Mother Finds a Body

Gypsy Rose Lee (1911–1970) was born Louise Hovick in Seattle, Washington, and became the most famous burlesque actor and striptease artist of her day, renowned as much for her witty repartee on stage as for removing her clothes. First performing with her sister on the vaudeville circuit and later in striptease routines, Rose soon landed star billing in a top New York burlesque theater, and following her wild success there, became a popular fixture in Broadway theaters. In 1937 she moved to Hollywood. She went on to appear in twelve films and have her own television show. Rose's writing career included contributing regularly to The New Yorker, reporting on the New York social scene, and publishing two novels. She also wrote her memoir Gypsy (1957), which later became the inspiration for the hugely popular Broadway musical, Gypsy: A Musical Fable and the 1962 film version of the play.