Bob Fosse on Liza Minnelli, Gwen Verdon, and much more!

He won 8 Tony Awards for Choreography, (more than anyone else) and an Academy Award for Cabaret.
We talked after the premier of "All That Jazz". Fosse co-wrote and directed this semi-autobiographical film (1979), which portrayed the life of a womanizing, drug-addicted choreographer-director in the midst of triumph and failure. All That Jazz won four Academy Awards, earning Fosse his third Oscar nomination for Best Director.
He married Gwen Verdon in 1960 and went on to choreograph her work in Sweet Charity, Chicago, Redhead, Damn Yankee.
Bob was also an amazing film director; Cabaret, with Liza Minelli won eight Academy Awards.
On September 23, 1987, Gwen Verdon held him in her arms as he suffered a fatal heart attack on the sidewalk outside the Willard Hotel, as the revival of Sweet Charity was beginning across the street.

[@CBAAM]

I was privileged to do three shows with Mr Fosse. It was my college education. I can't tell you how much I miss him....and so many others from that portion of my life. Thank you Ms Prose.

[@gjm2669]

I remember seeing you in Liza With A Z. If I’m correct, you are a wonderful dancer and performer.

[@1Clearwords]

❤️

[@jochenstossberg5427]

Who is Ms Prose? What three shows?

[@elliecouncell3719]

@@jochenstossberg5427 Ms Prose is the interviewer I'm guessing? Based of the channel name :)

[@patuberTV]

"I've read you are your own worst critic." "No, I've read worse." PRICELESS!

[@robstearns7080]

yeah That was VERY funny!

[@fbueller]

LOL!!!

[@jeffwatkins352]

This is the longest interview I've yet seen with Fosse. Can't thank you enough. I'm no dancer (4 left feet all my life). Perhaps it's why I idolize this burning genius of musical movement, a man I will love passionately until I die thanks to his unequalled contributions to the art of matching visuals to sound in the most perfect way, one unequalled by any artist in the history of art.

[@dozzer009]

Beautiful and articulate summation of the masterful work of Fosse.

[@stardusth2o]

Wonderful how the interviewer is not only actually interested but also INFORMED about her subject which is sorely lacking these days. This was such a joy to watch.

[@petercombe2824]

Such a great level of sensitivity to the artist and his work by the interviewer. A really intelligent interview.

[@santolinacove]

except she didn’t know that he had studied dance early on. I wish she had acknowledged his correction instead of plowing on.

[@genevievegelatto8447]

Truly. So many times when we finally get to see one of the great talents interviewed, the entire thing is wasted with foolish, pedestrian, softball questions that leave me screaming at the TV (or computer)!

[@PaulHagl]

I like an interview where the interviewer not only asks good questions but also is genuinely interested in the guest and their work. This is really good. Keep em' coming 👍

[@eileenprose8472]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I am the interviewer and I sincerely appreciate what you say. For thirteen years I was the host of a daily, live, show (plus the remote shoots on so many weekends). Yours is the holy grail of complements to me because, for me, it was the quality of the work, not the idea of being on camera. I am truly grateful! In the last two months I have posted almost 600 interviews on my Channel and I hope you will check them out! Best to you!

[@PaulHagl]

Eileen Prose wow, I didn't know it was you. I'm living in Australia and we wouldn't have got this show. You Tube is a saviour sometimes.

[@craigberman9547]

Phagl Productions thank you so much, can't recognize the talent today!

[@madyjules]

I second that 😉!! Thank you!! Despite his faults and as a human being we all have many this man was an absolute amazing dancer choreographer director and artist! And he will be remembered just as he wished…

[@TotzkeMike]

Yes, love her. She knows her stuff; she's engaged & engaging; she asks thoughtful questions; she's really listening; it isn't about HER.

[@kathleenkohl2186]

That was such a short section in the timeline of dance but ended up to be a HUGE impact in the world of dance. Wish his name was shouted from the rooftops like it deserves. He saw things in people and could reach inside their soul and help them find it.

[@patuberTV]

I think you can't mention the 20th Century of dance w/o FOSSE!

[@1baerliner]

for all who love dance: a real genius! what a loss that he passed away so early. but he is still alive on Broadway even today: experience the magic of Bob Fosse in “Chicago”

[@phillgreenland2390]

Oh, Bobby. We miss you so much.

[@deanplaia9166]

Bobby baby (Sondheim).... you are the ONLY choreographer whose work is unmistakeably yours... the minute you see it, you know its FOSSE.... its the sign of pure genius, (hackneyed, I know, but true.....)....

[@LoriStrussgenarts]

This is awesome. As someone who has studied Mr. Fosse for 36 years, this is a great representation of him.

[@isabellastasicastriotascan6467]

Fantastic interview with one of the best dance and film producers of all times! Bob Fosse’s work is still there with us. Thank you, Bob ✨

[@usmale4915]

I always thought Bob Fosse was the very best choreographer ever. And his wonderful ex-wife Gwen Verdon is my all time best dancer. What a great couple they made (especially "Damn Yankees")! Thank you for the great unbiased interview!

[@dozzer009]

I couldn’t agree more!!! A slight correction if I may…Verdon remained his wife until he died in 1987.

[@jjsmith706]

The man was a goddam genius.

[@shesheshe9389]

Well stated!!!!!!

[@andyfleming747]

Absolutely.

[@groovygirl23]

It's nice to see an interview where they are honestly conversing, not merely reciting talking points. Thanks so much for posting. I can never get enough of Fosse.

[@Victoria-xu2nj]

I’m here after watching the show Fosse/Verdon

[@debblouin]

The main difference, the surprising difference, between Bob Fosse and Joe Gideon is Fosse’s genuine humility, at least you n this interview.

[@MADHAUSMARKALLAN]

Thank you for this. I have been an inconspicuous student of Mr. Fosse for decades. He was also incredibly sexy and impish, mercurial and a creative giant. He still keeps me inspired.... thank you!

[@2011littleguy]

Great description

[@jellyrollnorton]

Such a great interview. I can tell Bob Fosse liked you because he seems a lot more comfortable in this interview than other interviews I’ve seen of him.

[@jayhartbarger2793]

rare ability to bring humor to choreography.

[@reimourrpower9357]

I like Bob Fosse as a person from this interview. Outside of him creating masterpieces of dance, stage & film he seems like an authentic cat. I'm sure he possibly had a less savory side and was highly demanding but it appears to come form a place of legitimate desire to want the best from his work and collaborators.

[@rr7firefly]

He definitely had a mischievous smile that indicated a real creative intelligence.

[@shepburn4755]

Eileen I applaud you for this phenomenal interview. 👏👏👏 You are a great interviewer who genuinely seemed to care, had a great interest in Fosse's work & did your homework AND you have such a beautiful soft spoken voice. Unfortunately, they don't make them like you these days!

[@debralevine9793]

Lovely interview. I like her soft touch.

[@Pdjohnners]

Thoroughly enjoyable. Stumbled upon this, and I'm so glad I did. Rare to find an interviewer that combines, elegance, empathy and warmth. I'm subscribing!

[@Tricia-bp9rw]

I’m in love with Bob Fosse💖 No wonder women loved him so much! He’s a charming, honest, funny and talented man🎶💖💖🎶

[@alexsamaras4954]

wonderful interview! Thank you for sharing.

[@thatsmisterrobert2u]

Wonderful interview. Thank you for this.

[@vitorhugosantana7053]

Great interview! Thank you!

[@TheOlgabart]

Great interview! thanks

[@ralphadamo1857]

"Please don't lecture me." LOL! Great interview, and should be watched along with Eileen's interview of Roy Scheider.

[@kennethbrady]

Beautiful interview - smart, researched, sincere. Thnx for this.

[@jjsmith706]

Researched? She said he hadn't taken any dance classes before he performed in New York.

[@titasantiniE]

Wonderful interviewer

[@romeymarie9255]

What a great interview!

[@gabrielleferris5223]

God the shapes his dancers threw.. Class

[@kennethbrady]

Fantastic interview, great questions, smart and informed and insightful. Thanks very much.

[@jellyrollnorton]

Dude would be 96 if he were still alive today. All That Jazz was a big part of my late teens, as was seeing Dancin’ on Broadway twice and before that, Pippin. I sometimes wonder what other gems he might have created had he not passed away on that DC sidewalk on the way to opening night of the Sweet Charity revival tour at National Theater 36 years ago.

[@rjd0309]

What a great interviewer. Interested and interesting.

[@LiveAndLetLivia]

You are a wonderful interviewer!!!!! Loved this. Thank you! ❤

[@bernardoschmidt]

Delightful interview!

[@Prionel]

Thank you for the highly informative interview.

[@luannagro2223]

He seems so humble.

[@dietzdesign]

Great interview!

[@Nataloff]

How nice to see (well, hear) Eileen again!

[@vincentmarchese8202]

It's funny how he says nothing about the fact he was Never divorced from Miss Verdon and kind of put to the side when she was was such a great part of his life and Mother of his daughter

[@cockeyedoptimista]

The part about Liza Minnelli was very moving for some reason.

[@sdnovember]

It takes a great interviewer to get this.

[@madeleinebelle2105]

Great interview...you listened well and there was a good energy between you both...liked Bob Fosse' honest responses.

[@astarteswillum5259]

From dancer to producer. This guy had a lot of talent.

[@fosbury68]

4 packs of smokes a day. Is there anyone in 2020 that still does that?

[@troygaspard6732]

There will never be another. I like how he talks about actors being hunger.

[@ElkoJohn]

Much obliged.

[@andyfleming747]

What a lovely man; we really miss him; i was lucky to know and work for Liza for many years from 1973, and I met Fred Ebb, who was also a great guy; I truly wish that I had met Bobby. Yes, Liza was a true talent but there is no doubt that Bob helped her immensely.

[@paulcatania1315]

Great interview Eileen! I live in the Boston area and remember seeing you on The Good Day Show. Even then I thought you had a great style as an interviewer. All That Jazz has always been one of my favorite films. What I found especially intriguing about the story is how it interconnects on several levels at once. Part of the story (or one of the levels) revolves around this dream-like netherworld that is set in a big, open black space in which the Fosse character, Joe Gideon, is conversing and reviewing his life with Sybil Shepard, who is portraying an angel of death figure. One of the things that struck me about the film was that in the mid-70s, long before it had been produced, I had a very vivid, powerful and emotionally-charged dream that took place in that same kind of setting, as if on a stage, surrounded by a backdrop of darkness. When I watched the movie for the first time it scared me because I knew that Fosse was really onto something, as if he'd actually tapped into the subconscious.

[@francismackin4681]

Paul Catania Angel was the fabulous Jessica Lange, not Cybill Shepherd

[@paulcatania1315]

Yeah, you're right. I always confuse those two!

[@hankaustin7091]

LOVE this interviewer!! she's clearly intelligent and sweet and warm.. and knows how to dress appropriately! LOVE that pink outfit!

[@TheSphinxProd]

“I think I have more life to live.” 😢

[@aspasia1958]

Guys like this should live forever.

[@MsTaylorsArt]

I loved seeing this! I don't understand why it wasn't mentioned that Bob Fosse had Epilepsy though. I know that people even today judge it, so maybe they were a tad scared of the publics reaction? *Shrugs* People fear what they don't understand though. The less it's talked about, the less people understand it. When I was in high school, I had a seizure and fell off my stool. The teacher pointed and said "Class, this is what you look like when you have a seizure." Nobody helped me except another child. The teacher got away with that hurtful and 100% wrong behaviour. That is what fear of seizures and Epilepsy helps to create. It helps to create more situations like that. At the same time, who really wants to be known for their health!? I know that I don't.... To be honest, I'm tired of it and have loads to share with this world. Judgement stops me though. I pity those who judge. I'm sooo glad that others did not stop Fosse from sharing with the world due to his health. It's astounding to think of the talent that would not have been shared if others had judged so harshly. How inspirational and just beautiful. It fills my heart for those who were in Fosse's life. His having Epilepsy probably contributed to his wanting to do things correctly too. I've had multiple seizures, my Epilepsy was not under control until recently so I know the feeling seizures can create. I bet that even if you have one seizure and got just one aura that you never want to have one again. They are THAT scary. Which meant Fosse must have been one amazingly strong human being! The need to get away from that feeling would turn anyone into a workaholic.That also would create an interest in death. Having Epilepsy you're very close to death. Working actually becomes a form of therapy and something that helps you to live. Epilepsy creates a need to prove to yourself and the world that you're normal. You don't want to think about death, etc. so you try your best to think about life. To please others and to live. I doubt that he would have talked about that fact but it's true. He proved how normal he was over and over again. Even without speaking about Epilepsy, he created awareness about it. Simply by creating something that those like myself could be inspired by and say look he could, maybe I can too! Maybe those who say and imply that I can't, are wrong. That adds just a little bit more of a meaning behind his works if you ask me. A meaning that would not have been possible without those who worked with him. Every single one of them contributed to that message and I hope they know that fact! It's a very powerful and meaningful one that should help them to hold their heads up high! How absolutely beautiful. It seriously puts tears of joy in my eyes at the thought. I'm 100% sure that a part of him knew that each work he made could have been his last. Seizures make you realise that it's time to start livin'! Isn't that beautiful!? :) I think it is and it's hugely commendable. Fosse and those who did not judge him are absolutely amazing in my eyes. I'm sure at times he was probably bluntly honest but you have to be if you want something done right. Many talents who worked with him probably understood and did not take offense. Plus, damn!!! He looked good. I do wish they mentioned his having Epilepsy. SADLY, VERY SADLY though I understand why they didn't too.💜🕯💜🎭

[@emialda]

Thank you posting this. Could you tell me what year the interview was conducted and aired?

[@jjsmith706]

"We talked after the premier of "All That Jazz". Fosse co-wrote and directed this semi-autobiographical film (1979),"

[@Gigigamble]

He had so much charm. Wow.

[@imsocuteimsorich4952]

What an honest man Bob you rock,r,I,p,thank you for all that jazz ,amen 😘✌💖💏

[@rudyrivera718]

Very charismatic❤

[@nysguy07]

She may want to do her research next time. Saying he never studied dancing, took great care of himself, etc.. Never ask a question that you don't know the answer to.

[@dougo891]

Great insights into one of the most talented men in the biz!!:-O:-O:-O

[@BbqMikeG]

Brother had style!

[@deerheart87]

The best

[@latejanaurbana1589]

1:04 why he made, "All That Jazz

[@kennetheddy577]

Master

[@mindakahn9964]

His shows were brilliant. But I saw him in a restaurant in New York City and he was the consummate chauvinist. It was ugly. Sometimes you just don’t want to know what the magic is behind the curtain.

[@siennammp4492]

Minda Kahn same with Michael Jordan .

[@lisagillette-martin2247]

Minda Kahn He would have been eviscerated today as part of the #metoo movement. Am I condoning his behavior? Absolutely not, but his contribution to dance, theater and film is inarguable.

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

Minda, What did you see that made you realize that about him in such a short time?

[@marthamydear7499]

I really would love to know what he did or said in the restaurant. Rude remarks to waitstaff? Grabbing women walking by?

[@georgesetzer6501]

He had a heart attack on the streets of Manhattan and died in Gwen Verdon's arms....sad

[@naturalistegroup3978]

That is sad. Poor Gwen. Goes to show that cardio health and low weight may not save you.

[@liduck52]

It was in Washington D.C.

[@cmcb09]

A direct quote by Gwen, take it how you’d like. “On second husband Bob Fosse: "Bob Fosse grew up around strip clubs. Women were his hobby. He'd even cheat on his mistress. Part of him felt guilty, another part was ecstatic. In the end, it helped lead him to an early death".”

[@charlotteziggy8353]

@@naturalistegroup3978 He said he did not take care of himself, drank, smoked like a chimney, stress, poor sleep= Cardiac issues.

[@eileenschenck1264]

Sad but so fitting....the places he wanted to be....

[@saraszakadat8451]

What's up with that curtain outside?

[@fbueller]

I thought this was Joan Lunden at first based on the side profile and voice!

[@truthhitman7473]

Michael Jackson copied his moves in The Little Prince (1974)

[@musicola7371]

Michael Jackson's dancing was heavily influenced by Fosse's choreography.

[@jeffseaman4356]

Straight up...

[@photomitch]

Where's the sound?

[@this_Joe_Smith]

I have sound. Did they fix it on your end?

[@lornearmstrong1834]

This woman should do some homework before the interview.

[@james8583]

How do you study diction?

[@mifolfree9043]

"Could money have stopped you?" He laughs and says "ALWAYS" People who think money isn't everything on this planet are either dumb or poor or both. Money IS everything. And if you have be grateful and responsible.

[@mifolfree9043]

"Two Ladies"

[@reimourrpower9357]

Money isn't everything but it is one the most important things in supporting the arts. As Jean-luc Goddard said when asked what's the most important thing about film and he stated 'money'. Fosse's passion & commitment drew Roy Schieder to help him get more $$$ and deliver classic art.

[@gwhanover9698]

It isn't everything but it ain't nothing.

[@orion8835]

He was a great artist but a very cynical brutalist in his dealings with women sexually and many of his male friends. Like many people in show biz he was not terribly effective nor fair outside of his work. His kind of talent drew from a very shady upbringing and all of that trauma was channeled into his choreography abc direction. Like most performing artists. This is why the person is very different from what they create. “All that Jazz” was a thinly veiled docudrama of Fosse’s bizarre private life. And of course of his artistic creations.

[@wb12337]

Spell: MINNELLI

[@eileenprose8472]

Wayne....thank you so much for the correction. Will change now! I really appreciate your watching. Best....

[@bananabasket]

It's not a big problem but it is a problem.

[@TheHappychickadee]

Taken too soon

[@ScrapNfight]

I wish he had taken better care of himself.

[@Budcat101]

genius and horrid person

[@nanfitzsimonds7302]

my grandson took me to a Very lush restaurant in NYC! A we were being seated I saw an actress sitting across from me I knew from the soap's! I knew that they do not liked to be looked at while eating so I tried VERY hard not to look her way.! Well you would have thought they had seated a killer across from her the way she twisted & turned in her seat & held a napkin almost over her face so I would not see her! I mean she was a SOAP actress not a star for GOD's sake!! It was Ericia Slazak!! Her father was a STAR NOT her!!!

[@thisistheworldtoday]

You take good care of yourself... chain smoking doesn’t matter in her brain....yikes

[@garagedancer122]

.

[@danielcasse78]

Tires grand

[@a.koepke3523]

Great Dictator 👍

[@Legittoquit1]

What a bad human