Gower Champion Gower and Marge Champion in 1957 Born Gower Carlyle Champion (1919-06-22)June 22, 1919 Geneva, Illinois, United States Died August 25, 1980(1980-08-25) (aged 61) Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States Cause of death Blood cancer Occupation Actor, theatre director, choreographer, dancer Years active 1939–80 Spouse(s) Marjorie Belcher (1947-73) Karla Russell Champion (1976-80)[1] Children Blake Gregg Awards Hollywood Walk of Fame 6162 Hollywood Boulevard