Entertainer
Josephine Baker
Josephine Baker was born on June 3, 1906 in St. Louis, Missouri. She joined the cast of 'La Revue Nègre' at age 19 and 'La Folie du Jour' banana skirt dance at 20.
Josephine Baker was born in 1906 and lived to age 69. Anyone born before 1906 is older than Josephine. Anyone over 69 is older than Josephine ever was.
Born
June 3, 1906
St. Louis, Missouri
World pop: ~1.7B
Died
April 12, 1975
World pop: ~4.1B
Josephine's age at death
69
Your age
20
Are you older than Josephine Baker?
No — Josephine Baker was born in 1906. You were born in 2006, making you 100 years younger. Josephine lived to age 69. You are currently 20, so you are not yet older than Josephine was when she died.
At your age (20), Josephine had already 'La Folie du Jour' banana skirt dance (at age 20), but hadn't yet starred in the film 'Siren of the Tropics' (at age 21).
Josephine's Life Timeline
Josephine Baker was born on June 3, 1906, in St. Louis, Missouri. Growing up in a racially segregated environment, she faced numerous challenges in her early life. Despite these obstacles, she developed a passion for performance and left home at a young age to pursue her dreams, eventually moving to Europe where she found fame.
Read more
Baker became a sensation in Paris in the 1920s, captivating audiences with her unique dance style and charismatic stage presence. She was 19 years old when she joined the cast of the revue 'La Revue Nègre' in 1925, which launched her international career. Over the years, she starred in numerous films and stage productions, becoming one of the highest-paid performers of her time. In addition to her entertainment career, she was a prominent civil rights activist, using her platform to advocate for racial equality.
Josephine Baker's legacy extends beyond her artistic achievements; she was also a key figure in the French Resistance during World War II, serving as a spy and helping to smuggle information. She passed away on April 12, 1975, at the age of 69, leaving behind a lasting impact on both the entertainment industry and the civil rights movement. Baker was posthumously honored for her contributions, and her life continues to inspire generations of artists and activists.
Moved to Paris
Josephine Baker was 19 years old when she moved to Paris, leaving behind the racial segregation of the United States for a more welcoming cultural environment that would become the backdrop for her legendary career.
Josephine Baker was 19 years old when she moved to Paris in 1925. Are you older than Josephine was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Joined the cast of 'La Revue Nègre'
Josephine Baker was 19 years old when she joined the cast of 'La Revue Nègre' in Paris. This performance marked her breakthrough into the international spotlight, showcasing her unique talent and helping to redefine the role of Black performers in the entertainment industry.
Josephine Baker was 19 years old when she joined the cast of 'La Revue Nègre' in 1925. Are you older than Josephine was? Enter your birth year to compare.
'La Folie du Jour' banana skirt dance
Josephine Baker was 20 years old when she performed her iconic banana skirt dance in 'La Folie du Jour' at the Folies Bergère. The provocative and playful performance became one of the most famous acts of the 20th century.
Josephine Baker was 20 years old when she 'La Folie du Jour' banana skirt dance in 1926. Are you older than Josephine was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in the film 'Siren of the Tropics'
Josephine Baker was 21 years old when she starred in the film 'Siren of the Tropics'. This film was significant as it was one of the first sound films featuring a Black woman in a leading role, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in cinema.
Josephine Baker was 21 years old when she starred in the film 'Siren of the Tropics' in 1927. Are you older than Josephine was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Opened the 'Josephine Baker's Banana Dance'
Josephine Baker was 25 years old when she performed her iconic 'Banana Dance' at the Folies Bergère in Paris. This performance became one of her signature acts and is remembered for its boldness and celebration of Black culture.
Josephine Baker was 25 years old when she opened the 'Josephine Baker's Banana Dance' in 1931. Are you older than Josephine was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in Zouzou
Josephine Baker was 28 years old when she starred in the film 'Zouzou,' becoming the first Black woman to star in a major motion picture. The film was a critical and commercial success in France.
Josephine Baker was 28 years old when she starred in Zouzou in 1934. Are you older than Josephine was? Enter your birth year to compare.
French Resistance work in WWII
Josephine Baker was 34 years old when she began her secret work for the French Resistance during World War II, smuggling intelligence messages written in invisible ink on her sheet music and using her celebrity status as cover.
Josephine Baker was 34 years old when she french Resistance work in WWII in 1940. Are you older than Josephine was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Became a civil rights activist
Josephine Baker was 39 years old when she became an active civil rights activist in the United States. She used her fame to advocate for racial equality and was involved in various civil rights organizations, including the NAACP.
Josephine Baker was 39 years old when she became a civil rights activist in 1945. Are you older than Josephine was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Adopted 12 children from different nationalities
Josephine Baker was 41 years old when she adopted 12 children from various countries, creating what she called the 'Rainbow Tribe'. This act was a statement against racial prejudice and showcased her commitment to multiculturalism.
Josephine Baker was 41 years old when she adopted 12 children from different nationalities in 1947. Are you older than Josephine was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Rainbow Tribe adoption project
Josephine Baker was 48 years old when she expanded her Rainbow Tribe adoption project at her estate Château des Milandes, adopting children from around the world to demonstrate that people of different races could live together harmoniously.
Josephine Baker was 48 years old when she rainbow Tribe adoption project in 1954. Are you older than Josephine was? Enter your birth year to compare.
March on Washington with MLK
Josephine Baker was 57 years old when she spoke at the March on Washington alongside Martin Luther King Jr., wearing her Free French uniform and medals. She was the only official female speaker at the historic event.
Josephine Baker was 57 years old when she march on Washington with MLK in 1963. Are you older than Josephine was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Carnegie Hall comeback
Josephine Baker was 67 years old when she made a triumphant comeback performance at Carnegie Hall in New York, receiving a standing ovation and proving her enduring star power decades after first captivating audiences.
Josephine Baker was 67 years old when she carnegie Hall comeback in 1973. Are you older than Josephine was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Received the Croix de Guerre
Josephine Baker was 68 years old when she was awarded the Croix de Guerre for her efforts during World War II. This honor recognized her bravery and contributions to the French Resistance, cementing her legacy as a hero.
Josephine Baker was 68 years old when she received the Croix de Guerre in 1974. Are you older than Josephine was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Age by Year
| Year | Age | Notable Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1906 | 0 | |
| 1907 | 1 | |
| 1908 | 2 | |
| 1909 | 3 | |
| 1910 | 4 | |
| 1911 | 5 | |
| 1912 | 6 | |
| 1913 | 7 | |
| 1914 | 8 | |
| 1915 | 9 | |
| 1916 | 10 | |
| 1917 | 11 | |
| 1918 | 12 | |
| 1919 | 13 | |
| 1920 | 14 | |
| 1921 | 15 | |
| 1922 | 16 | |
| 1923 | 17 | |
| 1924 | 18 | |
| 1925 | 19 | moved to Paris |
| 1926 | 20 | 'La Folie du Jour' banana skirt dance |
| 1927 | 21 | starred in the film 'Siren of the Tropics' |
| 1928 | 22 | |
| 1929 | 23 | |
| 1930 | 24 | |
| 1931 | 25 | opened the 'Josephine Baker's Banana Dance' |
| 1932 | 26 | |
| 1933 | 27 | |
| 1934 | 28 | starred in Zouzou |
| 1935 | 29 | |
| 1936 | 30 | |
| 1937 | 31 | |
| 1938 | 32 | |
| 1939 | 33 | |
| 1940 | 34 | french Resistance work in WWII |
| 1941 | 35 | |
| 1942 | 36 | |
| 1943 | 37 | |
| 1944 | 38 | |
| 1945 | 39 | became a civil rights activist |
| 1946 | 40 | |
| 1947 | 41 | adopted 12 children from different nationalities |
| 1948 | 42 | |
| 1949 | 43 | |
| 1950 | 44 | |
| 1951 | 45 | |
| 1952 | 46 | |
| 1953 | 47 | |
| 1954 | 48 | rainbow Tribe adoption project |
| 1955 | 49 | |
| 1956 | 50 | |
| 1957 | 51 | |
| 1958 | 52 | |
| 1959 | 53 | |
| 1960 | 54 | |
| 1961 | 55 | |
| 1962 | 56 | |
| 1963 | 57 | march on Washington with MLK |
| 1964 | 58 | |
| 1965 | 59 | |
| 1966 | 60 | |
| 1967 | 61 | |
| 1968 | 62 | |
| 1969 | 63 | |
| 1970 | 64 | |
| 1971 | 65 | |
| 1972 | 66 | |
| 1973 | 67 | carnegie Hall comeback |
| 1974 | 68 | received the Croix de Guerre |
| 1975 | 69 |
