Gwenyth Evelyn “Gwen” Verdon (January 13, 1925 – October 18, 2000) was an American actress and dancer who won 4 Tony Awards for her musical comedy performances. With flaming red hair and an endearing quaver in her voice, Verdon was considered the best dancer on Broadway in the 1950s and 1960s. She is also strongly identified with her husband, director/choreographer Bob Fosse, both as the dancer/collaborator/muse upon whom he choreographed much of...
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Gwenyth Evelyn “Gwen” Verdon (January 13, 1925 – October 18, 2000) was an American actress and dancer who won 4 Tony Awards for her musical comedy performances. With flaming red hair and an endearing quaver in her voice, Verdon was considered the best dancer on Broadway in the 1950s and 1960s. She is also strongly identified with her husband, director/choreographer Bob Fosse, both as the dancer/collaborator/muse upon whom he choreographed much of his work and as guardian of the Fosse legacy after his death.
Verdon was born in Culver City, California, the second child of Gertrude Lilian (née Standring; October 24, 1896-October 16, 1956) and Joseph William Verdon (December 31, 1896-June 23, 1978), who were British immigrants to the United States by way of Canada. Her brother was William Farrell Verdon (August 1, 1923-June 10, 1991). The Verdon family could be described as "showpeople." Her father was an electrician at MGM Studios, and her mother was a former vaudevillian of the...
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