description Josephine Baker Overview
Josephine Baker was an American-born French dancer, singer, and actress who achieved significant fame in France during the 1920s. After beginning her career in American vaudeville and the chorus lines of Broadway, she moved to Paris and became a star at the Folies Bergère. She was a key figure of the Jazz Age and the Harlem Renaissance in Paris, famously performing in a skirt made of artificial bananas. During World War II, she also served as a spy for the French Resistance, later receiving French military honors.
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Josephine Baker ranks #9 of 161 in the Vaudeville ranking, behind Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson, ahead of Ethel Waters.
help Josephine Baker FAQ
Where did Josephine Baker become famous?
Baker became a star in Paris after achieving only modest recognition in American vaudeville and Broadway chorus lines. She rose to fame at the Folies Bergère in the mid-1920s, where her sensational performances made her one of the most celebrated entertainers in France.
What was Josephine Baker's famous banana skirt costume?
Baker's most iconic performance involved dancing in a skirt made of artificial bananas, worn during her act at the Folies Bergère in 1926. The costume became an enduring symbol of the Parisian jazz age and cemented Baker's status as an international celebrity.
Did Josephine Baker perform on Broadway before going to Paris?
Yes, Baker performed in the Broadway musical "Shuffle Along" in 1921, one of the first major Broadway shows created entirely by African American writers and performers. She was part of the chorus line but stood out enough to begin building a reputation before departing for Paris.
Did Josephine Baker serve in the French Resistance during World War II?
Yes, Baker worked as a spy for the French Resistance, using her celebrity status and international travel as cover to carry intelligence and hidden messages. She was later awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Légion d'Honneur for her service to France.
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