
In 1969, Gwen Verdon, then 44, performed a dance routine choreographed by her husband, Bob Fosse, on 'The Ed Sullivan Show'. The dance was called 'Mexican Breakfast', named after a song by Johnny Mandel. Verdon wore neon-pink and white bell-bottoms for the performance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year Gwen Verdon performed Mexican Breakfast | 1969 |
| Gwen Verdon's age in 1969 | 44 years old |
| Date of birth | 13 January 1925 |
| Place of birth | Culver City, California, United States |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m) |
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What You'll Learn

Gwen Verdon was born in 1925
Born in 1925, Gwen Verdon was 44 years old when she performed "Mexican Breakfast" on *The Ed Sullivan Show* in 1969.
Verdon was born on January 13, 1925, in Culver City, California. She began her career in the 1940s, moving from Hollywood films to Broadway, where she became one of the most prominent musical theatre stars. She gained recognition as a dancer and actress, quickly rising to fame for her performances in several hit Broadway musicals.
Verdon's breakthrough role came when choreographer Michael Kidd cast her as the second female lead in Cole Porter's musical "Can-Can" in 1953. She won her first Tony Award for her next role in "Damn Yankees" in 1955. By the time she performed on *The Ed Sullivan Show* in 1969, Verdon was a seasoned performer with numerous Broadway credits to her name.
In addition to her Broadway career, Verdon also appeared in several films, including "Damn Yankees" (1958) and "Cocoon" (1985). She also had guest roles in television series like "Magnum, P.I." and "Touched by an Angel." Verdon's legacy in theatre is cemented by her remarkable performances, which continue to influence Broadway dancers and choreographers even today.
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She performed 'Mexican Breakfast' in 1969
In 1969, Gwen Verdon graced television screens across the nation at the age of 44. She performed "Mexican Breakfast", a dance number choreographed by her husband, Bob Fosse, on "The Ed Sullivan Show".
Verdon was born on January 13, 1925, in Culver City, California. She began her career in Hollywood films in the 1940s before transitioning to Broadway, where she became one of the most prominent musical theatre stars. Known for her dazzling performances, Verdon showcased her incredible dance skills, comedic timing, and ability to captivate audiences. She was recognised for her outstanding performances in several hit Broadway musicals, including "Can-Can" (1953), "Damn Yankees" (1955), "New Girl in Town" (1957), and "Redhead" (1959).
Verdon's collaboration with Fosse, a renowned choreographer and director, became a defining aspect of her career. Their notable works together include "Damn Yankees" and "Sweet Charity" (1966). Verdon's performance in "Damn Yankees" was particularly memorable, as she won a Tony Award for her role. In addition to her work on Broadway, she also appeared in several films, such as "Damn Yankees" (1958) and "Cocoon" (1985), as well as guest roles in television series like "Magnum, P.I." and "Touched by an Angel".
The year 1969 marked a significant moment in Verdon's career as she took to the television stage to perform "Mexican Breakfast". This performance, choreographed by Fosse, showcased her dynamic dance abilities and added to her legacy as a versatile and elegant performer. Verdon's impact on the world of theatre, specifically Broadway, continues to be recognised and celebrated. Her talent, dedication, and influence inspire new generations of dancers and performers.
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Verdon was 44 when she performed the dance
Gwen Verdon was 44 when she performed the dance "Mexican Breakfast" on *The Ed Sullivan Show* in 1969. Verdon was born on January 13, 1925, in Culver City, California, and rose to fame as a dancer and actress in Broadway musicals. Her career began in the 1940s when she transitioned from Hollywood films to Broadway, and she quickly became one of the most prominent musical theater stars.
Verdon's collaboration with choreographer and director Bob Fosse became a defining aspect of her career. She married Fosse in 1960 and they had a daughter, Nicole Fosse, in 1963. Despite their separation in the 1970s, they never divorced and remained close until Fosse's death in 1987.
"Mexican Breakfast" was choreographed by Fosse for Verdon and was performed on *The Ed Sullivan Show* in 1969. The dance was named after a song by Johnny Mandel, and Verdon wore neon-pink and white bell-bottoms for the performance.
Verdon's career spanned many decades and she continued to collaborate with Fosse even after their separation. She was known for her versatility and elegance in musical theater, as well as her magnetic stage presence. Her legacy in theater is cemented by her remarkable performances, which continue to influence Broadway dancers and choreographers even today.
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The dance was choreographed by her husband, Bob Fosse
In 1969, Gwen Verdon performed a dance number called "Mexican Breakfast" on "The Ed Sullivan Show". At the time, Verdon was 44 years old. The dance was choreographed by her husband, Bob Fosse.
Verdon and Fosse's collaboration became a defining aspect of her career, with notable works including "Damn Yankees" (1955), for which she won a Tony Award, and "Sweet Charity" (1966). Verdon and Fosse married in 1960 and separated in the 1970s, but they never divorced and remained close until Fosse's death in 1987.
Fosse was a renowned choreographer and director, and Verdon's performances in their collaborative works showcased her incredible dance skills, comedic timing, and ability to captivate audiences. Their daughter, Nicole Fosse, founded The Verdon Fosse Legacy in 2013 to ensure that her parents' work was properly documented and passed down.
In addition to "Mexican Breakfast," Verdon and Fosse also collaborated on several Broadway shows and films. Verdon originated the role of Roxie Hart in the 1975 Broadway production of "Chicago," directed by Fosse, and she also helped with the choreography for his film "All That Jazz" (1979). Verdon's work in "Chicago" was singled out for praise, with the NY Times theater critic describing her performance as "delectable."
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Verdon's career spanned Broadway, film and television
Gwen Verdon's career spanned Broadway, film, and television. She was an actress, dancer, and choreographer.
Verdon's career began in 1936 when, at the age of 11, she appeared as a solo ballerina in the musical romance film "The King Steps Out". She then took a break from her career to raise a child and returned to the screen in 1945, appearing as a dancer in the movie musical "Blonde From Brooklyn". She also took small roles in movie musicals as a "specialty dancer".
Verdon's breakthrough role came in 1953 when she was cast as the second female lead in Cole Porter's musical "Can-Can". Her performance in the Garden of Eden ballet upstaged the show's star, and although her role was reduced to an ensemble part, her opening-night performance was so well-received that she was brought out for a curtain call. Verdon received a pay increase and her first Tony Award for her performance.
Verdon's biggest commercial and critical success was the musical "Damn Yankees" (1955), for which she won another Tony Award. She reprised her role in the 1958 film adaptation. Verdon went on to win two more Tony Awards for her performances in the musicals "New Girl in Town" and "Redhead".
In 1966, Verdon returned to the stage in the role of Charity in "Sweet Charity", choreographed and directed by her husband, Bob Fosse. She helped with the choreography, which included famed numbers such as "Big Spender" and "Rhythm of Life". Verdon also originated the role of Roxie Hart in the 1975 Broadway production of "Chicago". Although the musical received negative reviews, Verdon was singled out for praise by the NY Times theater critic.
Verdon also worked on films such as "The Cotton Club" (1984), "Cocoon" (1985), "Cocoon: The Return" (1988), "Alice" (1990), "Marvin's Room" (1996), "Walking Across Egypt" (1999), and "Bruno" (2000). She received several Emmy nominations for her television appearances, including for "Magnum, P.I.", "Dream On", and "Homicide: Life on the Street".
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Frequently asked questions
Gwen Verdon was 44 years old during Mexican Breakfast, a dance number she performed on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1969.
Gwen Verdon started her career in Hollywood films in the 1940s before moving to Broadway, where she became one of the most prominent musical theatre stars.
Yes, Verdon had one child with her first husband, James Henaghan. Their son, Jim Henaghan, was born during their marriage, which lasted from 1942 to 1947.















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