Florenz Ziegfeld

Date of Birth: March 21, 1867

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: July 22, 1932

Biography

Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. was an influential American Broadway impresario and producer, best known for his series of theatrical revues, the Ziegfeld Follies, which were a spectacular blend of song, dance, and comedy. Born on March 21, 1867, in Chicago, Illinois, Ziegfeld was introduced to the world of entertainment at an early age through his father, who was a classical music conductor and educator. He began his career by promoting strongman Eugen Sandow, and eventually became one of the most iconic figures in the American theater industry. Ziegfeld’s crowning achievement, the Ziegfeld Follies, debuted in 1907 and continued annually until 1931. These lavish productions showcased the talent of numerous performers and introduced many future stars to the world. He also produced several successful Broadway shows, including “Show Boat,” which remains a classic to this day. Ziegfeld’s productions were known for their grandeur, elaborate costumes, and beautiful showgirls, who came to be known as Ziegfeld Girls. Despite facing financial difficulties and personal setbacks, Ziegfeld’s legacy in the world of theater is unparalleled. He married actress Billie Burke, best known for her role as Glinda the Good Witch in “The Wizard of Oz,” and they had one daughter together. Florenz Ziegfeld passed away on July 22, 1932, in Hollywood, California, but his influence on American entertainment continues to be felt.

5 Interesting Facts about Florenz Ziegfeld

1. Florenz Ziegfeld was known as the “Glorifier of the American Girl” due to his emphasis on showcasing beautiful women in his productions.

2. The Ziegfeld Follies were inspired by the Folies Bergère of Paris and set the standard for American musical revues.

3. Ziegfeld was posthumously inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1972.

4. He produced the groundbreaking musical “Show Boat” in 1927, which addressed serious social issues and is considered one of the greatest musicals of all time.

5. Florenz Ziegfeld was a master of publicity stunts, often using sensational and sometimes controversial methods to promote his shows.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Florenz Ziegfeld

1. “Beauty is a thing of might and dread. Like the tempest she shakes the earth beneath us and the sky above us.”

2. “The public is always right.”

3. “I don’t have a damn bit of talent, but I know it when I see it.”

4. “Too much champagne is just right.”

5. “A pretty girl is like a melody that haunts you night and day.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Florenz Ziegfeld’s net worth was estimated to be around $4 million, a significant sum at the time, equivalent to approximately $75 million today.

Children

Florenz Ziegfeld had one daughter, Patricia Ziegfeld Stephenson, born on October 23, 1916, with his wife Billie Burke. Patricia later wrote a memoir about her parents, providing an intimate look into the lives of Ziegfeld and Burke.