News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Bob Fosse Headshot

Bob Fosse

Date of Death: September 23, 1987 (60)

Birth Place: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Get Bob Fosse Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

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


Tickets to CHICAGO at at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center on Sale Now

Single tickets for Baltimore’s 2025 engagement at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, home of the historic Hippodrome Theatre, are on sale now. Learn how to purchase tickets!
Review: MJ Explores an Enigma at Benedum Center

Like the King of Pop himself, this adventurous jukebox psychodrama blends darkness with joy.
Interview: Janet Eilber talks MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY'S American Legacies and more

Janet Eilber was a high school senior at Michigan’s Interlochen School for the Arts when she first crossed paths with modern dance legend Martha Graham (1894–1991). After auditioning for Graham, the dancer and actor attended the Juilliard School at Graham’s recommendation, and subsequently joined the doyenne’s eponymous dance company where she became a soloist at age 21, dancing many of the roles made famous by Graham.
Gabrielle Stravelli, Klea Blackhurst, and Graham Rowat Join SING HAPPY: THE LYRICS OF FRED EBB

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.
Interview: Holly Gruver of TRILOGY OF NOTES at Roodepoort & Lesedi Theatres

Performances at the Roodepoort Theatre from Wednesday, 20 November to Friday, 22 November at 7pm and 3pm Saturday, 23 November. The season ends at the Lesedi Theatre. Joburg Theatre with 7pm performances on Wednesday, 04 December; Thursday, 05 December and Friday, 06 December. Tickets are on sale at www.wgruvdance.com
SWEET CHARITY, PASSION, and More Announced for Blank Theatre Company 2025 Season

Blank Theatre Company announced its 2025 season with two full-length productions, a cabaret fundraiser, and new residency at The Greenhouse Theatre Center. The season includes SWEET CHARITY and more.
The Estate of Chita Rivera to be Auctioned at Bonhams

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

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.
Alberto Mira presenta EL TEATRO MUSICAL DE STEPHEN SONDHEIM en una charla online

El próximo 26 de noviembre la Escuela de Traducción Audiovisual organiza un nuevo encuentro online de su serie 10 preguntas con Alberto Mira, autor del libro EL TEATRO MUSICAL DE STEPHEN SONDHEIM, en el que los participantes podrán registrarse y formular sus preguntas por adelantado a través de este enlace.
Meet the Cast of GYPSY, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway

GYPSY is coming back to Broadway, starring Audra McDonald! The production begins previews at Broadway’s newly renovated Majestic Theatre. Meet the cast of GYPSY here!
CHICAGO Celebrates 28th Anniversary and 11,000 Performances

On Thursday, November 14th, the Tony, Olivier, and Grammy Award-winning musical Chicago will celebrate its 28th year as a Broadway institution. Chicago also celebrates hitting 11,000 performances on Broadway.
CHICAGO Tour Comes To The Appell Center

CHICAGO—the first show in the Appell Center's Glatfelter Insurance Broadway Series— returns to the Appell Center For The Performing Arts on November 27.
Cheeyang Ng and Eric Sorrels Will Receive 20th Annual Fred Ebb Award

The Fred Ebb Foundation will present the twentieth annual Fred Ebb Award for aspiring musical theatre songwriters to the team of Cheeyang Ng & Eric Sorrels. Learn more about the award and the ceremony here!
Isabella Esler, Jake Epstein, Chilina Kennedy & More Will Star in LIFE AFTER in Toronto

The full cast and creative team for the new musical LIFE AFTER at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre has just been announced. The new musical will play a limited engagement from Wednesday, April 16 – Sunday, May 4, 2025 as part of the 2024/25 Off-Mirvish Season. Check out who is joining the cast here!
Photos: CHICAGO UK and Ireland Tour

All new production photos have been released for the UK and Ireland tour of the multi award-winning CHICAGO. Check out the photos here!
CHICAGO To Play Limited Engagement At BroadwaySF's Golden Gate Theatre

BroadwaySF, an ATG Entertainment company, welcomes the return of Broadway's record-breaking, Tony Award-winning musical smash, CHICAGO.
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of THE LITTLE PRINCE at The Green Room 42

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of THE LITTLE PRINCE with a special concert at The Green Room 42 on November 5th. Join original star Steven Warner as he revisits songs and stories from the film. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Choreographers and Dance Arrangers Set for TIME STEP SYMPOSIUM

The Stage Door Foundation, in collaboration with Sam Davis and Patrick O'Neill, announced the choreographers and dance arrangers for the inaugural TIME STEP SYMPOSIUM, a tuition-free mentorship program.
Review: CHICAGO at Krakowski Teatr VARIETE

I have nothing to hide: I'm obsessed with Broadway’s Chicago. Everything: the music, choreographies by Bob Fosse, costumes, and the general vibe. Everything screams: greatness.
Liza Minnelli Documentary to Receive Theatrical Release in 2025

Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, the new documentary centering on the Broadway legend, has been acquired by Zeitgeist Films and Kino Lorber. The film is expected to have a theatrical run in 2025, first at New York's IFC Center and then nationwide.

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).

Get Bob Fosse Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos