 |
|
 |
In January 1969, Rosie was a starving dancer in Manhattan taking classes and going to auditions. With a background in musical-comedy, she had recently finished a 6-month tour of "Hello Dolly!" starring Ginger Rogers and a season of summer stock. She saw an ad for an audition in Variety seeking "tall, beautiful, sexy young women, between the ages of 18 and 25." She wasn't sure she described herself in this way but decided to take a chance. When she walked into the audition, there were 500 girls. She figured that they couldn't all be "tall, beautiful and sexy," and so felt that she would fit right in.
Over the next two days of eliminations, she befriended Jackie Chidsey and Sheila Mann, and when they discovered that they'd all been hired, they decided to become roommates. With 4 other women from that audition, they came to Los Angeles as the newest members of the Golddiggers on Dean Martin's weekly television show.
Almost 40 years later, Jackie and Sheila are still among Rosie's closest friends. Sheila's son and Rosie's son share the same birthday, although 6 years apart.
After two years with the Golddiggers, Rosie joined "Rowan & Martin's Laugh In" as one of the "Beautiful Downtown Beauties." She had a wonderful career performing in musicals including "How to Succeed in Business," "The King & I," "Oklahoma," "Showboat," "Guys & Dolls," and "Carousel," and appearing in concert with Elton John and on tour with Fabian. Her other television work includes variety specials and a long-running national commercial for Dove soap.
Her memories of touring the military bases with Bob Hope's USO shows are especially close to her heart. She hung up her dancing shoes after performing in the Opening Ceremonies of the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles as one of the Olympic Dance Corps, along with Susie Ewing.
In 1976, Rosie began teaching dance in the Los Angeles area at several prominent and established schools specializing in classes for children.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of her own school. She has been married for 30 years and has one son.
|
|
