Father of Gregg Champion and Blake Champion.
Out of an unprecedented 15 nominations, he won eight Tony Awards, more than any other director and/or choreographer (one more win than Bob Fosse). His wins: as Best Choreographer, in 1949 for "Lend an Ear;" and in 1981 for "42nd Street;" and as Best Director (Musical) and Best Choreographer, in 1961 for "Bye, Bye Birdie;" in 1964 for "Hello, Dolly!;" and in 1968 for "The Happy Time." He had seven other nominations: as Best Director (Musical), in 1962 for "Carnival;" in 1967 for "I Do! I Do!;" and 1981 for "42nd Street;" and as Best Director (Musical) and Best Choreographer, in 1973 for "Sugar;" in 1975 for "Mack and Mabel;"
With fellow teenager Jeanne Tyler, formed the dance team Gower & Jeanne.