Tommy Abbott (born Tom Shaw Abbott;[1][2] November 4, 1934 – April 8, 1987)[3][1] was an American actor, dancer, and choreographer who portrayed Gee-Tar in the original production of West Side Story. Abbott was for many years the assistant choreographer to Jerome Robbins. He was the chief choreographer for the film version of Fiddler on the Roof.

Tommy Abbott
Born
Tom Shaw Abbott

(1934-11-04)November 4, 1934
Waco, Texas, U.S.
DiedApril 8, 1987(1987-04-08) (aged 52)
New York
Occupation(s)Actor, dancer, choreographer
Years active1957–1981

Early life and career

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Born in Waco, Texas to R.T. Abbott and Genevieve Shaw,[1] Abbott first studied dance with a local teacher, Elmer Wheatley. After graduating from high school, he moved to New York, where he attended the School of American Ballet.[3]

Death

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Abbott died in New York City on April 8, 1987, at the age of 52.[3]

Credits

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Choreography

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Stage management

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Performer

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References

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  1. ^ a b c www.familysearch.org https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K6GW-GYH. Retrieved 2024-09-14. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  2. ^ "Tommy Abbott on Como Show". The Waco Times-Herald. January 23, 1964. p. 26. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c Billman, Larry (1997). Film choreographers and dance directors : an illustrated biographical encyclopedia, with a history and filmographies, 1893 through 1995. Internet Archive. Jefferson, N.C. : McFarland & Co., Publishers. ISBN 978-0-89950-868-9.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Tom Abbott". IBDB. Retrieved 14 March 2012.
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