Who Is Gypsy Rose Lee? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Gypsy Rose Lee, born on January 8, 1911, was a trailblazing American burlesque performer, actress, and author. Renowned for her wit and intelligence, she revolutionized the world of burlesque with her theatrical performances that combined striptease with comedy and artistry. Her enchanting personality and charm won the hearts of many, cementing her legacy as an unforgettable figure in American entertainment history. Gypsy Rose Lee passed away on April 26, 1970, but her influence continues to inspire performers around the globe today.
| Occupation | Political Activists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 8, 1911 |
| Age | 59 Years |
| Birth Place | Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 26 April, 1970 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Gypsy Rose Lee's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Gypsy Rose Lee stood at a height of approximately 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) and had a graceful figure, which was essential for her stage performances. At the peak of her career, her weight was around 130 pounds (59 kg). Although her exact body measurements have varied over the years, it is known that she maintained an alluring and curvaceous figure, which was often highlighted in her performances.
Louise's singing and dancing talents were insufficient to sustain the act without June. Eventually, it became apparent that Louise could make money in burlesque, which earned her legendary status as an elegant and witty striptease artist.
Initially, her act was propelled forward when a shoulder strap on one of her gowns gave way, causing her dress to fall to her feet despite her efforts to cover herself; encouraged by the audience's response, she went on to make the trick the focus of her performance.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Gypsy Rose Lee came from a tumultuous family background, often referencing her complicated relationship with her mother and sister. She was married three times: to the vaudeville performer and writer, Alexander "Bily" Ross; to the playwright and novelist, Arthur L. St. John; and finally to the actor, J. Louis "Lou" Singerman. Throughout her life, her romances were widely publicized, and she was known to have been linked to several prominent figures in entertainment. However, as of 2025, it's worth noting that discussions about Gypsy's personal life have shifted focus toward her artistic legacy rather than her dating history, considering she passed away several decades ago.
She was known as Louise to her family. Their mother, Rose Thompson Hovick, forged various birth certificates for each of her daughters—older when needed to evade varying state child labor laws, and younger for reduced or free train fares. The girls were unsure until later in life what their years of birth were.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing, Gypsy Rose Lee's net worth was estimated to be in the millions, a testament to her successful careers in performance, writing, and later, merchandise and branding. Throughout her life, she made significant earnings from her performances, Broadway productions, and the publication of her memoir, "Gypsy: A Memoir," which gave audiences insight into her life and career. Adjusted for inflation, her net worth in 2025 would be considerably higher, reflecting her status as a cultural icon.
Career, Business and Investments
Gypsy Rose Lee's career spanned several decades, with her reign in burlesque peaking during the 1940s and 1950s. She was not only a performer but also an astute businesswoman. Gypsy expanded her brand by venturing into theatre, with credits in major productions and a notable role in "Gypsy," a musical based on her life. Gypsy embraced investments in fashion and beauty, designing costumes that complemented her performances and establishing herself as a style icon. Her legacy today is celebrated in various forms of media, and her influence remains prevalent in contemporary burlesque and performance art.
* The song "Zip" from the musical Pal Joey, written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, imagines the thoughts and musings that go through Gypsy Rose Lee's mind while she strips onstage, as recounted by a newspaper reporter who sings of her interview with Miss Lee as having been "my greatest achievement" in a career full of notable celebrity interv
iews.
Elaine Stritch regularly performed this song (as the interviewer) for many years.
Social Network
Even though Gypsy Rose Lee is no longer alive, her social network back in the day consisted of numerous entertainers, writers, and influencers who admired her talent and charisma. Today, her legacy can be seen across various platforms and networks dedicated to preserving her story. Fans, historians, and performers alike utilize social media to celebrate her contributions to burlesque and the arts, ensuring that her memory continues to thrive in the digital age.
Like well-known artists such as Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway, Gypsy Rose Lee was a supporter of the Popular Front movement in the Spanish Civil War and raised money for charity to alleviate the suffering of Spanish children during the conflict. "She became politically active, and she supported Spanish Loyalists during Spain's Civil War.
She also became a fixture at Communist United Front meetings, and was investigated by the House Committee on un-American activities."
Education
Gypsy Rose Lee's education was unique, reflecting her upbringing in a family that valued performance arts. While she was not formally educated in the traditional sense, she honed her skills as a performer through her experiences in vaudeville and burlesque. She was known for her quick wit and eloquence, which made her a captivating performer and writer. Her ability to articulate her life story through her memoir showcased her intelligence and educated perspective on the entertainment industry.
In summary, Gypsy Rose Lee’s influence on American entertainment is undeniably significant. As we reflect on her life in 2025, we celebrate not only her legacy but the continued appreciation for the art of performance she so skillfully embodied.
In 1937 and 1938, billed as Louise Hovick, she made five films in Hollywood. But her acting was generally panned, so she returned to New York City where she had an affair with film producer Michael Todd and co-produced and appeared in his 1942 musical revue, Star and Garter. Lee viewed herself as a "high-class" stripper, and she approved of H. L.
Mencken's term "ecdysiast", which he coined as a more "dignified" way of referring to the profession. Her style of intellectual recitation while stripping was spoofed in the number "Zip!" in Rodgers and Hart's Pal Joey, a musical in which June Havoc had appeared on Broadway, opposite Gene Kelly.
Lee performed an abbreviated version of her act (intellectual recitation and all) in the 1943 film Stage Door Canteen.
