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Gwen Verdon

Birth Place: Culver City, CA, USA

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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

Chicago
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1975
Roxie Hart
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
Children! Children!
[Broadway]
1972
Helen Giles
Sweet Charity
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Charity Hope Valentine
Charity
Charity Hope Valentine
Charity
Redhead
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1959
Essie Whimple
New Girl in Town
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1957
Anna
Damn Yankees
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1955
Lola
Can-Can
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1953
Eve
Claudine
Eve
Alive and Kicking
[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
Bonanza Bound
[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1947
Performer
The Red Mill
[Los Angeles]
LACLO Production, 1940

Productions

Sweet Charity
 
[Broadway, 1986]
Assistant to Mr. Fosse
Magdalena
 
[Broadway, 1948]
Assistant Choreographer

Movies

The Mississippi Gambler
[ 1953 ] choreographer
Damn Yankees
[ 1958 ] Lola
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
[ 1978 ] Our Guests at Heartland
The Cotton Club
[ 1984 ] Tish Dwyer
Cocoon
[ 1985 ] Bess McCarthy
Nadine
[ 1987 ] Vera
Cocoon: The Return
[ 1988 ] Bess McCarthy
Alice
[ 1990 ] Alice's Mother
Marvin's Room
[ 1996 ] Ruth
Walking Across Egypt
[ 1999 ] Alora
Bruno
[ 2000 ] Mrs. Drago

TV Shows

Magnum, P.I.
Katherine Peterson
Walker, Texas Ranger
Maisie Whitman
Webster
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

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News


Review: CHICAGO at Casino De Paris Photo
Review: CHICAGO at Casino De Paris
by Patrick Honoré - Dec 16, 2025

The Paris revival remains polished and efficient, but once again raises a familiar question: has Chicago become more concert than theatre?
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards Photo
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 15, 2025

The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Helicline Fine Art to Continue HIRSCHFELD: STROKES OF GENIUS With Original Drawings A Photo
Helicline Fine Art to Continue HIRSCHFELD: STROKES OF GENIUS With Original Drawings And Lithographs
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 9, 2025

Helicline Fine Art is continuing HIRSCHFELD: STROKES OF GENIUS, a glorious celebration of Al Hirschfeld's artwork. Additional works have been added to the exhibition which includes more than six dozen Hirschfeld original drawings and lithographs
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards Photo
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025

The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Misty Copeland"Curated Ballet Festival and More Set for The Joyce 2026 Spring/Summe Photo
Misty Copeland"Curated Ballet Festival and More Set for The Joyce 2026 Spring/Summer Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 2, 2025

The Joyce Theater Foundation has revealed its programming for the Spring/Summer 2026 season in the newly named Tino & Rajika Puri Auditorium at The Joyce Theater.
Stephanie Pope And Mark Nadler to Perform at Broadway Cabaret At Rittenhouse Grill Photo
Stephanie Pope And Mark Nadler to Perform at Broadway Cabaret At Rittenhouse Grill
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 13, 2025

Broadway Cabaret at Rittenhouse Grill, Philadelphia's only Broadway cabaret venue, will present the final performance of its fall 2025 season: It's Christmastime in the City starring Mark Nadler and Stephanie Pope.
Kristin Chenoweth’s Glinda from WICKED Joins Broadway Legends Ornament Collection Photo
Kristin Chenoweth’s Glinda from WICKED Joins Broadway Legends Ornament Collection
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 7, 2025

Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda from Wicked has joined Broadway Cares' Broadway Legends ornament series. The 6” glass Glinda ornament features her iconic blue gown, complete with sparkling crown and wand.
Interview: Gregory Butler of CHICAGO at Broadway In Thousand Oaks Photo
Interview: Gregory Butler of CHICAGO at Broadway In Thousand Oaks
by Jonas Schwartz-Owen - Nov 4, 2025

When Gregory Butler walked into 8th Avenue Studios on February 10, 1997 for rehearsal, he had no idea that the next three decades of his life would be defined by the sharp jazz lines and sly sensuality of the long running revival of Chicago the Musical.
Video: Inside Bringing FOSSE AND VERDON, THE DUET THAT CHANGED BROADWAY To Holland Am Photo
Video: Inside Bringing FOSSE AND VERDON, THE DUET THAT CHANGED BROADWAY To Holland America Line
by Joshua Wright - Oct 20, 2025

Noah Fosse explains why education and authenticity drove the Verdon Fosse Legacy’s partnership with RWS Global and Holland America Line to launch Fosse and Verdon, The Duet That Changed Broadway, set to debut in November 2025 aboard Koningsdam.
Interview: Jeff Harnar Celebrates THE 1959 BROADWAY SONGBOOK Album at Birdland Photo
Interview: Jeff Harnar Celebrates THE 1959 BROADWAY SONGBOOK Album at Birdland
by Rebecca Kaplan - Oct 3, 2025

The remastered and revised album celebrating the Golden Age of Broadway comes out on 10/3, with a 10/6 album release concert at Birdland Jazz Club. We spoke to Harnar about the new album and show.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago to Return to Steppenwolf Theatre Photo
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago to Return to Steppenwolf Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 9, 2025

Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell has revealed programming for the company's Season 48 Fall Series, marking Hubbard Street's return to Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets!
The Verdon Fosse Legacy and RWS Global Announce Partnership To Bring Iconic Work To G Photo
The Verdon Fosse Legacy and RWS Global Announce Partnership To Bring Iconic Work To Global Audiences
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 9, 2025

The Verdon Fosse Legacy, dedicated to preserving and promoting the artistry of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon, has announced a new partnership with RWS Global, a leader in live entertainment worldwide.
Photos: STROKE OF GENIUS: HIRSCHFELD AT THE ALGONQUIN Opens in the Oak Room Photo
Photos: STROKE OF GENIUS: HIRSCHFELD AT THE ALGONQUIN Opens in the Oak Room
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Sep 9, 2025

“Strokes of Genius: Hirschfeld at the Algonquin” will be on exhibition in the hotel’s legendary Oak Room, September 9 – 20, daily from noon – 7PM. BroadwayWorld got a preview of the exhibit and you can check out photos here!
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation to Launch New Book and New Exhibition of Al Hirschfeld A Photo
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation to Launch New Book and New Exhibition of Al Hirschfeld Artwork
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2025

The Al Hirschfeld Foundation will launch a new book, and a new exhibition of Al Hirschfeld artwork; Hirschfeld’s Sondheim. Learn more about the book here!
Boston Conservatory Reveals Dance Partnership With The Verdon Fosse Legacy Photo
Boston Conservatory Reveals Dance Partnership With The Verdon Fosse Legacy
by Stephi Wild - Sep 5, 2025

Boston Conservatory at Berklee has announced a five-year partnership with The Verdon Fosse Legacy, founded by Nicole Fosse to preserve the work of her parents, dance icons Gwen Verdon and Bob Fosse.
Which Broadway Theatres Have Housed the Most (and Least) Tony-Winning Shows? Photo
Which Broadway Theatres Have Housed the Most (and Least) Tony-Winning Shows?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Sep 1, 2025

Did you know that the Richard Rodgers Theatre, current home of Hamilton, has housed more Best Musical Tony Award winners than any other Broadway house? Since the Tony Awards began in 1947 and began issuing a Best Musical Award in 1949, nine Best Musicals have played the Richard Rodgers Theatre, which used to be named the 46th Street Theatre.
Interview: Theatre Life with Ana Villafañe Photo
Interview: Theatre Life with Ana Villafañe
by Elliot Lanes - Aug 29, 2025

Today’s subject Ana Villafañe is currently living her theatre life at Arena Stage preparing to begin performances of the newly revised version of Damn Yankees. She will be playing the iconic role of Lola made famous by Gwen Verdon. The show will run from September 9th to November 9th in Arena Stage’s Fichandler Stage space.
STROKES OF GENIUS: HIRSCHFELD AT THE ALGONQUIN Set for September Photo
STROKES OF GENIUS: HIRSCHFELD AT THE ALGONQUIN Set for September
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 21, 2025

The Al Hirschfeld Foundation will join forces with Helicline Fine Art and The Algonquin Hotel, Autograph Collection for a new exhibition of artwork by the legendary artist Al Hirschfeld. Learn more!
Ben Vereen Will Direct Stephanie Pope at 54 Below Photo
Ben Vereen Will Direct Stephanie Pope at 54 Below
by Stephi Wild - Aug 18, 2025

54 Below and Tony Award-winning star, Ben Vereen, will present Stephanie Pope: Livin’ It Up! Pope returns, after her critically acclaimed 54 Below debut back in June with her show, Stephanie Pope: Livin’ It Up!
10 Inspiring Pieces of Theatre History I Saw Up Close And In Person This Summer"And Photo
10 Inspiring Pieces of Theatre History I Saw Up Close And In Person This Summer"And How You Can Too!
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Aug 10, 2025

In many of America’s cities, theatre history exists in plain sight. Whether inside a museum or on a street corner, fascinating pieces of theatre lore exist, waiting to be discovered by an interested passerby. Here are ten inspiring displays of theatre history I saw up close and in person this summer, from New York City to Washington D.C. and beyond. You can visit them too—and many are free to see! 
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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.

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