Freda Josephine McDonald “Josephine Baker” is an American-born French entertainer, French Resistance agent, and civil rights activist who was born on 3 June 1906, in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.

Unlike some celebrities, Baker faced a lot of challenges when growing up. By age 12, Baker had dropped out of school and worked as a waitress at the Old Chauffeur’s Club at 3133 Pine Street.

Baker also lived in the slums of St. Louis where she slept in cardboard shelters, scavenging for food in garbage cans and making a living with street-corner dancing.

Baker decided to move to Paris for greener pastures, and opened in La Revue Nègre on 2 October 1925, aged 19, at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées.

In her later years, Baker converted to Catholicism. In other words, becoming a member of the  Roman Catholic Church. In 1968, Baker lost her Château owing to unpaid debts.  Princess Grace offered her an apartment in Roquebrune, near Monaco.

What did Josephine Baker die of?

Baker died on 12 April 1975 in Paris, France.

Baker was found lying peacefully while she was surrounded by newspapers with glowing reviews of her performance. Baker spent some time in a coma after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage. She was taken to Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, where she died.