John Gilpin (dancer)

John Brian Gilpin
Spouse	1) Sally Judd (August 1960–1970; divorced); (1 child) 2) Princess Antoinette, Baroness of Massy (28 July 1983 – 5 September 1983; his death)
Born	10 February 1930(1930-02-10) Southsea, Hampshire, England
Died	5 September 1983(1983-09-05) (aged 53) London, England
Burial	Chapel of Peace, Monaco

John Brian Gilpin (10 February 1930 – 5 September 1983) was a leading English ballet dancer and actor.

He was born in Southsea, Hampshire, England, and began as a child actor in films, such as They Were Sisters and The Years Between, opposite Michael Redgrave. He danced numerous leading roles for the London Festival Ballet and appeared opposite his first wife in The Nutcracker at the Royal Festival Hall in 1962.

Gilpin was Principal Dancer of London Festival Ballet (now English National Ballet) for over twenty years from its inauguration in 1950 until leg injuries forced his retirement, apart from a short engagement as Guest Artist for the Royal Ballet between 1960 and 1961. He was also artistic director of London Festival Ballet from 1962 to 1968.

He was twice married:

• The dancer and choreographer Sally Gilpin (August 1960–1970); one daughter, Tracy (born 1962)
• Princess Antoinette, Baroness of Massy (Monaco, 28 July 1983 – 5 September 1983)

He also had a longtime relationship with Anton Dolin.

Death

He died from a heart attack, six weeks after marrying his second wife, Princess Antoinette, Baroness of Massy.

References

• See his autobiography A Dance with Life published by William Kimber, London, in 1982.

External links

• Princely House of Monaco
• John Gilpin at the Internet Movie Database
• Photo