Who Is Jerome Robbins? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jerome Robbins was born on October 11, 1918, and passed away on July 29, 1998. As of 2025, he would have been 107 years old. Renowned for his exceptional contributions to the world of dance and theatre, Robbins is remembered for his electrifying choreography and direction in Broadway productions such as "West Side Story" and "Fiddler on the Roof." His innovative techniques reshaped the landscape of American theatre, leaving an indelible mark on generations of performers and audiences alike. Learn more about Jerome Robbins.
| Occupation | Choreographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 11, 1918 |
| Age | 79 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 29 July, 1998 |
| Died Place | New York City, U.S. |
Popularity
Jerome Robbins's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specifics about Jerome Robbins’ height and weight during his lifetime may not be justly documented, he was known for his dynamic movement style, which epitomized the grace and physicality of ballet and modern dance. His approach often emphasized the importance of physicality in storytelling, making every performance captivating.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Jerome Robbins tended to keep aspects of his personal life private, focusing passionately on his work. Although not much is publicly known about his dating life, Robbins was known to have had relationships with several significant figures in the arts. In terms of family, Robbins was born to Jewish immigrants from Poland, growing up in a supportive environment that fostered his artistic talents.
The Rabinowitz family lived in a large apartment house at 51 East 97th Street at the northeast corner of Madison Avenue. Known as "Jerry" to those close to him, Robbins was given the middle name Wilson reflecting his parents' patriotic enthusiasm for the then-president, Woodrow Wilson.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 1998, estimates suggested that Jerome Robbins had amassed a net worth between $60 million to $100 million attributed to his successful career in theatre and choreography. Today, posthumous recognition of his contributions to the arts continues to enhance his legacy, potentially increasing the value of his works, rights, and continued influence within the industry.
Career, Business and Investments
Jerome Robbins’ career spanned several decades, during which he significantly impacted both Broadway and classical ballet. He received multiple accolades, including Tony and Academy Awards. Notably, his work on "West Side Story" not only showcased his choreographic genius but also his ability to merge dance with narrative in a groundbreaking way. Robbins was also involved in various artistic businesses, including co-founding The American Academy of Ballet. His investments in the arts and personal creations have continued to thrive long after his passing.
Robbins began studying modern dance in high school with Alys [CK] Bentley, who encouraged her pupils to improvise steps to music.
Said Robbins later: "What [she] gave me immediately was the absolute freedom to make up my own dances without inhibition or doubts." After graduation he went to study chemistry at New York University (NYU) but dropped out after a year for financial reasons, and to pursue dance full-time.
He joined the company of Senya Gluck Sandor, a leading exponent of expressionistic modern dance; it was Sandor who recommended that he change his name to Robbins.
Sandor also encouraged him to take ballet, which he did with Ella Daganova; in addition he studied Spanish dancing with Helen Veola; Asian dance with Yeichi Nimura; and dance composition with Bessie Schonberg. While a member of Sandor's company Robbins made his stage debut with the Yiddish Art Theater, in a small role in The Brothers Ashkenazi.
Social Network
Although Robbins did not engage with social media during his life, contemporary tributes and retrospectives of his work are frequently shared on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. His influence is celebrated through many online communities and pages dedicated to theatre enthusiasts who continue to honor and remember his legacy through regular discourse about his contributions to dance and theatre.
Among his numerous stage productions were On the Town, Peter Pan, High Button Shoes, The King and I, The Pajama Game, Bells Are Ringing, West Side Story, Gypsy, and Fiddler on the Roof. Robbins was a five-time Tony Award-winner and a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors.
He received two Academy Awards, including the 1961 Academy Award for Best Director with Robert Wise for West Side Story and a special Academy Honorary Award for his choreographic achievements on film.
Education
Jerome Robbins started his formal ballet training at a young age before studying at the New Dance Group in New York City. He also attended New York University, which significantly influenced his artistic direction. The combination of his education and innate talent contributed to his exceptional understanding of movement, storytelling, and choreography, allowing him to become one of the most revered choreographers in American history.
In all, he was awarded with five Tony Awards, two Academy Awards (including the special Academy Honorary Award), the Kennedy Center Honors (1981), the National Medal of Arts (1988), the French Legion of Honor, and an Honorary Membership in the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters.
He was awarded three honorary doctorates including an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in 1980 from the City University of New York and an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from New York University in 1985.
