Born in Weehawken, NJ. A former dancer, he created many inventive, exhilarating ballets and musical numbers for the stage and directed an impressive list of successful Broadway plays. For films, he choreographed THE KING AND I (1956) and choreographed and co-directed WEST SIDE STORY (1961), sharing an Academy Award with Robert Wise for directing the latter. His 1944 ballet 'Fancy Free' inspired ON THE TOWN (1949) and his choreography for Broadway's Gypsy was adapted for the 1963 film version. More recently, his choreography for the stage musical Fiddler on the Roof provided the basis for the dance numbers in the 1971 film. In 1969 he became joint ballet master of the New York City Ballet. An anthology of the dance highlights from his distinguished theatrical career was put together in 1989 for an elaborate stage production titled Jerome Robbins' Broadway. It not only proved to be a nostalgic hit with audiences but won 6 Tony® Awards, including one for Best Musical and one to Robbins for Best Direction. Robbins appeared as a "friendly" witness before the HUAC on May 5, 1953. He admitted joining the Communist Political Association and stated, "I've examined myself. I think I made a great mistake before in entering the Communist Party, and I feel that I am doing the right thing as an American." Robbins named six names to the Committee. 1 It has been speculated that Robbins exposed some of his colleagues in order to avoid a public discussion of his homosexuality.  Directing 1961: WEST SIDE STORY (w. Robert Wise, the only shared Directing Award to date)  Special Award 1961: "For his brilliant achievements in the art of choreography on film." Winner presented a Statuette. 1 nomination, 1 Award, 1 Special Award 1 Vaughn, Robert: Only Victims, pp. 184-5.