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Bob Fosse Headshot

Bob Fosse

Date of Death: September 23, 1987 (60)

Birth Place: Chicago, Illinois, USA

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BIO

Bob Fosse was an American actor, choreographer, dancer, and film and stage director. He directed and choreographed musical works on stage and screen, including the stage musicals The Pajama Game (1954), Damn Yankees (1955), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1961), Sweet Charity (1966), Pippin (1972), and Chicago (1975). He directed the films Sweet Charity (1969), Cabaret (1972), Lenny (1975), All That Jazz (1979), and Star 80 (1983).



Fosse's distinctive style of choreography included turned-in knees and "jazz hands". He is the only person ever to have won Oscar, Emmy, and Tony awards in the same year (1973). He was nominated for four Academy Awards, winning Best Director for Cabaret, and won the Palme D'Or in 1980 for All That Jazz. He won a record eight Tonys for his choreography, as well as one for direction for Pippin.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
City Center Revival, 1963
Joey Evans

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1952
Joey Evans (Understudy)

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1950
Boy in "Dance Me A Song"

Dufo

Adam

Harpo Marx

"Finale" Performer

"It's The Weather" Dancer

"It's The Weather" Singer

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2023]
Choreographer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 2000]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Director
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1986]
Director
Director/Choreographer
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1986]
Choreographer
Director
Director/Choreographer
 
[US Tour, 1986]
Director/Choreographer
 
[West End, 1983]
Director/Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1978]
Choreographer
Director/Choreographer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1975]
Choreographer
Director
Director/Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Director
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1972]
Director
Choreographer
Director/Choreographer
 
[West End, 1967]
Director/Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1966]
Choreographer
Director/Choreographer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1965]
Director/Choreographer
 
[West End, 1964]
Director
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1962]
Choreographer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1959]
Director/Choreographer
 
[US Tour, 1959]
Director/Choreographer
 
[West End, 1957]
Director/Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1957]
Choreographer
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1956]
Choreographer
Director/Choreographer
 
[West End, 1955]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1955]
Choreographer
 
[US Tour, 1955]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1954]
Choreographer

Writing

Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Conceiver

Awards and Nominations


winner
Olivier Awards - 2001 - Best Theatre Choreographer

Bob FosseFosse

Helen Hayes Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production

Bob FosseSweet Charity


winner
Drama League Awards - 1986 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre

Bob Fosse


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1986 - Best Choreography

Bob Fosse, Sweet Charity


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1986 - Best Choreography

Bob Fosse, Big Deal

Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Book of a Musical

Bob Fosse, Big Deal


winner
Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Choreography

Bob Fosse , Big Deal

Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Direction of a Musical

Bob Fosse, Big Deal

Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Direction of a Musical

Bob Fosse, Big Deal

Olivier Awards - 1979 - Musical of the Year

Bob Fosse, Chicago


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1978 - Outstanding Choreography

Bob Fosse, Dancin'


winner
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Choreography

Bob Fosse, Dancin'

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Direction of a Musical

Bob Fosse, Dancin'

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Book of a Musical

Bob Fosse, Chicago

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Choreography

Bob Fosse, Chicago

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Direction of a Musical

Bob Fosse, Chicago


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Director

Bob Fosse, Pippin


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1973 - Best Director

Bob Fosse, Pippin


winner
Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Choreography

Bob Fosse, Pippin


winner
Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Direction of a Musical

Bob Fosse , Pippin


winner
Tony Awards - 1966 - Best Choreography

Bob Fosse, Sweet Charity

Tony Awards - 1966 - Best Direction of a Musical

Bob Fosse, Sweet Charity

Tony Awards - 1964 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Bob Fosse, Pal Joey


winner
Tony Awards - 1963 - Best Choreography

Bob Fosse, Little Me

Tony Awards - 1963 - Best Direction of a Musical

Bob Fosse, Little Me


winner
Tony Awards - 1959 - Best Choreography

Bob Fosse, Redhead

Tony Awards - 1958 - Best Choreography

Bob Fosse, New Girl In Town

Tony Awards - 1957 - Best Choreography

Jerome Robbins , Bells Are Ringing


winner
Tony Awards - 1956 - Best Choreography

Bob Fosse, Damn Yankees


winner
Tony Awards - 1955 - Best Choreography

Bob Fosse, The Pajama Game

Videos

News


Review: PIPPIN at Garden Theatre

“Everything has it’s season, everything has it’s time..” So goes the lyrics of “Corner of the Sky”, one of the most well-known songs from Stephen Schwartz’ and Roger O. Hirson’s Tony award winning musical, PIPPIN. And it seems, that for the Garden Theatre’s latest production of this classic, now is the season and the time for a production of PIPPIN that not only brings this story to life for a new generation but does so in a new and inclusive way - incorporating deaf actors and American Sign Language (ASL) at the very heart of the show. I am pleased to say that this new approach works marvelously well – elevating the performance by adding elements that give new meaning to the story unfolding on stage and creating an evening of theatre that is magical, memorable, and unlike anything you are likely to have seen before.
Video: Robyn Hurder, Orfeh & Max Clayton do 'We Both Reached For The Gun' TikTok Trend

Watch Robyn Hurder, Orfeh and Max Clayton do 'We Both Reached For The Gun' TikTok trend backstage at Chicago!
Dance Narrative WHEN WE TOUCH To Be Presented This Weekend In Bryant Park

Reed Luplau and Jacob Yates announced their new dance musical WHEN WE TOUCH, featuring music and lyrics by recording artist LP. The production promises a fresh blend of dance and music.
Cast Set for Porchlight's 2024 ICONS Gala Celebrating Raúl Esparza

Porchlight Music Theatre has revealed the cast for its ICONS Gala Celebrating Raúl Esparza. Learn more about the event!
Rita Moreno, Ben Vereen, & More to Attend 2024 TCM Classic Cruise

EGOT-winner Rita Moreno, Tony Award-winner Ben Vereen, and stage and screen legend sisters Hayley and Juliet Mills are set to attend the TCM Classic Cruise, sailing October 26, 2024, from Fort Lauderdale to Cozumel and Disney Castaway Cay on the Disney Magic.
Centenary Stage Company's Young Performer's Workshop Now Accepting Applicants

Centenary Stage Company’s Young Performer’s Workshop will return this fall from September 14 through December 22. Learn how to apply.
The Hirschfeld Broadway Tarot Featuring The Art Of Al Hirschfeld Available Next Month

Discover THE HIRSCHFELD BROADWAY TAROT, a unique tarot deck inspired by Broadway and featuring the iconic art of Al Hirschfeld, available starting September 3. Learn more!
Orfeh Will Join the Broadway Cast of CHICAGO as 'Matron Mama Morton'

Tony nominee Orfeh will join the Broadway company of Chicago in the role of 'Matron Mama Morton' beginning next week! Her limited run will begin on Monday, August 26 at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St., NYC).
Q&A: EDINBURGH 2024: Zena Wood and Cené Hale on JAZZ ON THE RUN

BWW caught up with Zena Wood and Cené Hale about bringing Jazz on the Run to the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Review: GUYS AND DOLLS at Red Curtain Theatre

The dedicated and passionate members stands as a testament to the remarkable creativity and spirit that define our local theater scene. This group is amazing! 
Tickets to RIVERDANCE & CHICAGO at PPAC to go on Sale This Week

Tickets for RIVERDANCE 30 - THE NEW GENERATION and CHICAGO go on sale at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Learn more about the shows and see how to purchase tickets.
Review: MJ: THE MUSICAL at National Theatre

The myriad music, moods, and motifs of the “king of pop” (not to mention generic mastery of soul, rhythm and blues, funk, rock, disco, and dance-pop) Michael Jackson, are electrifyingly on display in the ingeniously cutting -edge musical MJ: The Musical now playing at the National Theatre. Not at all the expected “jukebox musical”, I was surprised to witness the finesse and craftsmanship of an extremely ambitious theatrical offering that was truly intelligent.
Jelani Remy to Host NEXTGEN SPOTLIGHT Benefiting BC/EFA

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ NextGen Advocates will present NextGen Spotlight, a benefit concert featuring the future of Broadway. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Ariana Madix Welcomes LOVE ISLAND Co-Stars To CHICAGO On Broadway

Tonight at Chicago on Broadway, Kaylor Martin, Serena Page, JaNa Craig and Olivia Walker visited their 'Love Island USA' host Ariana Madix, where she is currently starring as Roxie Hart through September 1st. Check out photos from their visit.
Review: CHICAGO at Adelaide Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre

The production has plenty of razzle-dazzle, and all that jazz.
VIDEO: First Look At Yes Theatre's Gender-Blind Production of CHICAGO

Get a first look at Yes Theatre in Sudbury, Ontario's production of Chicago - which features gender-blind casting in several roles. In this video, watch as Dora Award-nominee Arinea Hermans performs 'We Both Reached For The Gun' as Billy Flynn.
Review: CABARET at The Phoenix Theatre Company

The Phoenix Theatre Company’s production of CABARET, directed by Michael Barnard ~ outstanding and exemplifying excellence in theatre.
Raúl Esparza Is 2024 ICON Award Recipient At Porchlight Theatre

Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre has announced that multi-award winner and star of stage, screen and television Raúl Esparza is the 2024 ICON Award recipient.
Edinburgh University Footlights To Present PIPPIN At Paradise in Augustine's - The Sanctuary

Edinburgh University Footlights will present Pippin at Paradise in Augustine's - The Sanctuary.
Derek Hough's DANCE FOR THE HOLIDAYS Tour is Coming to Mesa Arts Center

Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays tour is coming to Mesa Arts Center. Learn how to purchase tickets.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Bob Fosse been in?

Bob Fosse has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Bob Fosse been in?

Bob Fosse has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Bob Fosse been nominated for?

Bob Fosse has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. He was nominated for Best Theatre Choreographer at the Olivier Awards for "Fosse". He received a nomination for Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for "Sweet Charity". Fosse also received the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre award at the Drama League Awards. At the Outer Critics Circle Awards, he was nominated for Best Choreography for both "Sweet Charity" and "Big Deal". Fosse was also nominated for Best Book of a Musical, Best Choreography, and Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Big Deal". For "Chicago", Fosse's work earned him the Musical of the Year award at the Olivier Awards. He was also nominated for Outstanding Choreography at the Drama Desk Awards and Best Choreography and Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Dancin'". Fosse received nominations for Best Book of a Musical, Best Choreography, and Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Chicago". He was nominated for Outstanding Director at the Drama Desk Awards and Best Director at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Pippin". Other nominations include Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Sweet Charity", Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Pal Joey", and Best Choreography and Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Little Me". Fosse's choreography was also recognized with nominations for Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Redhead", "New Girl In Town", "Bells Are Ringing", "Damn Yankees", and "The Pajama Game".

What awards has Bob Fosse won?

Bob Fosse, the renowned choreographer and director, has received numerous awards throughout his career. Some of his notable accolades include the Best Theatre Choreographer at the Olivier Awards for "Fosse," the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre at the Drama League Awards, and the Best Choreography at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Big Deal" and "Sweet Charity." Fosse also won the Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Big Deal," "Dancin'," "Pippin," "Sweet Charity," "Little Me," "Redhead," "Damn Yankees," and "The Pajama Game." In addition to his choreography awards, Fosse was recognized as the Outstanding Director at the Drama Desk Awards for "Pippin" and received the Best Director at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same production. He also won the Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Pippin."

How many shows has Bob Fosse written?

Bob Fosse has written 3 shows including Sweet Charity (Conceiver), Chicago (Bookwriter), Big Deal (Bookwriter).

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