Gypsy Rose Lee

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Gypsy Rose Lee

Timed to coincide with the 99th birthday of Gypsy Rose Lee, rumors are circulating that the most recent Broadway revival starring Patty LuPone may be coming to London's West End.

Born in Seattle, Gypsy's burlesque routines would emphasize the "tease" in striptease. It's said she removed less clothing than other burlesque dancers.

Gypsy's routines, instead, featured wit, intelligence, and sophistication. She said “You don’t have to be naked to look naked. You just have to think naked.”

Lee wrote a memoir about her life in vaudeville, burlesque, and her domineering mother, which became the basis for "Gypsy."

On stage, "Gypsy" starred Ethel Merman. It was made into a film starring Rosalind Russell. There was also a TV movie in 1993 starring Bette Midler.

The LuPone revival, directed by Arthur Laurents, closed in January 2009 and won three Tony awards.

Gina Wilhelm Actress