Fosse, Bob. (1927–1987)
Signed American Guild of Variety Artists Application, at Age 16
A very early signed document from the important dancer and choreographer, applying for membership in the American Guild of Variety Artists at age 16. November 7, 1943; 2 pp. Fosse has completed both sides of the single-sheet form, giving his name, address, social security number, and details of his act, the Riff Brothers. The form is also signed by Fosse's father, Cyril K. Fosse, and shows that Fosse paid $5.00 as an initiation fee. Folding creases; irregular toning; overall very good. 8.5 x 11 inches (21.5 x 28 cm). Together with a clipped article profiling Fosse from the November 1979 issue of American Film.Bob Fosse was born in Chicago in 1927, to a Norwegian-American vaudevillian father and an Irish-born mother. As a child, he was one of only a few male students at the local Marguerite Commerford Dancing School. Fosse and another boy from his classes, Charles Grass, formed the dance duo The Riff Brothers as teenagers, touring Chicago theaters and clubs, including the seedier ones; Fosse was already working as an emcee in burlesque houses at age 15, and began to create choreography at about the same time. These early years, spent in smoke-filled clubs and strip joints, undoubtedly influenced the style Fosse later became known for, with all its fishnets, bowler hats, and angular and seductive movements.
After touring military and naval bases in the Pacific during World War II as part of a variety show, Fosse's career skyrocketed. In 1954 and 1955, he choreographed his first musicals, The Pajama Game and Damn Yankees. He went on to win an unprecedented eight Tony Awards for choreography, as well as one for direction and was nominated for an Academy Award four times, winning for his direction of Cabaret. Remarkably, he won the Tony, Emmy, and Academy Award for direction in the same year. Fosse is remembered for his innovative and unique style, with features such as turned-in knees, rolled shoulders, and jazz hands. Married three times, and with a long history of extra-marital affairs, drugs, alcohol, and chain-smoking, Fosse had a difficult personal life. The 2019 miniseries Fosse/Verdon has brought renewed attention to his relationship with his third wife, dancer and actress Gwen Verdon, and to her important role in his work. (17401)
Signed Document/Item Dance