Josephine Baker - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
| Born | June 03, 1906 |
|---|---|
| Died | April 12, 1975 (age 68) |
| Birthplace | St. Louis, Missouri, United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Chinese Zodiac | Horse |
| Generation | Greatest Generation |
| Known For | Entertainer, singer, dancer, French Resistance agent, and civil rights activist. |
Intro
Josephine Baker was an American-born French entertainer, singer, dancer, and civil rights activist. She became famous in France in the 1920s for her performances, particularly her erotic and comedic dancing. Baker was also known for her work in the French Resistance during World War II and her efforts in the civil rights movement in the United States.
Early Life & Background
Josephine Baker was born Freda Josephine McDonald into poverty in St. Louis, Missouri. Her mother was Carrie McDonald, and her father is believed to have been Eddie Carson, a vaudeville drummer, though his identity is disputed. Baker left home at a young age, working various odd jobs before joining a vaudeville troupe and eventually moving to New York City, where she performed in the chorus lines of Broadway shows.
Career Highlights
- Became a star in Paris after performing in 'La Revue Nègre' in 1925
- Known for the iconic banana skirt dance at the Folies Bergère
- First Black woman to star in a major motion picture ('Zouzou', 1934)
- Worked as a spy for the French Resistance during World War II
- Received the Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honor for her wartime efforts
- Active in the American Civil Rights Movement, including speaking at the 1963 March on Washington
Trivia
- Adopted 12 children from different backgrounds, calling them her 'Rainbow Tribe'
- First American woman to receive full French military honors at her funeral
FAQs
People also ask
When was Josephine Baker born?
Josephine Baker was born the 3 June 1906.
Where is Josephine Baker from?
St. Louis, Missouri, United States.
On Her Birth-Day
About June 3rd, 1906, in brief:
- Historical events: Belgian King Leopold II formally declares the Congo Free State as his personal property, marking a critical moment in colonial exploitation. This declaration solidified his brutal and extractive regime, which would become infamous for widespread human rights abuses, forced labor, and systematic oppression of Congolese people.
- Day of the week: June 3rd, 1906 was a Sunday
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini (in western zodiac), Horse (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase: Waxing gibbous
- #1 US song: Keep on the Sunny Side by Byron G. Harlan
- Popular movie: El pechador directed by Eugene Py
Check the link for more news and curiosities on June 3rd, 1906.