Gypsy Rose Lee Wiki, Wikipedia, Mom, Net Worth, Mother, Husband, Daughter
Gypsy Rose Lee Wiki, Wikipedia, Mom, Net Worth, Mother, Husband, Daughter – Gypsy Rose Lee, originally named Rose Louise Hovick, graced the world on January 8, 1911, in Seattle, Washington, or so they thought. Interestingly, she always claimed January 9 as her birthday. Raised alongside her sister June Havoc by their resourceful mother, Rose Thompson Hovick, Gypsy’s early years were clouded with uncertainty about their birth dates due to creative adjustments on their birth certificates.
Gypsy Rose Lee Family
Rose’s mother, after a brief marriage to John Olaf Hovick, married Judson Brennerman, a traveling salesman. Unfortunately, this union also ended, compelling June to take up vaudeville to support the family. Gypsy, left behind during their Hollywood stint, had a more modest education than her sister. June’s elopement with a fellow dancer marked a turning point, leading Gypsy to discover her potential in burlesque.
Gypsy Rose Lee Career
Gypsy Rose Lee’s journey to stardom wasn’t immediate. Her early performances lacked the sparkle until an unintentional wardrobe malfunction turned the tide. When a shoulder strap gave way, revealing more than intended, the audience’s enthusiastic response inspired her iconic striptease act. Her approach emphasized a more refined form of entertainment, blending humor seamlessly into her performances.
Leaving behind her original name, Louise Hovick, she embraced the stage name Gypsy Rose Lee and became a sensation at Minsky’s Burlesque for four years. Frequent arrests during the Great Depression failed to deter her. In 1937, she tried her luck in Hollywood under her birth name but returned to New York, partnering with film producer Michael Todd for the 1942 musical revue, “Star and Garter.”
Gypsy was not just a burlesque performer; she also ventured into writing. In 1941, she penned a mystery thriller, “The G-String Murders,” adapted into the 1943 film “Lady of Burlesque.” Controversy arose when an associate editor filed a breach of contract against her, but the case was settled out of court. Gypsy continued her foray into the literary world with “Mother Finds a Body” in 1942.
Gypsy Rose Lee Relationships
Gypsy’s personal life was as captivating as her onstage performances. Her marriages to Arnold “Bob” Mizzy, William Alexander Kirkland, and Julio de Diego were marked by divorces. Notably, during her marriage to Kirkland, she gave birth to Erik Lee, the biological son of Otto Preminger. Despite personal turmoil, she remained financially supportive of her family.
Gypsy Rose Lee Tragic Incident
In 1940, Gypsy purchased a lavish townhouse in Manhattan, showcasing her financial success. However, her relationship with her mother, Rose, was strained. Rose’s violent act, allegedly in defense of Gypsy against a romantic advance, resulted in a mysterious death. The incident was investigated but never prosecuted, adding a layer of complexity to Gypsy’s family history.
Gypsy Rose Lee Musical Legacy
After Rose’s death, Gypsy and June felt liberated to write about their mother. Gypsy’s memoir, “Gypsy: A Memoir,” published in 1957, laid the foundation for the 1959 musical “Gypsy.” While the portrayal didn’t sit well with June, the success of the musical ensured a stable income for Gypsy. The sisters, despite estrangements, eventually reconciled and shared their versions of the family history through their respective books.
Gypsy Rose Lee Television
In the later years of her life, Gypsy hosted “The Gypsy Rose Lee Show,” a daytime talk show that aired from 1965 to 1968. The show featured notable guests and reflected her diverse interests, from people to pets and even knitting. Beyond entertainment, Gypsy engaged in political activism, supporting the Popular Front movement during the Spanish Civil War and actively participating in charity work.
Gypsy Rose Lee Final Act
In 1969, Gypsy performed for American troops in Vietnam, earning the endearing title of their “sexy grandmother.” However, her final act concluded tragically when she succumbed to lung cancer in Los Angeles in 1970 at the age of 59. She left behind an estate valued at $575,000, buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery in California.
Gypsy Rose Lee Legacy
Gypsy Rose Lee’s impact extended beyond her lifetime. Her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame stands testament to her influence. Artists like Elaine Stritch and punk band The Distillers paid homage to her in their works. In 2012, the Gypsy Rose Lee Awards celebrated local theatre excellence. Her home movies, preserved by the Academy Film Archive, provide glimpses into her life behind the scenes.
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Conclusion
Gypsy Rose Lee, the enigmatic burlesque star, transcended the boundaries of her profession. From the glittering stages of Minsky’s Burlesque to the pages of mystery novels and the political arenas, her life was a captivating blend of glamour, controversy, and advocacy. As her legacy lives on through literature, film, and the memories of those she entertained, Gypsy remains an unforgettable icon of American entertainment history.
Is Gypsy based on Gypsy Rose Lee?
Yes, the show “Gypsy” is loosely based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous striptease artist. The focus of the show is on her mother, Rose, who is often regarded as the epitome of a show business mother.
Did Gypsy Rose Lee have a son?
Yes, Gypsy Rose Lee had a son named Erik Lee Preminger. She gave birth to him on December 11, 1944, while she was married to William Alexander Kirkland. Erik has been known by different names over the years, including Erik Kirkland, Erik de Diego, and Erik Lee Preminger.
Who was Gypsy Rose Lee’s mother?
Gypsy Rose Lee’s mother was Rose Thompson Hovick. Rose played a significant role in Gypsy’s life and is often a central figure in discussions about Gypsy’s career and family dynamics.