Gwen Verdon

Date of Birth: January 13, 1925

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: October 18, 2000

Biography

Gwen Verdon was an iconic American dancer and actress, celebrated for her vibrant performances in musical theater. Born in Culver City, California, she began dancing at a young age, overcoming a childhood bout with rickets. She became a Broadway sensation, earning four Tony Awards for her roles in shows such as “Can-Can,” “Damn Yankees,” “New Girl in Town,” and “Redhead.” Verdon was also well-known for her partnership, both professional and personal, with choreographer Bob Fosse. Their collaborations redefined Broadway, particularly with shows like “Sweet Charity” and “Chicago.” Verdon’s career extended to film and television, where she maintained a presence well into her later years. Her influence on dance and musical theater remains profound, marked by her extraordinary talent, expressive performances, and contributions to the art form.

5 Interesting Facts about Gwen Verdon

1. Gwen Verdon won four Tony Awards throughout her career.

2. She was married to choreographer Bob Fosse, and they had a daughter named Nicole.

3. Verdon overcame rickets as a child, which initially left her with bowed legs.

4. She made her Broadway debut in the 1950 show “Alive and Kicking.”

5. Verdon served as a consultant for the 1999 film adaptation of “Chicago.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gwen Verdon

1. “You have to love dancing to stick to it. It gives you nothing back, no manuscripts to store away, no paintings to show on walls and maybe hang in museums, no poems to be printed and sold, nothing but that single fleeting moment when you feel alive.”

2. “In the theater, you’re safe. You’re not going to get mugged or shot.”

3. “I was always in the right place at the right time, always willing to take a chance.”

4. “I never wanted to just do the same old thing.”

5. “The theater is where I feel most alive and most at home.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of her career, Gwen Verdon’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million.

Children

Gwen Verdon had one child, a daughter named Nicole Fosse, born on March 3, 1963. Nicole followed in her parents’ footsteps to pursue a career in dance and acting.