June Havoc Biography

Fast Facts

• Was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for her role as a housekeeper in "Habeas Corpus" in 1975
• Was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Director for "Marathon 33," which was based on her memoir about the marathon dance era, in 1963
• Her older sister was the burlesque entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee who, along with her and their mother, inspired the Broadway musical "Gypsy․"
• Began performing as a vaudeville dancer when she was only 2 years old, billed as the "Tiniest Toe Dancer in the World․"
• Made her screen acting debut in the short film "On the Jump" in 1918
• Quote: "My sister was beautiful and clever - and ruthless․ My mother was endearing and adorable - and lethal․ They were the same person․ I was the fool of the family․ The one who thought I really was loved for me, for myself․"
• Best known as an actress, dancer, and theater director who played Elaine Wales in "Gentleman's Agreement" and Willa Dodger in "Willy․"
• Achieved fame on Broadway in the role of Gladys Bumps in the original 1940 production of "Pal Joey․"
• Made her final Broadway appearance in the role of Miss Hannigan in "Annie" in 1982
• Wrote two memoirs, "Early Havoc" and "More Havoc," as well as the one-woman show "An Unexpected Evening with June Havoc․"