Bob Fosse

Bob Fosse (1927 - 1987) was a choreographer, dancer, director, screenwriter, and actor. He was born in Chicago, Illinois. His parents noticed his talent early and supported him by enrolling him in dance classes, where he particularly enjoyed tap.

Although Fosse dealt  with consistent health problems, he progressed quickly and  first performed professionally at the age of 13, primarily at vaudeville and burlesque clubs. This early exposure to sexually mature themes would influence his later work. He earned his first credit as a choreographer at 15 for his choreography of a dance number for the film Hold Evry'thing! A Streamlined Extravaganza in Two Parts.

In 1945, after his high school graduation, Fosse joined the U.S. Navy and served in an entertainment unit. In 1947, he moved to New York City and enrolled in acting classes at the American Theater Wing. There, he met his first wife, Mary-Ann Niles, who was also his dance partner. The two appeared on stage together in Call Me Mister and also as regulars on the TV show Your Hit Parade. They divorced in 1951. Fosse gained a lot of attention from Broadway producers when he played a part and choreographed a short dance for the movie Kiss Me Kate.

In 1954, he choreographed the “The Pajama Game” and won his first Tony Award. The following year, he choreographed Damn Yankees. This production is where he met Gwen Verdon, who would become his third wife and his creative partner. They would remain married until his death, although Fosse’s affairs would lead to their separation in 1971.

Fosse, kneeling, rehearsing Dancin’, 1978/Image by Martha Swope via the New York Public Library Digital Collections

Fosse went on to choreograph and direct several successful musicals and films, such as Pippin, Chicago, and All That Jazz. In 1972, Fosse directed the film Cabaret, which won eight Academy Awards, including one for Best Director. In 1973, he made history as the first director to win Oscar, Emmy and Tony awards in the same year. During his career, he would win a total eight Tony Awards for his choreography.

Fosse rehearsing Dancin’ with Sandahl Bergman, 1978/Image by Martha Swope via the New York Public Library Digital Collections

Bob Fosse’s style was influenced by vaudeville and burlesque, and is recognizable by the use of turned-in knees, hunched shoulders, and jazz hands, as well as props. According to some sources, his frequent use of hats and gloves were due to his insecurities over his hairline and the appearance of his hands. These two props became part of his signature style.

Sources:

“Bob Fosse.” In Wikipedia, March 6, 2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bob_Fosse&oldid=1143206781.

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Arthur Mitchell." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Arthur-Mitchell.