Revealing Facts About Gypsy Rose Lee, The Best Burlesque Performer
Gypsy Rose Lee was the 20th-century burlesque performer who bared it all on stage and became a legend in the process. But the details of her scandalous personal life are far more revealing.
1. She Took It All Off—And Covered It Up
Gypsy Rose Lee was destined to become famous. She spent most of her life under her mother’s thumb and the rest of it in her more talented sister’s shadow.
But with a clever wit and a sultry dance act unlike any other, Gypsy became a star in her own right. But as she took it all off on stage, she covered up the details of her personal life.
2. Her Mother Wanted Her To Be A Star
Rose Louise Hovick was born in Seattle, Washington in January 1911. But, even before she came screaming into the world, her destiny was already laid out before her. Her mother, Rose Thompson Hovick, wanted nothing more than to become a star—or raise one. Before Gypsy could even walk, Mother Rose enrolled her in dance classes.
There was just one problem.
3. Her Sister Was Her Biggest Competition
The moment she set foot on the stage, one thing was obvious: Gypsy was talentless. So, her mother did the only thing she could; she recast her. The very next year, Mother Rose gave birth to another baby girl, June. “
If my sister had shown any prospects as a moneymaker,” June later explained, “I would never have been [born]”.
Officially, she kind of never was.
4. Her Mother Was Crazy
“There is no doubt in anyone's mind that [Mother Rose is] crazy”. Those were the cautionary words of Gypsy’s aunt, Belle about her deranged sister. And that was kind of an understatement.Mother Rose forged birth certificates for both Gypsy and June to avoid child labor laws so she could push her children on stage—and into questionable situations.
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