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 The Pajama Game (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 Damn Yankees (1955) and Sweet Charity (1966)
both starring his wife, Gwen Verdon (1925
2000)
as well as Pippin (1973) and Dancin' (1978). He directed the film musical Cabaret (1972, Academy Award); his film All That Jazz (1979) was a thinly disguised autobiography.