 1987) is known as one of musical theater's greatest choreographers and directors. He was born in Chicago, Illinois as Robert Louis Fosse which he shortened to Bob Fosse for his professional work. .
He began his career as a dancer, appearing in such films as Give A Girl A Break and Kiss Me, Kate, both published in 1953. One year later he worked as a choreographer in his first two Broadway shows, "The Pajama Game" (1954) and "Damn Yankees" (1955). He also choreographed some other shows:
- New Girl in Town (1957)
- Redhead (1959) (director and choreographer)
- How to Succeed in Business Really Trying (1961)
- Little Me (1962) (director and choreographer)
- Sweet Charity (1966)(director and choreographer)
- Pippin (1972)(director and choreographer)
- Chicago (1975)(director and choreographer)
- Dancin' (1977)(director and choreographer)
and some films:
- Cabaret (1972)
- Lenny (1974)
- The Little Prince (1974)
- All That Jazz (1979)
- Star 80 (1983)
1986 he directed and choreographed the Broadway production "Big Deal", which he also wrote.
Fosse earned many awards for his works. Among them were a Tony Award for Pippin, the Academy Award for Directing for Cabaret and an Emmy Award for "Liza with a Z ". He was the first person to win these three most important awards in the same year.
Bob Fosse was married to the dancer Gwen Verdon, having one daughter, Nicole Fosse, who is also a dancer like her parents.