A Senior You Should Know
Through serving seniors all over DuPage and Kane counties, we have had the opportunity to meet many remarkable older adults. At our latest DuPage Senior Dance Party, we met George Zima, an impressive dancer who is no stranger to the spotlight. Having performed in various professional shows for 14 years, you might recognize the famous programs George has been a part of.
We got the chance to visit George and talk about his life, career(s), and the secret to his positive attitude.
At 96 years old, George has become well known for his positive attitude. “He is the most positive, upbeat guy,” says Chuck, a DSCC volunteer who used to deliver meals to George.
A Man of Many Careers
George grew up in Jefferson Park in Chicago. He first discovered his love for dancing when he would copy what his sister learned in her dance classes. George’s first professional job was in 1940 when he performed with The Midshipman Band (the marching band of Navy trainees) at the age of 14. Later on, he performed alongside his sister, Mickey when the two toured Navy bases during World War II. From hospitals to nightclubs and even a Christmas show at Alcatraz, the two wowed audiences as the dynamic duo of George and Mickey Winters. When the war ended, Mickey opened her own dance school in Illinois where George taught classes.
George decided to head to New York to continue to pursue a career on the stage. A magnificent dancer, George was involved in several shows on Broadway, his first role being in the show Lil’ Abner. George then went on to be in four more Broadway shows, including Milk and Honey and Gypsy: A Musical Fable, where he famously played a dancing cow.
George’s showbiz experience doesn’t stop there. Including roles in television programs, such as Captain Kangaroo, The Perry Como Show, and even Sesame Street as Pete the Street Sweeper. George even performed in several commercials as well as in the television production of the musical Peter Pan. If you visit George’s house, he’ll show you a room of snapshots of people he has met and/or worked with throughout his career, including Betty White, Dick Van Dyke, Jackie Gleason, Ethel Merman, and more.
George has continued in his love of the stage for many years, performing in some local Chicagoland productions, including The West Towns Chorus. There, he was honored with the “Triple Threat in Entertainment” Award for his performance as Mortimer the Elf in their Christmas Show in 2018.
Along with his love of dancing, George also has a great love for both learning and teaching. He attended Northwestern University where he earned his Master’s in School Administration. George also got involved in the school’s gymnastics team and even became a cheerleader for the school as well. Some years later, in 1968 George decided to go back to school, this time at Columbia University in New York to get his Ph.D. in 1955. While he spent his fair share of time as a student, George has also worked as both a Principal and a teacher, with experience teaching multiple subjects, including history and physical education.
Whether it’s on stage, in front of the camera, or in the classroom, George has approached every new experience as a blessing and brought to it his charisma and upbeat demeanor.
Positivity and Gratitude
At 96 years old, George has become well known for his positive attitude. “He is the most positive, upbeat guy,” says Chuck, a DSCC volunteer who used to deliver meals to George.
George’s advice to people on how to stay positive is to “always be thankful for the things you have received and are receiving. Remember that people are good.”
Looking out on his big, beautiful backyard lined with budding tulips and daffodils, George expresses, “People give me so much. I have so much to be thankful for. Friends, family, experiences. When you start to think otherwise, think of all the things people do for you and be thankful.”
We appreciate George coming out to our dance parties to grace the dance floor with his magic footwork and for inviting us to his home to hear more about his life. If you’re lucky enough to cross paths with George, be sure to ask him to tell you a story from one of his several careers, or to even sing you a little song about sweeping up Sesame Street.
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