August 1
Born Today:
Geoffrey Holder
Dancer Geoffrey Holder (1930-2014), born in Trinidad, had the most glorious voice, and his imposing stature at 6’6” made him stand out amongst performers. Holder married dancer Carmen de Lavallade (1931-) and he was a man of prodigious talent - dancing, painting, photography, choreography and acting were a few of the areas he pursued. He won a Tony for direction and costume design for The Wiz (1975) on Broadway and he choreographed for Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Holder appeared in several films, including the 1982 version of Annie, and he narrated Tim Burton’s version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005).
Also born today: Contemporary dance choreographer, Ralph Lemon (1952-) and Irish dancer, Bernadette Mary Flynn (1979-), who appeared in Lord of the Dance and Feet of Flames.