Thommie Walsh
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Thommie Walsh (born March 15 1950 - died June 16, 2007) was a Tony Award-winning American dancer, choreographer, and director, and an author.
Born Thomas Joseph Walsh III in Auburn, New York, he was interested in dance from the age of five, but seriously considered foregoing it as a career when he was rejected by Julliard. He enrolled in the Boston Conservatory of Music but departed during his junior year to tour with Disney on Parade. Following that he joined the national tour of Applause, departing to accept a small role in the film version of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Walsh made his Broadway debut in the chorus of Seesaw in 1973, the same year in which he appeared in the infamous Broadway flop Rachael Lily Rosenbloom (And Don't You Ever Forget It). Two years later, he was invited by choreographer Tony Stevens to participate in a series of frank conversations among Broadway dancers, known as "gypsies," about their experiences, hopes, and dreams. The result was A Chorus Line, in which he originated the role of Bobby. He co-wrote a book about the musical's origins and evolution, entitled On the Line, which was published by William Morrow in 1990.
Walsh soon abandoned his dancing career to concentrate on choreography, musical staging, and direction. His credits include The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1978), A Day in Hollywood / A Night in the Ukraine (1980), starring fellow Chorus cast member Priscilla Lopez, Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? (1982), Nine (1982), My One and Only (1983), Marilyn: An American Fable (1983), and My Favorite Year (1992). At the time of his death, he was preparing a musical adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities for a Broadway opening.
Awards and nominations
- 1983 Tony Award for Best Choreography (My One And Only, winner)
- 1983 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical (My One And Only, nominee)
- 1983 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography (My One And Only, winner)
- 1982 Tony Award for Best Choreography (Nine, nominee)
- 1980 Tony Award for Best Choreography (A Day in Hollywood / A Night in the Ukraine, winner)
- 1976 Theatre World Award for Ensemble Performance (A Chorus Line, winner)
Death
Thommie Walsh passed away the morning of June 16th, 2007 at home. The official cause of death was Lymphoma. Walsh was 57 years old.
Reference
On the Line: The Creation of a Chorus Line by Robert Viagas, Baayork Lee, and Thommie Walsh, published by William Morrow (1990) ISBN 0-688-08429-X