Joan McCracken

Joan McCracken 1950

American dancer and actress

Joan McCracken

Name	Joan McCracken
Birth name
Birth date	December 31, 1917
Birth place	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Death date	November 1, 1961 (aged 43)
Death place	New York City, New York, United States
Alma mater
Occupation	Dancer, actress
Years active	1937–1961
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)	Jack Dunphy (m. 1939; div. 1951) Bob Fosse (m. 1952; div. 1959)
Website

Joan Hume McCracken (December 31, 1917 – November 1, 1961) was an American dancer and actress who became famous for her role as Sylvie ("The Girl Who Falls Down") in the original 1943 production of Oklahoma!. She was noted for her energetic and comedic performances, which helped to redefine the role of the dancer in musical theater.

Early life

Joan McCracken was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She began her dance training at a young age and studied at the School of American Ballet in New York City. Her early career included performances with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo.

Career

McCracken's breakthrough role came in 1943 when she was cast in Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II's musical Oklahoma!. Her performance as Sylvie, a comedic role that required her to intentionally fall during a dance number, earned her widespread acclaim and established her as a talented performer in musical theater.

Following her success in Oklahoma!, McCracken appeared in several other Broadway productions, including Bloomer Girl (1944) and Me and Juliet (1953). She also had a role in the film Good News (1947).

Personal life

McCracken was married twice. Her first marriage was to writer Jack Dunphy in 1939, but they divorced in 1951. She then married choreographer and director Bob Fosse in 1952. The couple divorced in 1959. McCracken's health began to decline in the late 1950s due to complications from diabetes, which ultimately led to her death in 1961 at the age of 43.

Legacy

Joan McCracken is remembered for her contributions to musical theater and her ability to blend dance with comedy. Her work paved the way for future generations of dancers and performers in the industry.

See also

• Oklahoma! (musical)
• Bob Fosse
• Jack Dunphy
• Bloomer Girl
• Me and Juliet

External links

Joan McCracken at Find a Grave