Gwen Verdon Biography: Songs, Age, Movies, TV Shows, Wiki, Parents, Siblings, Husband, Children

Gwen Verdon born Gwyneth Evelyn Verdon was an American actress, dancer, and singer.

Known for her dazzling performances on Broadway, she won four Tony Awards for her roles in musicals like Can-Can, Damn Yankees, New Girl in Town, and Redhead.

Profile

• Full Name: Gwyneth Evelyn Verdon
• Stage Name: Gwen Verdon
• Born: January 13, 1925
• Age: Passed away at 75 years old (Died on October 18, 2000)
• Birthplace: Culver City, California, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress, Dancer, Singer
• Height: 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m)
• Parent: Joseph William Verdon, Gertrude Lilian Standring Verdon
• Siblings: William Farrell Verdon
• Spouse: Bob Fosse
• Children: Nicole Fosse, Jim Henaghan
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $3 million

Early Life And Education

Gwen Verdon was born on January 13, 1925, in Culver City, California, United States. She was 75 years old at the time of her death. Her parents were Joseph William Verdon and Gertrude Lilian Standring Verdon. She had one brother named William Farrell Verdon.

Gwen was raised in a Christian home and was of white (British-American) ethnicity. As a child, she suffered from rickets, which led her mother to enroll her in dance classes to strengthen her legs. She attended Hamilton High School in Los Angeles and later studied at the Hollywood Professional School, focusing on acting and dance.

Career

Gwen Verdon‘s career began in the 1940s when she moved from Hollywood films to Broadway, where she became one of the most prominent musical theater stars. She gained recognition as a dancer and actress, quickly rising to fame for her outstanding performances in several hit Broadway musicals.

Verdon‘s collaboration with choreographer and director Bob Fosse became a defining aspect of her career, with notable works including Damn Yankees (1955), for which she won a Tony Award, and Sweet Charity (1966).

Her other major Broadway roles included Can-Can (1953), Redhead (1959), and New Girl in Town (1957), all of which showcased her incredible dance skills, comedic timing, and ability to captivate audiences. Gwen Verdon was known for her magnetic stage presence and became a symbol of elegance and versatility in musical theater.

In addition to her work on Broadway, Verdon appeared in several films, such as Damn Yankees (1958) and Cocoon (1985). Her television career also included guest roles in series like Magnum, P.I. and Touched by an Angel. Gwen Verdon‘s legacy in theater is cemented by her remarkable performances, which continue to influence Broadway dancers and choreographers today.

Awards and Nominations

• 4× Tony Awards (Best Actress in a Musical for Can-Can, Damn Yankees, New Girl in Town, and Redhead)
• Numerous nominations throughout her career, including for Chicago and other Broadway works
• Inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame

Personal Life

Gwen Verdon was married twice in her lifetime. Her first marriage was to James Henaghan, a fellow dancer, in 1942. They had one child together, Jim Henaghan, born during their marriage. However, the couple divorced in 1947.

Her second marriage was to the renowned choreographer and director Bob Fosse in 1960. Despite their separation in the 1970s, they never divorced and remained close until Fosse‘s death in 1987. They had one daughter, Nicole Fosse, born in 1963. Gwen Verdon stood at a height of 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m).

Filmography

Film:

• Damn Yankees (1958)
• Cocoon (1985)
• Marvin’s Room (1996)

Television:

• Magnum, P.I.
• Touched by an Angel

Stage (Broadway):

• Can-Can
• Damn Yankees
• New Girl in Town
• Redhead
• Sweet Charity
• Chicago

Net Worth

At the time of her death, Gwen Verdon had an estimated net worth of around $3 million. Her wealth primarily came from her successful career in Broadway theater, where she earned significant income from her starring roles in iconic musicals like Damn Yankees, Can-Can, Redhead, and Sweet Charity.

In addition to her Broadway earnings, she also made money from her work in films, including Damn Yankees (1958) and Cocoon (1985), as well as guest appearances on television shows like Magnum, P.I. and Touched by an Angel.

Verdon also benefited from royalties and residuals from her work on Broadway and in film.