Bob Fosse

A multidimensional artist known for his contributions to theater and cinema as a director, dancer, choreographer, and actor, Robert Louis Fosse was born in Chicago, Illinois, on June 23, 1927, and died in Washington, DC, on September 23, 1987.

Fosse's inventive and spectacular staging, which emphasized thrilling dance routines above all else, was the most striking example of his creative talent. His career in entertainment started early, when he studied tap, ballet, and acrobatic dance and appeared in burlesque shows with the Riff Brothers pair.

Following a brief tour of duty in the United States Navy, Fosse relocated to New York, where he enrolled in the American Theatre Wing's acting program and began a career spanning Broadway, shows, and Hollywood.

Undoubtedly, his big break came in 1954 when he was brought on as the choreographer for the popular musical "The Pajama Game." A pivotal collaboration in Fosse's career was his work with Gwen Verdon, whom he married in 1960. Together, they created a number of popular Broadway shows, including "Redhead," "Sweet Charity," and "Chicago."

Fosse had a significant influence in Hollywood with movies like "Sweet Charity" and the highly praised "Cabaret," which won him eight Academy Awards despite his initial success on Broadway.

Fosse persevered in showcasing his talent in spite of obstacles, such as the unfavorable reaction to "Sweet Charity," directing movies such as "Lenny" and "All That Jazz," the last of which is seen by many as a semiautobiographical examination of life and death.

Fosse died in 1987, shortly before "Sweet Charity" was given a revival. She left behind a legacy of innovative choreography and unmatched contributions to the dance and entertainment industries.

Revivals of his pieces, such as the widely acclaimed "Chicago" in 1996-1997 and the Broadway retrospective "Fosse" in 1999, helped to ensure his influence. The long legacy of Fosse in the performing arts is a monument to his remarkable wit, energy, and the ageless appeal of his dance pieces.

Early Life

Bob Fosse, also recognized as Robert Louis, came into the world on June 23, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois. As the youngest among six siblings, Fosse's early years were immersed in the vibrant realms of theater and dance.

His artistic journey took a significant turn at the age of thirteen when he teamed up with Charles Grass, another young dancer. Together, this talented pair embarked on a journey through Chicago's theaters, captivating audiences under the moniker "The Riff Brothers."

A pivotal moment in Fosse's youth occurred when, after a few years, he secured a contract to perform in the touring production of "Tough Situation." This production took them to various military and naval installations, offering a unique platform for Fosse to refine and enhance his burgeoning performing skills.

According to Fosse himself, this experience played a crucial role in the development of his abilities on stage. These early chapters in Fosse's life, from his partnership with "The Riff Brothers" to his participation in the touring production, laid the groundwork for a remarkable career that would span dance, choreography, and directing.

Fosse's formative years not only exposed him to the intricacies of performance but also sowed the seeds for the extraordinary talent that would later define his contributions to the world of entertainment.

Career As a Dancer

After dedicating years to refining his acting skills through rigorous training, Fosse decided to venture into Hollywood. He graced the screen in several films such as "Kiss Me Kate," "The Affairs of Dobie Gillis," and "Give A Girl A Break." Regrettably, his acting career faced an abrupt halt due to premature baldness.

Undeterred by this setback, Fosse channelled his abilities into the realm of choreography. His breakthrough moment materialized in 1954 when he skilfully choreographed "The Pajama Game." Despite the impediment in his acting journey, Fosse discovered a renewed path within the domain of dance.

Fueled by an unyielding passion, Fosse did not halt his artistic evolution; instead, he transitioned into directing. A noteworthy milestone in this new chapter was his directorial role in the acclaimed film "Cabaret," which clinched eight Academy Awards.

This triumph marked the inception of a directorial career that encompassed the impactful film "All That Jazz." This latter endeavor garnered Fosse four Academy Awards, including a nomination for his third Oscar. In the face of challenges, Fosse's trajectory from actor to choreographer to director not only exemplified his resilience but also underscored his monumental contributions to the realm of entertainment.

Dance Style

Fosse's distinctive jazz dance style stood out for its unique, alluring, and immediately identifiable features. Growing up amidst the vibrant atmosphere of cabaret nightclubs, Fosse's individualistic style inherently carried a touch of sensuality.

His trademark dance moves, including rolling shoulders, sideways shuffling, and turned-in knees, contributed to the distinct and captivating nature of his choreography. Through his independent approach, Fosse carved a niche for himself in the realm of jazz dance, infusing his technique with a sensual allure that set him apart within the dance scene.

Awards and Achievements

Throughout his remarkable life, Fosse received numerous accolades, notably securing eight Tony Awards for choreography and an additional one for directing.

His directorial prowess in "Cabaret" earned him an Academy Award, coupled with three nominations. Further adding to his illustrious collection, Fosse clinched an Emmy for <"Liza with a 'Z'" and Tony Awards for both "Pippin" and "Sweet Charity."

The year 1973 marked a historic milestone for Fosse, as he became the first individual to attain all three prestigious trophies-Tony, Emmy, and Academy Award-in a single year. Unfortunately, on September 23, 1987, at the age of 60, Fosse passed away just moments before the revival of "Sweet Charity" commenced.

The cinematic tribute "All That Jazz" not only chronicles his life but also pays homage to his significant contributions to the genre of jazz dance.

Later Work

Following heart surgery, Fosse directed the autobiographical film "All That Jazz" (1979), starring Roy Scheider as an ambitious director and choreographer. Despite Fosse's protracted and difficult death hallucinations, the film garnered praise for its noteworthy dance moves and gripping narrative.

Along with Robert Alan Aurthur, Fosse garnered nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. He was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director.

"Star 80" (1983), his last film as director, was a biopic of Dorothy Stratten, a Playboy model, and her sad death at the hands of her envious husband after a liaison with director Peter Bogdanovich.

Although there was disagreement among critics on the choice of actors, the movie was praised for its realistic portrayal of the dark side of fame-seeking. Fosse continued to be involved in the theater even though he did not direct another major picture. His musical "Big Deal," which took place in 1930s Chicago, which he wrote, directed, and choreographed, won him his ninth and last Tony Award for choreography in 1986.

Sadly, on the first night of a 1987 Broadway production of "Sweet Charity" in Washington, D.C., Fosse tragically passed away from a heart attack.

Timeline

• 1927- Robert Louis Fosse, better known as Bob Fosse, was born in Chicago, Illinois, on June 23, 1927.
• 1945- After 1945, he and his then-wife Mary Ann Niles started a tap and ballet dance duo that performed in theater musicals and nightclubs.
• 1955- won seven Tony Awards from a total of fifteen nominations, trailing the record-holder Gower Champion by just one victory. Fosse's accomplishments include winning Best Choreographer for "The Pajama Game" in 1955, Best Director (Musical) for "Damn Yankees!" in 1956, "Redhead" in 1959, "Little Me" in 1963, "Sweet Charity" in 1966, and "Pippin" in 1973.Other Tony nominations he received were for Best Choreographer (1957, with Jerome Robbins for "Bells Are Ringing"); Best Director (1963, with Cy Feuer for "Little Me"; 1966 for "Sweet Charity"; and 1976 for "Chicago"); Best Actor (1964) for a City Center revival of "Pal Joey"; and Best Book (1976, with Fred Ebb for "Chicago"
• 1970- kept his marriage to Gwen Verdon intact until his death, although they separated in the 1970s. He had intimate relationships with Jessica Lange and Ann Reinking in the interim.
• 1971- He was still close to Gwen Verdon, and they kept working together even after they split up in 1971. In the end, Verdon and his inspiration, Ann Reinking, would become close friends.
• 1972- His roles in Lenny (1974), All That Jazz (1979), and Cabaret (1972) have made him well-known. He was wed to Gwen Verdon, Mary Ann Niles, and Joan McCracken.
• 1973- was honored with three 1973 Emmy Awards for her work producing, directing, and choreographing the Liza Minnelli-starring television special Liza with a Z (1972).
• 1979- inducted in 1979 into the Theater Hall of Fame of the United States.
• 1998- His Majesty Theatre in Los Angeles, California's "Chicago," won the 1998 Back Stage Garland Award for Best Production.
• 2001- In 2000, he and Ann Reinking won the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Theatre Choreographer for their work on "Fosse" at the Prince of Wales Theatre.
• 2012- Featured on one of four USA "forever" commemorative postage stamps (issued July 28, 2012) recognizing Innovative Choreographers. Katherine Dunham, José Limon, and Isadora Duncan were among the others recognized in this issue. The cost was 45¢ on the day of issuance.
• 2014- Surrounded by the J.W. Marriott Hotel, Fosse passed away from a heart attack on 14th Street N.W. in Washington, D.C. He was on his way to direct one of his theater plays at the National Theater, which was a block away from the Willard Hotel across the street.
• 2019- Sam Rockwell played him in the F.X. original series "Fosse/Verdon" that debuted in 2019.

Interesting Facts About Bob Fosse

• When Fosse was just eight years old, he started taking dancing lessons. By the time he was twelve, his extraordinary talent had made him a member of the touring group Riff Brothers. His remarkable career in dance and choreography began with this early start.
• A unique fusion of angular motions and sensuality characterizes Fosse's choreography. His inventiveness went beyond the norm, as evidenced by the routines he created using chairs, canes, and bowler hats as props. His innovative methods distinguished him in the dance community and had a long-lasting influence on choreography's visual language.
• In 1959, Fosse made the move into directing as a result of his unwavering dedication to his artistic vision. This gave him more control over his work when he was asked to lessen the intensity of his work. This change represented a turning point in his career as he aimed for creative narrative autonomy.
• Fosse married three times in his lifetime, all to women who were involved in the dance industry. This personal element of his life entwined itself with his career, impacting his creative alliances and adding depth to his artistic collaborations.
• He never sought a divorce from his third wife, Gwen Verdon, despite their 15-year separation. Their continued integration of their personal and professional lives demonstrated an exceptional and long-lasting bond that overcame the difficulties of being apart. Their long-term partnership demonstrated their mutual dedication to artistic brilliance.
• Fosse used his personal heart attack experience as a catalyst for change while creating the semiautobiographical musical "All That Jazz." His work, which tackled issues of life and mortality, won him the coveted Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, demonstrating the significant impact of his personal life on his artistic output.
• The influence of Fosse extended beyond his life, as evidenced by the 1999 Broadway revue appropriately named "Fosse." Fosse's enduring impact on the theater and dance industries was cemented with this production, which featured his well-known dance routines and won a Tony Award for Best Musical.

Conclusion

The legacy of Bob Fosse in the realm of entertainment is a rich tapestry woven with creativity, perseverance, and artistic brilliance. From his early days as a budding dancer in Chicago to his multifaceted roles in directing, choreography, and acting, Fosse's journey has left an enduring imprint on the performing arts.

Fosse's innovative and dazzling stage productions, featuring captivating dance sequences, showcased his distinctive jazz dance style-elegant, alluring, and easily identifiable. Influenced by his formative experiences in cabaret nightclubs, his dance style, characterized by turned-in knees, sideways shuffling, and rolled shoulders, carried a natural sensuality.

Transitioning from Hollywood actor to renowned choreographer, Fosse reached new heights with his choreography for "The Pajama Game" in 1954. His collaborative efforts with Gwen Verdon, his third wife, resulted in Broadway successes like "Redhead," "Sweet Charity," and "Chicago," illustrating a remarkable artistic synergy that endured despite a 15-year separation.

In the Hollywood realm, Fosse's directorial ventures, especially "Cabaret" and "All That Jazz," garnered critical acclaim and numerous Academy Awards. The latter, a semiautobiographical exploration of life and mortality, demonstrated Fosse's ability to draw from personal experiences to craft impactful art.

Fosse's extensive accolades, including eight Tony Awards and an Emmy, underscore his mastery of choreography and direction. His influence transcends his lifetime, evident in the revivals of productions like "Chicago" and the Broadway retrospective "Fosse," which pay homage to his iconic dance sequences.

Even after his passing in 1987, Fosse's legacy endures through documentaries, revues, and the ongoing appreciation of his contributions to the performing arts. The life and work of Bob Fosse remain a perennial source of inspiration, a testament to the enduring charm of his dance compositions, and a celebration of his extraordinary wit and vitality in shaping the landscape of theater and dance.