Josephine baker parents
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Josephine Baker
American-born French dancer, singer, resistance member and actress (1906–1975)
For other people named Josephine Baker, see Josephine Baker (disambiguation).
Josephine Baker | |
|---|---|
Baker in 1940 | |
| Born | Freda Josephine McDonald (1906-06-03)June 3, 1906 St. Louis, Missouri, US |
| Died | April 12, 1975(1975-04-12) (aged 68) Paris, France |
| Resting place | Panthéon |
| Nationality | American (renounced) French (1937–1975) |
| Occupation(s) | Vedette, singer, dancer, actress, civil rights activist, French Resistance agent |
| Years active | 1921–1975 |
| Spouses | Willie Wells (m. 1919; div. 1919)William Baker (m. 1921; div. 1925)Jean Lion (m. 1937; div. 1940)Jo Bouillon (m. 1947; div. 1961) |
| Partner(s) | Robert Brady (1973–1975) |
| Children | 12; Jean-Claude Baker presented himself as her foster son (contested by the B
World renowned performer, World War II spy, and activist are few of the titles used to describe Josephine Baker. One of the most successful African American performers in French history, Baker’s career illustrates the ways entertainers can use their platforms to change the world. On June 3, 1906, Freda Josephine McDonald was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Her parents, both entertainers, performed throughout the segregated Midwest often bringing her on stage during their shows. Unfortunately, their careers never took off, forcing the young Baker to look for odd jobs to survive. If she was unable to find work she would often dance on the streets, collecting money from onlookers. Eventually, her routine caught the attention of an African American theatre troupe. At the age of 15, Baker ran off and began to perform with the group. She also married during this time, taking her husband’s last name and dropping her first name, becoming Josephine Baker. Baker flourished as a dancer in several Vaudeville shows, which was a popular theatre genre in the 20th century. She eventually moved
Josephine Baker(1906-1975) Who Was Josephine Baker?Josephine Baker spent her youth in poverty before learning to dance and finding success on Broadway. In the 1920s she moved to France and soon became one of Europe's most popular and highest-paid performers. She worked for the French Resistance during World War II, and during the 1950s and '60s devoted herself to fighting segregation and racism in the United States. After beginning her comeback to the stage in 1973, Baker died of a cerebral hemorrhage on April 12, 1975, and was buried with military honors. The Many Faces of Josephine Baker: Dancer, Singer, Activist, Spy (Women of Action)Now 21% Off Quick FactsFULL NAME: Freda Josephine Baker Early LifeBaker was born Freda Josephine McDonald on June 3, 1906, in St. Louis, Missouri. Her mother, Carrie McDonald, was a washerwoman who Copyright ©axisthaw.pages.dev 2025 |