Gender
Male
Born
Jun 22, 1919
Geneva, Illinois, USA
Died
Aug 25, 1980
New York, New York, USA
Director Performer Choreographer
Relations
Husband of
Marge Champion (1947-1973) divorced
Husband of
Karla Russell Champion (1976 - 1980) his death
See Also
Comments
Died on the day of the original 42nd Street's opening night.
  • CREDITS
    Hello, Dolly! (Apr 20, 2017 - Aug 25, 2018)
    • Original Production Directed and Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyRevival
    42nd Street (May 02, 2001 - Jan 02, 2005)
    • Original direction and dances by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Hello, Dolly! (Oct 19, 1995 - Jan 28, 1996)
    • Original production directed and choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyRevival
    42nd Street (Aug 25, 1980 - Jan 08, 1989)
    • Directed by Gower Champion
    • Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    A Broadway Musical (Dec 21, 1978 - Dec 21, 1978)
    • Production Supervised by Gower Champion
    MusicalOriginal
    Hello, Dolly! (Mar 05, 1978 - Jul 09, 1978)
    • Original production directed and choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyRevival
    The Act (Oct 29, 1977 - Jul 01, 1978)
    • Uncredited consultation: Gower Champion
    • Performer: Gower Champion
      • Dan Connors - Replacement (Apr 25, 1978 - ?)
    MusicalOriginal
    Rockabye Hamlet (Feb 17, 1976 - Feb 21, 1976)
    • Directed by Gower Champion
    • Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalOriginal
    Hello, Dolly! (Nov 06, 1975 - Dec 21, 1975)
    • Originally directed and choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalRevival
    Mack & Mabel (Oct 06, 1974 - Nov 30, 1974)
    • Directed by Gower Champion
    • Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalOriginal
    Irene (Mar 13, 1973 - Sep 07, 1974)
    • Directed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Sugar (Apr 09, 1972 - Jun 23, 1973)
    • Directed by Gower Champion
    • Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    A Flea in Her Ear (Oct 03, 1969 - Oct 25, 1969)
    • Directed by Gower Champion
    PlayFarceRevival
    The Happy Time (Jan 18, 1968 - Sep 28, 1968)
    • Directed and filmed by Gower Champion
    • Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    I Do! I Do! (Dec 05, 1966 - Jun 15, 1968)
    • Directed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    3 Bags Full (Mar 06, 1966 - Apr 02, 1966)
    • Directed by Gower Champion
    PlayComedyOriginal
    High Spirits (Apr 07, 1964 - Feb 27, 1965)
    • Additional direction (uncredited) by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Hello, Dolly! (Jan 16, 1964 - Dec 27, 1970)
    • Directed by Gower Champion
    • Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    My Mother, My Father and Me (Mar 23, 1963 - Apr 06, 1963)
    • Staged by Gower Champion
    PlayOriginal
    Carnival! (Apr 13, 1961 - Jan 05, 1963)
    • Directed by Gower Champion
    • Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalPuppetsOriginal
    Bye Bye Birdie (Apr 14, 1960 - Oct 07, 1961)
    • Directed by Gower Champion
    • Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    3 for Tonight (Apr 06, 1955 - Jun 18, 1955)
    • Directed by Gower Champion
    • Starring: Gower Champion [Performer]
    • Musical staging by Gower Champion
    MusicalRevueOriginal
    Make a Wish (Apr 18, 1951 - Jul 14, 1951)
    • Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalOriginal
    Lend an Ear (Dec 16, 1948 - Jan 21, 1950)
    • Musical Staging by Gower Champion
    MusicalRevueOriginal
    Small Wonder (Sep 15, 1948 - Jan 08, 1949)
    • Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalRevueOriginal
    Count Me In (Oct 08, 1942 - Nov 21, 1942)
    • Performer: Gower Champion [Teddy Roosevelt Brandywine]
    MusicalRevue ComedyOriginal
    The Lady Comes Across (Jan 09, 1942 - Jan 10, 1942)
    • Performer: Gower Champion [Campbell]
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Streets of Paris (Jun 19, 1939 - Feb 10, 1940)
    • Also Starring: Gower Champion [Le Fils Americain, Cadet, "South American Way" Dancer, "We Live of Love" / "We Haven't Got A Pot to Cook In" Dancer, "Reading, Writing and a Little Bit of Rhythm" Dancer]
    MusicalRevueOriginal
    Hello, Dolly! (Sep 25, 2018 - Mar 11, 2020)
    • Original Production Directed and Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Hello, Dolly! (Oct 05, 2013 - Apr 05, 2014)
    • Original production directed and choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyRevival
    42nd Street (Jul 23, 2002 - May 30, 2004)
    • Original Direction and Dances by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Hello, Dolly! (Jul 12, 1994 - Feb 23, 1997)
    • Original production directed and choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyRevival
    42nd Street (Sep 28, 1993 - Oct 31, 1993)
    • Original Direction & Choreography by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyRevival
    42nd Street (Jul 28, 1987 - Jan 24, 1988)
    • Originally directed by Gower Champion
    • Originally choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    42nd Street (Feb 19, 1985 - Jan 26, 1986)
    • Choreography by Gower Champion
    • Originally directed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    42nd Street - Los Angeles (Feb 03, 1984 - Dec 02, 1984)
    • Originally directed by Gower Champion
    • Originally choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalSit-DownOriginal
    Hello, Dolly! (Apr 12, 1983 - Sep 04, 1983)
    • Original Production Directed and Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyRevival
    42nd Street (Jan 01, 1983 - Mar 30, 1986)
    • Originally directed by Gower Champion
    • Originally choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Hello, Dolly! (Jun 23, 1977 - Dec 31, 1978)
    • Original Production Directed and Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Hello, Dolly! (Jun 23, 1975 - Jan 24, 1976)
    • Originally directed by Gower Champion
    • Originally choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Irene (Sep 11, 1974 - May 03, 1975)
    • Original Production Supervised by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Hello, Dolly! (May 25, 1971 - Jul 24, 1971)
    • Originally directed by Gower Champion
    • Originally choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Hello, Dolly! (Jan 12, 1970 - May 17, 1970)
    • Production Directed by Gower Champion
    • Production Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    I Do! I Do! (Sep 11, 1969 - Jun 21, 1970)
    • Originally directed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Hello, Dolly! (Dec 28, 1968 - Apr 20, 1969)
    • Directed by Gower Champion
    • Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    I Do! I Do! (Apr 08, 1968 - Feb 23, 1969)
    • Originally directed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Hello, Dolly! (Nov 14, 1967 - Jul 14, 1968)
    • Originally directed by Gower Champion
    • Originally choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Hello, Dolly! (Nov 03, 1965 - Mar 24, 1968)
    • Directed by Gower Champion
    • Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Hello, Dolly! (Sep 07, 1965 - Jun 11, 1967)
    • Directed by Gower Champion
    • Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Hello, Dolly! (Apr 17, 1965 - Sep 05, 1965)
    • Directed by Gower Champion
    • Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Carnival! (Oct 18, 1962 - May 11, 1963)
    • As Originally Directed and Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalPuppetsOriginal
    Carnival! (Dec 07, 1961 - Mar 09, 1963)
    • Directed by Gower Champion
    • Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalPuppetsOriginal
    Bye Bye Birdie (Oct 09, 1961 - Mar 31, 1962)
    • Directed by Gower Champion
    • Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Bye Bye Birdie (Apr 24, 1961 - Mar 17, 1962)
    • Directed by Gower Champion
    • Choreographed by Gower Champion
    MusicalComedyOriginal
  • AWARDS

    Tony Award®

    Best Choreography

    1981 | Winner  | 42nd Street
    Choreographed by Gower Champion
     

    Best Direction of a Musical

    1981 | Nominee  | 42nd Street
    Directed by Gower Champion
     

    Best Choreography

    1975 | Nominee  | Mack & Mabel
    Choreographed by Gower Champion
     

    Best Direction of a Musical

    1975 | Nominee  | Mack & Mabel
    Directed by Gower Champion
     

    Best Choreography

    1973 | Nominee  | Sugar
    Choreographed by Gower Champion
     

    Best Direction of a Musical

    1973 | Nominee  | Sugar
    Directed by Gower Champion

    Best Choreography

    1968 | Winner  | The Happy Time
    Choreographed by Gower Champion

    Best Direction of a Musical

    1968 | Winner  | The Happy Time
    Directed and filmed by Gower Champion
     

    Best Direction of a Musical

    1967 | Nominee  | I Do! I Do!
    Directed by Gower Champion

    Best Choreography

    1964 | Winner  | Hello, Dolly!
    Choreographed by Gower Champion

    Best Direction (Musical)

    1964 | Winner  | Hello, Dolly!
    Directed by Gower Champion
     

    Best Direction of a Musical

    1962 | Nominee  | Carnival!
    Directed by Gower Champion

    Best Choreography

    1961 | Winner  | Bye Bye Birdie
    Choreographed by Gower Champion

    Best Direction of a Musical

    1961 | Winner  | Bye Bye Birdie
    Directed by Gower Champion

    Best Choreography

    1949 | Winner  | Lend an Ear
    Musical Staging by Gower Champion

    Drama Desk Award

    Outstanding Choreography

    1981 | Winner  | 42nd Street
    Choreographed by Gower Champion
Hello, Dolly! (Apr 20, 2017 - Aug 25, 2018)
  • Original Production Directed and Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyRevival
42nd Street (May 02, 2001 - Jan 02, 2005)
  • Original direction and dances by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyRevival
Hello, Dolly! (Oct 19, 1995 - Jan 28, 1996)
  • Original production directed and choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyRevival
42nd Street (Aug 25, 1980 - Jan 08, 1989)
  • Directed by Gower Champion
  • Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
A Broadway Musical (Dec 21, 1978 - Dec 21, 1978)
  • Production Supervised by Gower Champion
MusicalOriginal
Hello, Dolly! (Mar 05, 1978 - Jul 09, 1978)
  • Original production directed and choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyRevival
The Act (Oct 29, 1977 - Jul 01, 1978)
  • Uncredited consultation: Gower Champion
  • Performer: Gower Champion
    • Dan Connors - Replacement (Apr 25, 1978 - ?)
MusicalOriginal
Rockabye Hamlet (Feb 17, 1976 - Feb 21, 1976)
  • Directed by Gower Champion
  • Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalOriginal
Hello, Dolly! (Nov 06, 1975 - Dec 21, 1975)
  • Originally directed and choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalRevival
Mack & Mabel (Oct 06, 1974 - Nov 30, 1974)
  • Directed by Gower Champion
  • Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalOriginal
Irene (Mar 13, 1973 - Sep 07, 1974)
  • Directed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyRevival
Sugar (Apr 09, 1972 - Jun 23, 1973)
  • Directed by Gower Champion
  • Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
A Flea in Her Ear (Oct 03, 1969 - Oct 25, 1969)
  • Directed by Gower Champion
PlayFarceRevival
The Happy Time (Jan 18, 1968 - Sep 28, 1968)
  • Directed and filmed by Gower Champion
  • Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
I Do! I Do! (Dec 05, 1966 - Jun 15, 1968)
  • Directed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
3 Bags Full (Mar 06, 1966 - Apr 02, 1966)
  • Directed by Gower Champion
PlayComedyOriginal
High Spirits (Apr 07, 1964 - Feb 27, 1965)
  • Additional direction (uncredited) by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
Hello, Dolly! (Jan 16, 1964 - Dec 27, 1970)
  • Directed by Gower Champion
  • Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
My Mother, My Father and Me (Mar 23, 1963 - Apr 06, 1963)
  • Staged by Gower Champion
PlayOriginal
Carnival! (Apr 13, 1961 - Jan 05, 1963)
  • Directed by Gower Champion
  • Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalPuppetsOriginal
Bye Bye Birdie (Apr 14, 1960 - Oct 07, 1961)
  • Directed by Gower Champion
  • Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
3 for Tonight (Apr 06, 1955 - Jun 18, 1955)
  • Directed by Gower Champion
  • Starring: Gower Champion [Performer]
  • Musical staging by Gower Champion
MusicalRevueOriginal
Make a Wish (Apr 18, 1951 - Jul 14, 1951)
  • Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalOriginal
Lend an Ear (Dec 16, 1948 - Jan 21, 1950)
  • Musical Staging by Gower Champion
MusicalRevueOriginal
Small Wonder (Sep 15, 1948 - Jan 08, 1949)
  • Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalRevueOriginal
Count Me In (Oct 08, 1942 - Nov 21, 1942)
  • Performer: Gower Champion [Teddy Roosevelt Brandywine]
MusicalRevue ComedyOriginal
The Lady Comes Across (Jan 09, 1942 - Jan 10, 1942)
  • Performer: Gower Champion [Campbell]
MusicalComedyOriginal
Streets of Paris (Jun 19, 1939 - Feb 10, 1940)
  • Also Starring: Gower Champion [Le Fils Americain, Cadet, "South American Way" Dancer, "We Live of Love" / "We Haven't Got A Pot to Cook In" Dancer, "Reading, Writing and a Little Bit of Rhythm" Dancer]
MusicalRevueOriginal
Hello, Dolly! (Sep 25, 2018 - Mar 11, 2020)
  • Original Production Directed and Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyRevival
Hello, Dolly! (Oct 05, 2013 - Apr 05, 2014)
  • Original production directed and choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyRevival
42nd Street (Jul 23, 2002 - May 30, 2004)
  • Original Direction and Dances by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyRevival
Hello, Dolly! (Jul 12, 1994 - Feb 23, 1997)
  • Original production directed and choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyRevival
42nd Street (Sep 28, 1993 - Oct 31, 1993)
  • Original Direction & Choreography by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyRevival
42nd Street (Jul 28, 1987 - Jan 24, 1988)
  • Originally directed by Gower Champion
  • Originally choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
42nd Street (Feb 19, 1985 - Jan 26, 1986)
  • Choreography by Gower Champion
  • Originally directed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
42nd Street - Los Angeles (Feb 03, 1984 - Dec 02, 1984)
  • Originally directed by Gower Champion
  • Originally choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalSit-DownOriginal
Hello, Dolly! (Apr 12, 1983 - Sep 04, 1983)
  • Original Production Directed and Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyRevival
42nd Street (Jan 01, 1983 - Mar 30, 1986)
  • Originally directed by Gower Champion
  • Originally choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
Hello, Dolly! (Jun 23, 1977 - Dec 31, 1978)
  • Original Production Directed and Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyRevival
Hello, Dolly! (Jun 23, 1975 - Jan 24, 1976)
  • Originally directed by Gower Champion
  • Originally choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyRevival
Irene (Sep 11, 1974 - May 03, 1975)
  • Original Production Supervised by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
Hello, Dolly! (May 25, 1971 - Jul 24, 1971)
  • Originally directed by Gower Champion
  • Originally choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
Hello, Dolly! (Jan 12, 1970 - May 17, 1970)
  • Production Directed by Gower Champion
  • Production Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
I Do! I Do! (Sep 11, 1969 - Jun 21, 1970)
  • Originally directed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
Hello, Dolly! (Dec 28, 1968 - Apr 20, 1969)
  • Directed by Gower Champion
  • Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
I Do! I Do! (Apr 08, 1968 - Feb 23, 1969)
  • Originally directed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
Hello, Dolly! (Nov 14, 1967 - Jul 14, 1968)
  • Originally directed by Gower Champion
  • Originally choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
Hello, Dolly! (Nov 03, 1965 - Mar 24, 1968)
  • Directed by Gower Champion
  • Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
Hello, Dolly! (Sep 07, 1965 - Jun 11, 1967)
  • Directed by Gower Champion
  • Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
Hello, Dolly! (Apr 17, 1965 - Sep 05, 1965)
  • Directed by Gower Champion
  • Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
Carnival! (Oct 18, 1962 - May 11, 1963)
  • As Originally Directed and Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalPuppetsOriginal
Carnival! (Dec 07, 1961 - Mar 09, 1963)
  • Directed by Gower Champion
  • Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalPuppetsOriginal
Bye Bye Birdie (Oct 09, 1961 - Mar 31, 1962)
  • Directed by Gower Champion
  • Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal
Bye Bye Birdie (Apr 24, 1961 - Mar 17, 1962)
  • Directed by Gower Champion
  • Choreographed by Gower Champion
MusicalComedyOriginal

Tony Award®

Best Choreography

1981 | Winner  | 42nd Street
Choreographed by Gower Champion
 

Best Direction of a Musical

1981 | Nominee  | 42nd Street
Directed by Gower Champion
 

Best Choreography

1975 | Nominee  | Mack & Mabel
Choreographed by Gower Champion
 

Best Direction of a Musical

1975 | Nominee  | Mack & Mabel
Directed by Gower Champion
 

Best Choreography

1973 | Nominee  | Sugar
Choreographed by Gower Champion
 

Best Direction of a Musical

1973 | Nominee  | Sugar
Directed by Gower Champion

Best Choreography

1968 | Winner  | The Happy Time
Choreographed by Gower Champion

Best Direction of a Musical

1968 | Winner  | The Happy Time
Directed and filmed by Gower Champion
 

Best Direction of a Musical

1967 | Nominee  | I Do! I Do!
Directed by Gower Champion

Best Choreography

1964 | Winner  | Hello, Dolly!
Choreographed by Gower Champion

Best Direction (Musical)

1964 | Winner  | Hello, Dolly!
Directed by Gower Champion
 

Best Direction of a Musical

1962 | Nominee  | Carnival!
Directed by Gower Champion

Best Choreography

1961 | Winner  | Bye Bye Birdie
Choreographed by Gower Champion

Best Direction of a Musical

1961 | Winner  | Bye Bye Birdie
Directed by Gower Champion

Best Choreography

1949 | Winner  | Lend an Ear
Musical Staging by Gower Champion

Drama Desk Award

Outstanding Choreography

1981 | Winner  | 42nd Street
Choreographed by Gower Champion

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