Ann Pennington was born in Wilmington, Delaware to a family of Quakers who relocated to Camden, New Jersey when she was a child. Her early life was marked by a passion for dance, which was encouraged by her parents. At the tender age of seventeen, she made her Broadway debut in a musical, a feat that few could claim at such a young age.
In 1913, she joined the prestigious Ziegfeld Follies, where she quickly became a crowd favorite due to her striking features, including her long, fiery red hair and athletic physique. Her nickname, "The Girl With The Dimpled Knees," became synonymous with her charming stage presence. During her time with the Follies, she formed a close friendship with fellow dancer Fanny Brice, a bond that would last a lifetime.
Ann's talents extended beyond the stage, as she also made a name for herself in the world of silent films. She starred in movies such as Susie Snowflake, The Rainbow Princess, The Antics of Ann, and Sunshine Nan. After six years with the Follies, she left to join George's White's Scandals, where she began a romantic relationship with the show's producer, George White.
Ann's career was marked by numerous milestones, including the introduction of the Black Bottom Dance to Broadway audiences. She returned to the Ziegfeld Follies in 1923, where she continued to dazzle audiences with her dancing skills and charisma. Off stage, she was known for her quick wit, generosity, and love of betting on horse racing.
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Ann continued to work in films, appearing in movies such as Tanned Legs and Gold Diggers Of Broadway. However, her popularity began to wane, and she eventually turned to vaudeville for work. Her final stage appearance was a 1946 benefit show for the Armed Forces, after which she retired from the spotlight.
Ann spent the latter years of her life living in a modest New York hotel, where she remained largely out of the public eye. She turned down most interview requests, preferring to be remembered for her past accomplishments rather than her current circumstances. Despite this, she continued to socialize with friends and engage in charity work. Ann Pennington passed away on November 4, 1971, at the age of seventy-seven, due to complications from a stroke. She was laid to rest at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, New York.
