Gwen Verdon
Date of Death: October 17, 2000 (75)
Birth Place: Culver City, CA, USA
Latest News on Gwen Verdon:
Javier Muñoz and Paige Davis Join CHICAGO 50th Anniversary Concert at 54 Below (Jun 11, 2025)
Tracie Thoms, Jenn Colella and More to Perform at 54 Below in June (May 30, 2025)
Stephanie Pope Will Bring LIVIN' IT UP! to 54 Below (May 25, 2025)
Javier Muñoz and Paige Davis Join CHICAGO 50th Anniversary Concert at 54 Below (Jun 11, 2025)
Tracie Thoms, Jenn Colella and More to Perform at 54 Below in June (May 30, 2025)
Stephanie Pope Will Bring LIVIN' IT UP! to 54 Below (May 25, 2025)
BIO
Gwen Verdon was an American dancer and actress of stage and screen. While she originated many roles in musicals, she is also strongly identified with her second husband, director–choreographer Bob Fosse, remembered as the muse/collaborator for whom he choreographed much of his work.
Verdon starred in the original productions of Chicago (1975), Sweet Charity (1966), Damn Yankees (1956), and Can-Can (1953). Films include Marvin's Room (1966), Cocoon (1985), and Damn Yankees (1958). Verdon won 4 Tony Awards throughout her lifetime and was nominated for 2 others.
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Charity Hope Valentine
Charity
Charity Hope Valentine
Charity
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1950
Abou's Wife
"Cole Scuttle Blues" Dancer
"Propinquity" Dancer
"One Two Three" Dancer
"Love It Hurts So Good" Dancer
"I Didn't Want Him" Dancer
Abou's Wife
"Cole Scuttle Blues" Dancer
"Propinquity" Dancer
"One Two Three" Dancer
"Love It Hurts So Good" Dancer
"I Didn't Want Him" Dancer
Productions
Movies
The Mississippi Gambler
[ 1953 ] choreographer
[ 1953 ] choreographer
Damn Yankees
[ 1958 ] Lola
[ 1958 ] Lola
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
[ 1978 ] Our Guests at Heartland
[ 1978 ] Our Guests at Heartland
The Cotton Club
[ 1984 ] Tish Dwyer
[ 1984 ] Tish Dwyer
Cocoon
[ 1985 ] Bess McCarthy
[ 1985 ] Bess McCarthy
Nadine
[ 1987 ] Vera
[ 1987 ] Vera
Cocoon: The Return
[ 1988 ] Bess McCarthy
[ 1988 ] Bess McCarthy
Alice
[ 1990 ] Alice's Mother
[ 1990 ] Alice's Mother
Marvin's Room
[ 1996 ] Ruth
[ 1996 ] Ruth
Walking Across Egypt
[ 1999 ] Alora
[ 1999 ] Alora
Bruno
[ 2000 ] Mrs. Drago
[ 2000 ] Mrs. Drago
TV Shows
Magnum, P.I.
Katherine Peterson
Katherine Peterson
Walker, Texas Ranger
Maisie Whitman
Maisie Whitman
Webster
Aunt Charlotte
Aunt Charlotte
Awards and Nominations
winner
Drama League Awards - 1999 - Distinguished Achivement in Musical Theatre
Gwen Verdon
Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Gwen Verdon , Chicago
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1966 - Best Performance
Gwen Verdon, Sweet Charity
Tony Awards - 1966 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Gwen Verdon, Sweet Charity
winner
Tony Awards - 1959 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Gwen Verdon, Redhead
winner
Tony Awards - 1958 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Gwen Verdon, New Girl In Town
Tony Awards - 1958 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Gwen Verdon, New Girl In Town
winner
Tony Awards - 1956 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Gwen Verdon, Damn Yankees
winner
Tony Awards - 1954 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Gwen Verdon, Can-Can
winner
Theatre World Awards - 1953 - Performance
Gwen Verdon, Can-Can
Videos
Video: Patrick Pacheco Opens Up About Putting Pen to Paper with Chita Rivera
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - 2023-05-09 10:11:06
Exclusive: Broadway Legend (and Author) Chita Rivera Unpacks Her Life in the Theatre
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - 2023-04-25 14:13:09
VIDEO: Michelle Williams Honors Mary Beth Peil During Gotham Award Acceptance Speech
by Michael Major - 2022-11-29 16:26:14
VIDEO: Pamela Anderson Gets Ready to Make Her Broadway Debut in CHICAGO
by Nicole Rosky - 2022-03-23 13:19:08
VIDEO: Audra McDonald Reflects on a Year Without Broadway on LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS
by Sarah Leiber - 2021-03-11 09:46:27
Broadway Rewind: Sutton Foster & More Get Ready to Bring LITTLE WOMEN to Broadway in 2005
by Nicole Rosky - 2020-03-28 17:01:00
VIDEO: Audra McDonald Performs 'Somewhere' And 'Some Other Time' to Honor Michael Tilson Thomas
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2019-12-16 13:53:35
VIDEO: Michelle Williams Tackles Pay Inequality in Emmys Acceptance Speech For FOSSE/VERDON
by Stephi Wild - 2019-09-23 07:18:50
VIDEO: Michelle Williams Screamed When She Met Lin-Manuel Miranda
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2019-08-07 09:22:55
VIDEO: Go Behind the Scenes of FOSSE/VERDON to Meet Nicole Fosse, Gwen and Bob's Real Life Daughter
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2019-06-03 13:07:16
VIDEO: Didn't Get Enough of FOSSE/VERDON? Check Out This Interview With Gwen Verdon Backstage at SWEET CHARITY in 1986!
by Stephi Wild - 2019-06-01 09:35:44
VIDEO: See How the Groundbreaking Choreography was Recreated for FOSSE/VERDON
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2019-05-31 09:36:41
VIDEO: Get a Sneak Peak at the Season Finale of FOSSE/VERDON
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2019-05-23 13:17:45
VIDEO: Gwen Challenges Bob in Episode Seven of FOSSE/VERDON
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2019-05-15 13:42:26
VIDEO: Get Ready for FOSSE/VERDON with Original CHICAGO Footage!
by Nicole Rosky - 2019-05-10 11:02:27
VIDEO: Gwen Returns to Acting in Preview for the Third Episode of FOSSE/VERDON
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2019-04-18 14:36:04
News
Javier Muñoz and Paige Davis Join CHICAGO 50th Anniversary Concert at 54 Below
by Stephi Wild - Jun 11, 2025
Dancers Over 40 will begin their fourth decade as an organization with a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of CHICAGO; past, present and future, honoring Bob Fosse, Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, Jerry Orbach and Ann Reinking.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 11, 2025
Dancers Over 40 will begin their fourth decade as an organization with a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of CHICAGO; past, present and future, honoring Bob Fosse, Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, Jerry Orbach and Ann Reinking.
Tracie Thoms, Jenn Colella and More to Perform at 54 Below in June
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 30, 2025
Next month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Tracie Thoms, Jenn Colella and more. See the full lineup here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 30, 2025
Next month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Tracie Thoms, Jenn Colella and more. See the full lineup here!
Stephanie Pope Will Bring LIVIN' IT UP! to 54 Below
by Emmy Rice - May 25, 2025
54 BELOW, Broadway’s Supper Club, will present Stephanie Pope: Livin’ It Up! on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 at 7pm EST. See here for more information.
by Emmy Rice - May 25, 2025
54 BELOW, Broadway’s Supper Club, will present Stephanie Pope: Livin’ It Up! on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 at 7pm EST. See here for more information.
54 Below to Celebrate Pride Month with Tracie Thoms, Lee Roy Reams, Jenn Colella, and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 20, 2025
54 BELOW will honor the LGBTQ+ performers, producers, and artists who are vital members of our artistic community this Pride Month. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 20, 2025
54 BELOW will honor the LGBTQ+ performers, producers, and artists who are vital members of our artistic community this Pride Month. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's Season 47 Spotlight Ball Raises Over $580,000 And Honors Nicole Fosse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 16, 2025
On Thursday, May 15, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago celebrated its Season 47 Spotlight Ball with an unforgettable evening of dance, celebration and philanthropy. Learn more here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 16, 2025
On Thursday, May 15, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago celebrated its Season 47 Spotlight Ball with an unforgettable evening of dance, celebration and philanthropy. Learn more here!
Actress and Comedian Ruth Buzzi Passes Away at 88
by Josh Sharpe - May 2, 2025
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report the passing of comedian and actress Ruth Buzzi at the age of 88, who passed away from complications of Alzheimer's disease at her home near Fort Worth, Texas, on Thursday, May 1.
by Josh Sharpe - May 2, 2025
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report the passing of comedian and actress Ruth Buzzi at the age of 88, who passed away from complications of Alzheimer's disease at her home near Fort Worth, Texas, on Thursday, May 1.
Library of Congress to Host Conference on Women in Musical Theater with Shaina Taub, Jeanine Tesori, & More
by Josh Sharpe - May 1, 2025
The Library of Congress will host “StageStruck! VI: Women and the American Musical,” a free three-day conference May 14-16 featuring Jeanine Tesori, Shaina Taub, Helen Park, Julie Taymor, Camille A. Brown, and Marjuan Canady.
by Josh Sharpe - May 1, 2025
The Library of Congress will host “StageStruck! VI: Women and the American Musical,” a free three-day conference May 14-16 featuring Jeanine Tesori, Shaina Taub, Helen Park, Julie Taymor, Camille A. Brown, and Marjuan Canady.
Tom Francis, Helen J Shen and More Honored With The Clive Barnes Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 28, 2025
The Clive Barnes Foundation has revealed the 2024 Honored Artists for The Clive Barnes Award in Dance and Theatre. See who is being honored and learn more about the awards!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 28, 2025
The Clive Barnes Foundation has revealed the 2024 Honored Artists for The Clive Barnes Award in Dance and Theatre. See who is being honored and learn more about the awards!
Video: Watch the Trailer for Palace Theatre Documentary PLAYING THE PALACE
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 23, 2025
The trailer has been released for Playing the Palace, a new feature documentary chronicling the history and recent transformation of Broadway’s Palace Theatre. The documentary features interviews with Bernadette Peters, Joel Grey, Heather Headley, Ben Platt, and more.
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 23, 2025
The trailer has been released for Playing the Palace, a new feature documentary chronicling the history and recent transformation of Broadway’s Palace Theatre. The documentary features interviews with Bernadette Peters, Joel Grey, Heather Headley, Ben Platt, and more.
Dancers Over 40 To Celebrate The 50th Anniversary Of CHICAGO
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 27, 2025
Dancers Over 40 will present a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of CHICAGO; past, present and future, honoring Bob Fosse, Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, Jerry Orbach and Ann Reinking, with original and revival cast members, hosted by Golden Globe nominee and former revival Roxie Hart, Marilu Henner.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 27, 2025
Dancers Over 40 will present a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of CHICAGO; past, present and future, honoring Bob Fosse, Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, Jerry Orbach and Ann Reinking, with original and revival cast members, hosted by Golden Globe nominee and former revival Roxie Hart, Marilu Henner.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Concludes Season At The Harris Theater
by Stephi Wild - Mar 17, 2025
After setting new post-pandemic ticket sales records twice in succession with their Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 series, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) caps off its Season 47 with Spring Series.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 17, 2025
After setting new post-pandemic ticket sales records twice in succession with their Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 series, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) caps off its Season 47 with Spring Series.
FAT HAM South Florida Premiere to be Presented at Island City Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 28, 2025
Island City Stage will present their collaborative production of Fat Ham, the 2022 Pulitzer Prize-winning play by James Ijames, this spring. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 28, 2025
Island City Stage will present their collaborative production of Fat Ham, the 2022 Pulitzer Prize-winning play by James Ijames, this spring. Learn more!
Review: CHICAGO: THE MUSICAL at Kauffman Theater
by Alan Portner - Jan 10, 2025
Chicago, the Musical, now playing at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, is a super evening out for you and your significant other. It is a welcome respite from our incredible snow event last weekend.
by Alan Portner - Jan 10, 2025
Chicago, the Musical, now playing at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, is a super evening out for you and your significant other. It is a welcome respite from our incredible snow event last weekend.
Monthly Birthday Tribute: Take the Quiz!
by Rob Lester - Jan 1, 2025
Take BWW Cabaret's monthly quiz and see how much you know about music stars born in January. If your New Year's Resolution is to learn more about music, here's a fun way to do that for New Year's.
by Rob Lester - Jan 1, 2025
Take BWW Cabaret's monthly quiz and see how much you know about music stars born in January. If your New Year's Resolution is to learn more about music, here's a fun way to do that for New Year's.
Little Produced Best Musical Nominees
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Dec 29, 2024
The majority of Broadway’s Best Musical winners and nominees become some of the most produced shows in America and beyond, for decades to come. But for a small number of the shows to be nominated for Best Musical, Broadway is one of the only places audiences will ever be able to see that piece.
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Dec 29, 2024
The majority of Broadway’s Best Musical winners and nominees become some of the most produced shows in America and beyond, for decades to come. But for a small number of the shows to be nominated for Best Musical, Broadway is one of the only places audiences will ever be able to see that piece.
20th Annual Fred Ebb Award To Be Presented Tonight at The Todd Haimes Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 2, 2024
The Fred Ebb Foundation in association with the Roundabout Theatre Company will present the twentieth annual Fred Ebb Award for aspiring musical theatre songwriters to the team of Cheeyang Ng & Eric Sorrels. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 2, 2024
The Fred Ebb Foundation in association with the Roundabout Theatre Company will present the twentieth annual Fred Ebb Award for aspiring musical theatre songwriters to the team of Cheeyang Ng & Eric Sorrels. Learn more!
Gabrielle Stravelli, Klea Blackhurst, and Graham Rowat Join SING HAPPY: THE LYRICS OF FRED EBB
by Stephi Wild - Nov 19, 2024
The Fred Ebb Foundation and Birdland Jazz Club announced additional performers for Sing Happy: The Lyrics of Fred Ebb, which will take place next week at Birdland Jazz Club.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 19, 2024
The Fred Ebb Foundation and Birdland Jazz Club announced additional performers for Sing Happy: The Lyrics of Fred Ebb, which will take place next week at Birdland Jazz Club.
The Estate of Chita Rivera to be Auctioned at Bonhams
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 14, 2024
One-of-a-kind costumes, awards, photographs, and ephemera from the extraordinary career of Broadway legend Chita Rivera (1933-2024) will be auctioned online at Bonhams.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 14, 2024
One-of-a-kind costumes, awards, photographs, and ephemera from the extraordinary career of Broadway legend Chita Rivera (1933-2024) will be auctioned online at Bonhams.
CHICAGO cumple 28 años en Broadway
by Jose German Martinez Paneque - Nov 14, 2024
Si bien EL FANTASMA DE LA ÓPERA es el musical más longevo de la historia de Broadway y LOS MISERABLES lo es del West End, el puesto a la producción estadounidense más longeva de la historia de la Great White Way se lo lleva el revival de CHICAGO, que hoy cumple la friolera de 28 años ininterrumpidos en Broadway.
by Jose German Martinez Paneque - Nov 14, 2024
Si bien EL FANTASMA DE LA ÓPERA es el musical más longevo de la historia de Broadway y LOS MISERABLES lo es del West End, el puesto a la producción estadounidense más longeva de la historia de la Great White Way se lo lleva el revival de CHICAGO, que hoy cumple la friolera de 28 años ininterrumpidos en Broadway.
Review: Macon Prickett Owns 54 Below During MACON: HIS OWN WAY!
by Stephen Mosher - Nov 7, 2024
Macon Prickett glittered and was gay. And it worked.
by Stephen Mosher - Nov 7, 2024
Macon Prickett glittered and was gay. And it worked.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Gwen Verdon been in?
Gwen Verdon has appeared on Broadway in 9 shows.
How many West End shows has Gwen Verdon been in?
Gwen Verdon has not appeared in the West End
What awards has Gwen Verdon been nominated for?
Gwen Verdon has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. These include the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for both "Chicago" and "Sweet Charity," Best Performance at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Sweet Charity," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Redhead," "New Girl In Town," and "Damn Yankees," Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Can-Can," and a Performance award from the Theatre World Awards for "Can-Can."
What awards has Gwen Verdon won?
Gwen Verdon has won several awards throughout her career in musical theatre. She received the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre award from the Drama League Awards. She also won the Best Performance award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for her role in Sweet Charity. At the Tony Awards, Verdon won the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her performances in Redhead, New Girl In Town, and Damn Yankees. Additionally, she won the Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Tony Award for Can-Can. Verdon's talent was recognized with a Performance award from the Theatre World Awards for her work in Can-Can.
Videos