Bob Fosse

Born

Jun 23, 1927

Born in the North Side of Chicago. Youngest son of Cyril and Sadie Fosse. They encouraged his dancing at an early age, thinking he would become the next Fred Astaire. Often bullied in school because of his dancing.

The Inspiration

Mar 9, 1942

By the age of fifteen, Fosse began working in burlesque clubs as an emcee. He later spoke about finding inspiration there. He was fascinated by the sleek, sexy movements of burlesque dancers.

Military

Mar 9, 1945

Bob Fosse enlists in the military at the age of 18. The war ends shortly after Fosse enlists. Fosse completed his two year commitment as an entertainer in Okinawa, Japan.

New York ,New York

Jan 1, 1946

Fosse moves to New York to chase his Broadway dream. He danced in a dance company with future wife Mary Ann Niles.

Married Mary Ann Niles

Jan 1, 1949

Married in 1949.

First Broadway Debut

Jan 20, 1950

Debuted in Dance Me A Song on Broadway.

Understudy and Divorce

Jan 1, 1952

Understudied Harold Lang in My Pal Joey and divorced Mary Ann Niles.

Kiss Me Kate

Nov 26, 1953

Fosse signs contract with MGM and moves to Hollywood. He was later featured in the flim Kiss Me Kate. Which caught the attention of Broadway directors George Abbott and Jerome Robbins.

The Pajama Game

May 13, 1954

Returned to New York to choreograph The Pajama Game with director George Abbott, that won him the Tony Award. Married his new wife Joan McCracken.

Damn Yankees

May 5, 1955

Choreographed Damn Yankees which earned him is second Tony Award, meeting Gwen Verdon for the first time.

Bells are Ringing

Nov 29, 1956

Fosse choreographs Bells are Ringing with director Jerome Robbins, earning a Tony nomination.

Redhead

Feb 5, 1959

Fosse discovered he wanted to be his own director and choreographer. Fosse and Gwen Verdon worked on the musical Redhead which won 5 Tonys.

Little Me

Nov 17, 1962

Choreographed and co-directed Little Me winning him a Tony.

Sweet Charity

Apr 1, 1966

Bob Fosse directs Sweet Charity on Broadway. Surprise! Another Tony award.

Sweet Charity the Film

Apr 1, 1969

Fosse brings Sweet Charity to the big screen.

Cabaret Film

Feb 13, 1972

Fosse brought Cabaret for the big screen with Liza Minnelli as the leading lady. Cabaret got two Academy Awards.

Pippin

Nov 1, 1972

Fosse directed and choreographed Pippin. Here it comes...another Tony award.

Chicago

Jun 3, 1975

Bob Fosse directs and choreographs Chicago bringing Gwen Verdon back to Broadway. That same year, Fosse had a heartattack and had bypass surgery.

Dancin'

Jan 1, 1978

Choreographed and directed Dancin' in 1978. Won him Tony number 7.

All That Jazz

Dec 20, 1979

Fosse directs film autobiography of himself and his career. He earned his third Oscar nomination for All That Jazz. At this time, Fosse is separated from wife Gwen Verdon.

Big Deal

Apr 10, 1986

Fosse's last Broadway musical before his death. Won his 8th Tony Award.

Death of a Visionary

Nov 23, 1987

While working on a Sweet Charity revival for the National Theatre in Washington D.C. with Gwen Verdon. Fosse collapses in Verdon's arms. He died of a heart attack on the way to the hospital.