Gwen Verdon

Gwyneth Evelyn Gwen Verdon was an American actress and dancer who won four Tony awards for her musical comedy performances and served as uncredited choreographers assistant and specialty dance coach for both theater and film. With flaming red hair and a quaver in her voice, Verdon was a critically acclaimed performer on Broadway in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Having originated many roles in musicals she is also strongly identified with her second husband, directorchoreographer Bob Fosse, remembered as the dancercollaboratormuse for whom he choreographed much of his work and as the guardian of his legacy after his death.

Verdon was born in Culver City, California, the second child of Gertrude Lilian and Joseph William Verdon , British immigrants to the United States by way of Canada. Her brother was William Farrell Verdon . The Verdon family could be described as showpeople. Her father was an electrician at MGM Studios, and her mother was a former vaudevillian of the Denishawn dance troupe, as well as a dance teacher.

Source: Wikipedia