-
Birth
Born on the North side of Chicago Illinois into an extremely musical family, with a Vaudevillian background. Spent childhood immersed in dance and performing. -
Period: to
Childhood and Teen Years
Took an usually eager interest in dance, parents enrolled him in formal classes at a young age. All throughout his childhood excelled at performing and dance. By early teens, was performing at local nightclubs in downtown Chicago. -
The Riff Brothers
By the age of 10, teamed up with fellow dancer Charles Grass, began a collaborative act called "The Riff Brothers". Throughout his teen years, he led a double life. By day was studious student, and by night performed in vaudeville joints and nightclubs all around Chicago. -
Soldier Boy
Enlisted in the army immediately after graduating high school, was assigned to an entertainment unit. -
End of the War
In the midst of Bootcamp, WWII ended. Was not discharged until 1947, and when he finally was, he moved to New York to embark on his performance career. -
Broadway Debut
After studying acting at the American Theatre Wing, and dancing in a duo with his first wife Mary Ann Niles, Fosse made his Broadway debut in the ensemble of the show "Dance Me a Song". -
Period: to
Television Debut
In addition to performing on the stage, Fosse appeared in various television and film credits. His big-screen debut was in movie-musicals such as Kiss Me Kate, Give a Girl a Break, and The Affairs of Dobie Gillis. -
The Pajama Game
Returned after several years of touring and performing. Teamed up with George Abbott and Jerome Robbins to choreograph the original Broadway run. -
Period: to
Damn Yankees
After winning his first Tony award for choreography, Fosse returned to work with Abbott on another project, which earned him a second Tony for his spectacular choreography and unique style. -
Period: to
Director
Due to the fact of his huge success, and was facing opposition of others in the business, Fosse decided to take on a directing role in addition to choreographing. This was in order to maintain his own artistic vision. Directed his first Broadway production of Redhead, a murder mystery set in late 1800s London. Won his third Tony for choreography. -
Family
While choreographing Damn Yankees, he met and worked with the star Gwen Verdon, who would be his third wife. The two tied the knot in 1960, and soon had their first child, Nicole Fosse. -
Period: to
On a Roll
Received subsequent Tony awards for his unique choreography in successful productions such as Little Me (1962-1963), and Sweet Charity (1966-1967). -
Box Office Attempts
In addition to choreographing Little Me and Sweet Charity, Fosse co-directed the film adaptations to both musicals. Sweet Charity was released in 1969, and turned out to be a box-office disappointment, people giving very mixed reviews on his stylistic choices. -
1972
The same year as Cabaret was released, Fosse teamed up with Liza Minnelli to produce TV Special "Liza With a Z", and earned 2 Emmys for direction and choreography. In addition to this, the Broadway musical "Pippin" also opened. -
Cabaret
Monumental turn for Fosse's career. Helped to transform Kander and Ebb's staged version into a movie adaptation. Featured a plethora of show stopping numbers with Fosse's spectacular choreography, which was peppered with suggestive adult material, dramatic and isolated body movements. Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey starred in the movie and both won Oscars from it. The movie also swung 8 Academy awards, including Best Directing for Fosse. -
1973
Fosse became the first person to earn a Tony, Emmy, and an Oscar all in one year. -
Chicago
After a few years away from the stage, Fosse decided to return. From 1975-77 he cowrote, directed and choreographed the wildly popular musical Chicago with Fred Ebb. Before rehearsals started, he survived a heart attack and suffered all through them. -
All That Jazz
After an open heart surgery, Fosse started working on his autobiographical film "All That Jazz". Filled with unique dance numbers and a bold script, but also included a dark underlying tone in which Fosse bared his morbid soul. It drew a ton of positive attention, including 9 Academy Award and several Oscar Nominations. -
Last Picture
Fosse's last film was "Star 80", a poignant yet disturbing story of a former Playboy model whom is murdered by her husband. It outlines the ugliness of celebrity lifestyles and life in the spotlight. Received positive reviews despite the gritty nature. -
Final Remake
Although he officially retired his career in film, he still went on to direct and choreograph in the theatre. In 1986 he debuted his last Broadway musical "Big Deal", based off of the 1958 Italian spoof "Big Deal on Madonna Street". Won his Ninth and final Tony Award for Choreography. -
Last Stand
Fosse was involved with the 1986 revival of "Sweet Charity", in which the production was moved to Washington D.C. -
Death
On opening night of Sweet Charity in Washington D.C., Fosse suffered a fatal heart attack outside of the Willard Hotel, and died before he reached a hospital. Even though his death signified his absence from here, his legacy and influence is still present to this day on modern arts, musical theatre, and dance.
