January 9
Born Today:
Gypsy Rose Lee
Burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee (1911-1970) grew up performing in vaudeville, along with her sister, actress June Havoc (1912-2010), to support their overbearing stage-mom, Mama Rose. Gypsy Rose Lee developed a talent for witty and teasing striptease, appearing as herself in the wartime movie, Stage Door Canteen (1943). She penned a mystery thriller in 1941 and her 1957 memoir became the Broadway show Gypsy (1959).
Also Born Today: Ballet dancer Calvin Royal III (c. 1988-) has been dancing with American Ballet Theatre since 2010 and in 2020, he was promoted to principal dancer, one of only three African-American dancers to be promoted to the highest rank at the company.
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Movie: Tonight and Every Night released in 1945