Fosse, Bob

orig. Robert Louis Fosse

(born June 23, 1927, Chicago, Ill., U.S.—died Sept. 23, 1987, Washington, D.C.) U.S. theatre and film choreographer and director. Born into a vaudeville family, Fosse began dancing professionally at age 13. He won his first Tony Award for choreographing the Broadway musical (1954) and went on to win six more Tonys for his choreography, which was known for its sensuality, precision, and jazz sensibility. His later hit shows included (1955) and (1966)—both starring his wife, Gwen Verdon (1925—2000)—as well as (1973) and (1978). He directed the film musical (1972, Academy Award); his film (1979) was a thinly disguised autobiography.

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