Bob Fosse

Date of Birth: June 23, 1927

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: September 23, 1987

Biography

Bob Fosse, born Robert Louis Fosse, was an American dancer, musical theatre choreographer, director, and film director. Born on June 23, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois, Fosse was the fifth of six children. He began dancing at a young age and quickly demonstrated a flair for performance. Fosse’s unique style of choreography, characterized by its jazz hands, turned-in knees, and sensual movements, revolutionized musical theatre and dance. After serving in the Navy during World War II, Fosse moved to New York City and started his Broadway career. His breakout moment came with the Broadway musical “The Pajama Game” in 1954, which won him his first Tony Award for Best Choreography. Fosse went on to achieve critical acclaim with works such as “Damn Yankees,” “Sweet Charity,” “Pippin,” and “Chicago.” Fosse’s directorial prowess extended beyond the stage to film, where he directed the Academy Award-winning movie “Cabaret” (1972), and his semi-autobiographical film “All That Jazz” (1979). Throughout his career, Fosse won nine Tony Awards and an Academy Award for Best Director, making him one of the most celebrated figures in American musical theatre. Fosse’s personal life was marked by tumultuous relationships and health problems. He was married three times, most notably to dancer and actress Gwen Verdon, with whom he had a daughter, Nicole Fosse. Bob Fosse passed away on September 23, 1987, from a heart attack in Washington, D.C.

5 Interesting Facts about Bob Fosse

1. Bob Fosse won nine Tony Awards, more than any other choreographer in history.

2. He was the first person to win an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and an Emmy Award in the same year (1973).

3. Fosse’s signature dance style included jazz hands, turned-in knees, and rolled shoulders.

4. The semi-autobiographical film “All That Jazz” was based on Fosse’s own life and career.

5. He was known for his demanding and perfectionist nature, often pushing his dancers to their limits.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bob Fosse

1. “The time to sing is when your emotional level is too high to just speak anymore.”

2. “Dance expresses joy better than anything else.”

3. “I thank God that I wasn’t born perfect.”

4. “Live like you’ll die tomorrow, work like you don’t need the money, and dance like nobody’s watching.”

5. “Choreography is writing on your feet.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Bob Fosse’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Bob Fosse had one daughter, Nicole Fosse, with his third wife, Gwen Verdon. Nicole followed in her parents’ footsteps and became a dancer, actress, and producer.