Best known as a world-renowned dancer, Baker was a multifaceted woman who led a rich life and became an iconic symbol of the Jazz Age. The 1930s luminary pushed the boundaries of race, gender, and sexuality, while living an extraordinary life as her most authentic self. With the fun facts below, you’ll get to a glimpse of her world. To truly get to know her, join us for the critically acclaimed, off-Broadway musical, Josephine.

Get to Know Josephine Baker

The Banana Dance was Josephine Baker’s claim to fame!

Known as the first African American international superstar, Josephine Baker gained her fame through burlesque and cabaret performances. Her most iconic act was the Danse Savage, more commonly called the Banana Dance. In this titillating performance, Baker’s costume was a skirt made of only plastic bananas.

Josephine Baker became the first ever American woman awarded the Croix de Guerre.

During World War II, the international star served as a spy for the Allied forces. For her service, she became the first American woman to be awarded the Croix de Guerre, a French military award for heroism. Baker was also awarded the Medal of Resistance in 1946.

Josephine Baker served as a Civil Rights activist and worked with the NAACP.

During her life, Josephine baker refused to perform in front of segregated audiences, as well as wrote articles and gave speeches condemning continued segregation and racism in the States. For her activism work with the NAACP, the organization declared May 20, 1951 “Josephine Baker Day,” as well as granted her a lifetime membership In 1963, she even stood beside Martin Luther King Jr. at the March on Washington.

Josephine Baker was accused of being a Communist sympathizer during the Red Scare.

After Josephine Baker had a falling out with journalist Walter Winchell, he accused Baker of being a Communicat sympathizer. During the age of McCarthyism, this was a serious charge and resulted in Baker’s visa being revoked. (She was a naturalized French citizen at this time in her life.) Baker was barred from returning to the USA for 10 years.

Josephine Baker was bisexual and married four different men during her life.

Baker was married to four men during her life. The longest union was to French composer and conductor Jo Bouillon and lasted 14 years. After her death, Baker’s son confirmed that she’d also had relationships with women during her life.

Josephine Baker adopted 12 children.

On a mission to prove that “children of different ethnicities and religions could still be brothers,” Josephine Baker began adopting children of diverse backgrounds. She referred to her family, made up of 10 sons and two daughters, as the “Rainbow Tribe.”

Josephine Baker cherished a close friendship with Princess Grace Kelly.

In 1951, Josephine Baker was refused service at Sherman Billingsley’s Stork Club in NYC. Actress Grace Kelly walked out, bringing her entire party with her, in solidarity at the injustice. The act sparked a lifelong friendship between the two performers.

Later in her life, Baker faced financial hardship. Kelly, then princess consort of Rainier III of Monaco, offered her a villa and financial assistance to her dear friend.