Born: 13 January 1925, United States
Died: 18 October 2000
Country most active: United States
Also known as: NA
Gwyneth Evelyn “Gwen” Verdon was an American actor and dancer, who won four Tony Awards for her musical comedy performances, and served as an uncredited choreographer’s assistant and specialty dance coach for theater and film. Known for her bright red hair and a quaver in her voice, Verdon was a celebrated performer on Broadway from the 1950s through the 1970s. Having originated many roles in musicals she is also remembered as the dancer, collaborator and muse for whom her husband director–choreographer Bob Foss choreographed much of his work, and who guarded his legacy after his death.
The following is excerpted from Infinite Women creator Allison Tyra’s book Uncredited: Women’s Overlooked, Misattributed, and Stolen Work.
Gwen Verdon was the epitome of a Broadway triple threat—a Tony-winning singer, actor, and dancer whose career in theatre, film, and stage spanned more than 60 years. But although acclaimed and beloved as a performer, she was generally not credited for her work as a dance coach and teacher, assistant choreographer, and assistant director. Her role as her husband Bob Fosse’s collaborator was key to his success, yet he never properly credited her for her contributions. She already had a Tony before their first production together (Damn Yankees, 1955), so it’s likely that her reputation was an asset to his early career.
Although Verdon was credited as choreographer on the 1953 hit film The Mississippi Gambler, and as special dance coordinator for the 1985 sci-fi classic Cocoon, she went uncredited for her roles as assistant choreographer on the 1969 film adaptation of Sweet Charity and on the beloved 1952 musical film Singin’ in the Rain, and as dance coach for 1951’s On the Riviera. In the 1986 revival of Sweet Charity, she was credited as “assistant to Mr. Fosse.” The only theatre production for which she received an assistant dance credit was 1948’s Magdalena, which she worked on with Jack Cole long before she met Fosse. Verdon was also the one who pushed for the creation of the musical Chicago, and her contract gave her unprecedented control over the production, yet she was not credited as a producer.