Paris breakthrough and cabaret fame

Dead Funny History: Josephine Baker.

Josephine Baker was a dazzling dancer, a fearless spy, and one of the world’s first Black superstars. In this episode of Dead Funny History, historian Greg Jenner tells her extraordinary story with wit, warmth and plenty of jazz hands.

Born in 1906 in St Louis, Missouri, Josephine’s early life was tough. She worked as a maid from the age of eight and fled racial violence with dreams of stardom. By 15, she’d already been married twice and was making waves on Broadway with her unique comic dance style. But it was in Paris where she truly became a sensation by combining tap, ballet, and even kangaroo-inspired moves into her cabaret performances.

Greg explores how Josephine used her fame to challenge racist stereotypes, famously performing in a skirt made of bananas to mock colonial attitudes. She became the highest-paid performer in Europe, starred in films, and even had her own line of dolls – all while living with a menagerie of exotic pets, including a cheetah named Chiquita.

But Josephine wasn’t just a showbiz icon. During World War Two, she became a spy for the French Resistance, smuggling secrets in sheet music and using invisible ink. After the war, she was decorated for bravery and continued to fight for civil rights, speaking at the 1963 March on Washington alongside Martin Luther King Jr.

Greg also reveals Josephine’s later life, including her adoption of twelve children from different backgrounds to promote unity, and her final triumphant performance before her death in 1975. With jokes, sound effects, and a quiz to test your memory, this episode is a joyful celebration of a truly remarkable woman.

Perfect for families and fans of You're Dead To Me, this snappy history lesson brings Josephine Baker’s legacy to life.

Writers: Jack Bernhardt, Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Dr Emma Nagouse Host: Greg Jenner Performers: Mali Ann Rees and John-Luke Roberts Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse Associate Producer: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch Audio Producer: Emma Weatherill Script Consultant: Dr Michell Chresfield Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Production Manager: Jo Kyle Studio Managers: Keith Graham and Andrew Garratt Sound Designer: Peregrine Andrews

A BBC Studios Production