Today celebrate with us the birthday of one of America’s brightest stars, Gwen Verdon born January 13, 1925.

Age 28 Gwen Verdon as Claudine in Can Can

Pictured in full Eve costume is Gwen Verdon during her notorious Act One Tony Award winning Can Can Broadway performance as saucy laundress Claudine in "The Garden of Eden" ballet, music and lyrics by Cole Porter with choreography by Michael Kidd.

Age 28 Gwen Verdon Tony Award Can-Can, 1953

Gwen Verdon first bestowed nickel patina Tony Award medallion reading: “The American Theatre Wing Presents to Gwen Verdon This Award For Her Performance in “CAN-CAN” 1953-54″