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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, Big Deal


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1986 - Best Choreography

Bob Fosse, Sweet Charity

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


SUFFS Tour and More Set for 5th Avenue Theatre Company and STG 2025/26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 28, 2025

The 5th Avenue Theatre Company and Seattle Theatre Group are launching a new strategic alliance that will strengthen and preserve the musical company’s role in staging award-winning locally produced live theater. Learn more about the 25/26 season!
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.
Dan Burton, Darren Day and Sinitta to Join CHICAGO UK and Ireland Tour
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 26, 2025

West End leading man Dan Burton and West End and TV star Darren Day will return to share the role of Billy Flynn, alongside international recording artist and pop star Sinitta as Mama Morton, in the UK and Ireland tour of CHICAGO. Learn ore!
Video: Watch Jessica Lee Goldyn Perform 'Music & the Mirror' The York Theatre 2025 Spring Gala
by Michael Major - Mar 25, 2025

Jessica Lee Goldyn has shared a video of her performance of 'The Music & the Mirror' from A Chorus Line at the York Theatre 2025 Spring Gala. Watch her perform the Michael Bennett-staged musical number below, along with Tony Yazbeck as Zach. 
SWEET CHARITY Full Cast & Creative Team Unveiled At Blank Theatre Company
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 20, 2025

Blank Theatre Company has announced the cast and creative team for the first show of their 2025 season, SWEET CHARITY, music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and a book by Neil Simon.
Kevin Csolak, Karli Dinardo, and Brandon Contreras Join CLASSICS GONE MAD! at Classic Stage Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 20, 2025

Additional cast members have been revealed for the 2025 iteration of Classic Stage Company's Classics Gone Mad!, a benefit event hosted by stage and screen star Nina West. Learn more!
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.
Ashley Graham Will Make Her Broadway Debut as 'Roxie Hart' in CHICAGO
by Stephi Wild - Mar 13, 2025

Chicago will welcome supermodel, author, and entrepreneur Ashley Graham, making her Broadway debut in the role of “Roxie Hart” beginning next month. Learn more here!
Kate Marilley To Lead SWEET CHARITY At Gulfshore Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 13, 2025

Gulfshore Playhouse has announced the cast of Sweet Charity, the dazzling, gritty, and heartfelt musical that will close out its season.
CHICAGO Comes to the Wharton Center
by Stephi Wild - Mar 12, 2025

CHICAGO is coming to East Lansing. Enjoy CHICAGO on Wharton Center's Cobb Great Hall stage next month. Learn more about the show and find out how to get tickets here!
Theatre Wesleyan To Celebrate 70th Annual Spring Musical In April With Immersive Production Of PIPPIN
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 11, 2025

Celebrating the 70th Annual Spring Musical, Theatre Wesleyan will present the award-winning musical PIPPIN for one weekend only from April 24-27, 2025.
CHICAGO Comes to the Washington Pavilion This Month
by Stephi Wild - Mar 11, 2025

CHICAGO will arrive at the Washington Pavilion this month. Tickets are on sale now for four performances from March 27–29.  Learn more about the show here!
Interview: Taylor Lane And Ellie Roddy on Becoming CHICAGO's Infamous Duo
by Melissa Heckscher - Mar 9, 2025

Broadway World sat down with Taylor Lane and Ellie Roddy, who are playing the famous Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart in the 10th national tour of Chicago, at the Cerritos Center for the Arts March 14-16.
Karen Ziemba and Jelani Remy to Join York Theatre Spring Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 6, 2025

The York Theatre has revealed addition performers for their Spring Gala, a special one-night-only concert, including Karen Ziemba, Jelani Remy and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
CHICAGO Begins In March At Fox Performing Arts Center
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 28, 2025

Broadway's favorite razzle-dazzle smash hit musical, CHICAGO will be presented as part of the 24–25 BROADWAY AT THE FOX IN RIVERSIDE Series and will take the Fox Performing Arts Center stage March 18–19, 2025.
All-City Musical To Present CHICAGO: Teen Edition
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 22, 2025

All-City Musical has announced its much-anticipated return to the stage with a dazzling production of CHICAGO. This remarkable showcase of student talent will take place at the Mimi Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square, from Friday, March 21 through Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Dylis Croman and Rema Webb Will Join the Cast of CHICAGO
by Stephi Wild - Feb 13, 2025

The Broadway company of Chicago will welcome back Dylis Croman in the role of “Roxie Hart” and will welcome to the cell block Rema Webb in the role of “Matron Mama Morton” for a limited run beginning Monday, February 24.
Ben Vereen, Christine Pedi, and Tony Yazbeck to Join York Theatre Spring Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 12, 2025

The York Theatre will present their Spring Gala, a special one-night-only concert featuring Ben Vereen, Christine Pedi, and Tony Yazbeck. Learn more about the event and see how to purchase tickets.
LIZA: A TRULY TERRIFIC ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY to Air on PBS
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 11, 2025

Discover the life of Broadway legend Liza Minnelli in 'Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story,' premiering on PBS April 1 at 9 PM ET as part of the American Masters series. The documentary explores Minnelli's 1970s career and personal life with insights from friends and mentors.
Student Blog Introduction: Joe Shoen
by Student Blogger: Joe Shoen - Feb 11, 2025

Meet Joe Shoen, One of our student bloggers for the Fall/Winter season! Read about his experience in the performing arts and learn about the newest production he has taken on.

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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Videos