Toni Basil is one of the most prominent American actresses, dancers, and choreographers who have made a remarkable contribution to the entertainment industry. Throughout her career, Toni Basil has left an indelible mark in the entertainment industry with her exceptional skills, versatility, and artistic vision.
At the age of 79, Toni Basil's impressive career is still going strong. With numerous hit albums, chart-topping songs, and successful acting and choreography commitments, she has earned a prominent place in the hearts of millions of her fans worldwide.
In this comprehensive biography, we will delve into the life of Toni Basil, explore her exceptional talents, and discover her age, height, figure, and net worth. So, keep reading to know everything about this multitalented artist!
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Toni Basil is a renowned American singer, dancer, choreographer, and actress. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1943, but grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. Toni's mother was an acrobat, and her father was a band leader and trumpet player.
During her teenage years, Toni Basil worked as a go-go dancer, choreographer, and assistant choreographer in Las Vegas. In the early 1960s, she moved to Hollywood, California, and landed her first role as a dancer in the film "Pajama Party" (1964), which was followed by several other films, including "Viva Las Vegas" (1964) and "Quick, Before It Melts" (1964).
In addition to her acting career, Toni Basil pursued her love for dance and choreography, working with artists such as David Bowie, Frank Sinatra, and the Monkees. She also choreographed the famous dance scene in the film "American Graffiti" (1973).
In the late 1970s, Toni Basil transitioned to music and released her first album, "Word of Mouth," in 1982. The album was a huge commercial success, reaching number 22 on the Billboard 200 chart, and produced the hit song "Mickey," which topped the charts in several countries.
Rise to Fame as a Dancer and Choreographer
Toni Basil's passion for dance began at an early age. She started taking ballet lessons when she was just three years old and continued her training in various other dance forms as she grew older. It was during her teenage years that she discovered her love for choreography.
After moving to New York City, Basil started working as a backup dancer for several popular artists such as David Bowie, Tina Turner, and The Beatles. She quickly became known for her unique style and creative dance moves.
Basil's break came when she choreographed the iconic cheerleading routine in the movie "Grease". The routine became an instant hit and garnered widespread attention, propelling Basil into the national spotlight.
She continued to work as a choreographer for music videos and movies, including Michael Jackson's "Beat It" and "Thriller" videos. Her innovative choreography and dance moves became her signature style, and she gained a reputation as one of the most sought-after choreographers in the industry.
Aside from her work as a choreographer, Basil also pursued a successful career as a singer and performer. Her hit single "Mickey" became a chart-topping sensation in the 1980s, and she continued to release music throughout her career.
Through her hard work, creativity, and unique style, Toni Basil rose to fame as a dancer and choreographer, leaving an indelible mark on the music and entertainment industry.
Toni Basil's Music Career and Iconic "Mickey" Song
Toni Basil's music career spans over five decades, beginning in the 1960s as a dancer on the TV show "Shindig!" She went on to work with notable artists such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and David Bowie as a choreographer and a backup dancer.
In 1982, Basil released her hit single "Mickey," which became an instant classic and a cultural phenomenon. The song reached the top of the charts in several countries and has been covered by numerous artists since its release.
The music video for "Mickey" features Basil leading a cheerleading squad and has since become iconic, with its catchy tune and memorable choreography. The success of the song helped propel Basil's career as a solo artist, with several more albums and singles released in the years following its release.
Despite her success as a musician, Basil remained active in the dance world, choreographing for films and music videos, including the cult classic film "Rocky Horror Picture Show." Her contributions to the entertainment industry have solidified her status as a pop culture icon.
Later Career and Legacy in the Entertainment Industry
After her initial success as a choreographer and performer, Toni Basil continued to stay active in the entertainment industry. In the 1980s, she transitioned into directing music videos for popular artists such as David Bowie, Duran Duran, and Talking Heads.
Basil's innovative visuals and use of choreography in music videos became widely recognized and influential in the industry. Her impact can be seen in the work of other directors and performers who have been inspired by her style.
In addition to music videos, Basil also appeared in a number of films and television shows, including the movie "Easy Rider" and the TV series "Sledge Hammer!" She also continued to work as a choreographer for various productions.
Basil's contributions to the entertainment industry have been widely acknowledged, with many performers and directors crediting her as a major influence. She has been inducted into the Video Hall of Fame and received awards for her choreography and music video direction.
Net Worth and Personal Life
Toni Basil's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. She made her fortune through her successful career in the entertainment industry, as well as her work as a choreographer and director.
Basil is known for being a very private person when it comes to her personal life. She has never been married and has no children. However, she has been linked romantically to several men throughout her career, including David Bowie and Elvis Presley.
Aside from her career, Basil is also known for her charity work and activism. She has worked with various organizations to promote animal rights, as well as programs that help children in need.
- Net worth: $5 million
- Marital status: Not married
- Children: None
- Romantic relationships: Linked to David Bowie and Elvis Presley
- Charity work: Animal rights and programs for children in need
| Net Worth | $5 million |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Not married |
| Children | None |
| Romantic Relationships | Linked to David Bowie and Elvis Presley |
| Charity Work | Animal rights and programs for children in need |
FAQ
Who is Toni Basil?
Toni Basil is an American singer, actress, and choreographer who gained popularity in the 1980s with her hit single "Mickey". She was born on September 22, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
What is Toni Basil's height?
Toni Basil's height is 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm).
What is Toni Basil's figure?
Toni Basil's figure is not publicly known. However, she was known for her energetic dance moves and athletic abilities in her choreography.
What is Toni Basil's net worth?
Toni Basil's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. Her sources of income include her music career, acting roles, and choreography work.
What were some of Toni Basil's notable works besides "Mickey"?
Toni Basil's notable works in music include "Hey Mickey", "Shopping A to Z", and "Over My Head". She also appeared in several films such as "Easy Rider" and "Five Easy Pieces". Additionally, she worked as a choreographer for various artists and films, including David Bowie, Bette Midler, and Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill: Volume 1".
