Gypsy: A Memoir

Gypsy Rose Lee · Harper & Brothers · 1957 · Originally in English · introductory

The stripper who became a legend describes how burlesque really worked, from body mechanics to theatre economics.

About the author

Gypsy Rose Lee (1911–1970) was born Rose Louise Hovick and became the highest-paid entertainer in burlesque history. She performed continuously from childhood, initially in vaudeville with her sister June Havoc, before establishing herself as a solo striptease headliner at the Minsky theatres in the 1930s and 1940s. Beyond performance, she was an author, television personality, actress, and visual artist; she cultivated an intellectual public persona that deliberately departed from stereotypes of strippers. Her memoir was a bestseller and was adapted into Stephen Sondheim's celebrated musical. She remained active in theatre and media until her death.

Documents these traditions

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