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

Remembering Marilyn Cooper

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Remembering Marilyn Cooper

Marilyn Cooper, Tony winner in 1981 for "Woman of the Year," passed away yesterday.

She was actually able to steal some of Lauren Bacall's focus in that show, singing a duet with Bacall and stopping the show with her punchlines.

Cooper's career stretched back in 1956 in "Mr. Wonderful." She also played Rosalie in the original production of "West Side Story."

She appeared in "I Can Get it for You Wholesale" and "Mame" as well as playing a number of roles in the Comden and Green (and Jules Styne and Aurthur Laurents" musical "Hallelujah, Baby!"

In the 1970s, she was in "On the Town," "Two by Two," and "Ballroom."

She also did a few straight plays in the '70s, frequently in Neil Simon shows. She was in "Broadway Bound" and "The Odd Couple."

Cooper originated the role of Agnes in "Gypsy," the Hollywood Blonde who develops a close friendship with stripper Tessie Tura.

She will be missed.

Gina Wilhelm Actress