Biography for
Gower Champion More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

22 June 1921, Geneva, Illinois, USA

Date of Death

25 August 1980, New York City, New York, USA (a rare blood cancer)

Mini Biography

Dancer, actor, choreographer and director. Joined in 1945 with Marjorie Belcher (aka Marjorie Bell) to form the dance team of "Gower & Bell," renaming the team "Marge and Gower Champion" upon their marriage.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Bill Takacs

Spouse

Marge Champion	(5 October 1947 - 1973) (divorced) 2 children
Kari Champion	(? - 25 August 1980) (his death)

Trivia

Out of an unprecedented 15 nominations, he won eight Tony Awards, more than any other director and/or choreographer (one more win than Bob Fosse). His wins: as Best Choreographer, in 1949 for "Lend an Ear;" and in 1981 for "42nd Street;" and as Best Director (Musical) and Best Choreographer, in 1961 for "Bye, Bye Birdie;" in 1964 for "Hello, Dolly!;" and in 1968 for "The Happy Time." He had seven other nominations: as Best Director (Musical), in 1962 for "Carnival;" in 1967 for "I Do! I Do!;" and 1981 for "42nd Street;" and as Best Director (Musical) and Best Choreographer, in 1973 for "Sugar;" in 1975 for "Mack and Mabel;"

Father of Gregg Champion and Blake Champion.

With fellow teenager Jeanne Tyler, formed the dance team Gower & Jeanne.

Browse biographies section by name

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z