GOWER CHAMPION - AUTOGRAPH NOTE SIGNED - HFSID 19274

GOWER CHAMPION
Index card signed in blue ink by the choreographer and director with a 1x1¾ color printed photo of Champion affixed
Card signed "To Kayo/Best always/Gower Champion.". Pencil notations on verso. 4½x3 index card. With a 1x1¾ color printed photo affixed. Gower Champion (1919-1980) won a total of eight Tony Awards, five for choreography and three for directing. Notable Broadway shows include Hello, Dolly! (1964), Bye Bye Birdie (1961), and 3 For Tonight (1955) He was nominated for another seven Tonys. He shared an Emmy nod in 1959 for directing The Pontiac Star Parade. Gower built his career on Broadway, but he has dozens of television and film credits in numerous on-screen and off-screen positions, notably the popular musical Show Boat (1951). He was also one-half of the dance team of Gower and Marge Champion (née Bell or Belle), one of the most popular dance duos of the postwar era. The two formed their team after Champion returned from service in World War II. They appeared together on Broadway in 3 for Tonight! (1955) and on the silver screen in Mr. Music(1950), Show Boat(1951), Lovely to Look At (1952), and Everything I Have Is Yours (1952), among many others. The Champions divorced in 1973, but their legacy together lives on; in 1960, both received a star on the Walk of Fame and in 2002, the couple was awarded a career achievement award at the American Choreography Awards, with Marge there to accept the award.  Lightly toned. Lightly creased corners. Otherwise in fine condition.