Born: 1936 (Bombay, British India)
Died: 1996
Biography:
Juliet Anne Prowse was a dancer and actress whose four-decade career spanned stage, television, and film. Born on September 25, 1936, in Bombay, British India, to an English father and a South African mother, she would go on to become a beloved entertainer known for her talent, beauty, and, in particular, her stunning legs. In fact, after her untimely death, she was described as having arguably the best legs since Betty Grable.
Prowse’s early life was marked by tragedy as her father passed away when she was only three years old. Following his death, her mother made the decision to return with Juliet to South Africa. It was there, at the tender age of four, that she began studying dance. Clearly a prodigious talent, she quickly excelled in her training, showcasing her skills and passion for dance at a very young age.
In her early twenties, Prowse found herself in Paris, dancing at a club, when she caught the eye of a talent agent. Recognizing her incredible potential, the agent wasted no time in signing her to play the role of Claudine in the Walter Lang film Can-Can, released in 1960. This opportunity was a turning point in Prowse’s career, as it finally provided her with the chance to make a name for herself on the international stage.
It was during the filming of Can-Can that Prowse truly captured the spotlight. In an unexpected turn of events, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev paid a visit to the set and, after witnessing Prowse’s saucy can-can performance, deemed it immoral. This unexpected publicity not only brought her considerable attention in the United States but also propelled her career to new heights.
Prowse’s talent and charisma were not lost on fellow Hollywood stars either. It was on the set of Can-Can that she met the legendary Frank Sinatra. Although the film itself was not highly acclaimed, critics unanimously agreed on one thing – Prowse was the standout, with Time magazine even declaring her the best aspect of the film. Sinatra himself was captivated by her, and they formed a strong connection. This led to Prowse appearing alongside Sinatra on the Frank Sinatra Show in 1959, where she showcased her singing and dancing talents alongside other notable guests such as Ella Fitzgerald, Peter Lawford, and Hermione Gingold.
In 1960, Prowse had the opportunity to share the screen with the iconic Elvis Presley in the film G.I. Blues. During the course of filming, the two stars experienced a short but intense romantic fling, indicative of the undeniable sexual attraction between them. Prowse’s performances in both Can-Can and G.I. Blues solidified her status as a sought-after leading lady and further cemented her place in Hollywood history.
Throughout her career, Juliet Prowse continued to dazzle audiences with her remarkable talent and captivating presence. Her accomplishments in the entertainment industry extended beyond film and television, as she also made a mark on stage, starring in notable productions such as Sweet Charity and Mame. Whether it was her mesmerizing dance routines or her magnetic on-screen chemistry with co-stars, Prowse had an undeniable impact on the world of entertainment.
Tragically, on September 14, 1996, just days before her 60th birthday, Juliet Prowse passed away, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and entertain countless people to this day. Her contributions to the performing arts, her undeniable talent, and her trailblazing presence as a female entertainer have forever cemented her place in the annals of women’s history.