Gwyneth Evelyn “Gwen” Verdon (January 13, 1925 – October 18, 2000) was an American dancer and actress.

Verdon was born in Culver City, California, the second child of Gertrude Lilian (née Standring; October 24, 1896-October 16, 1956) and Joseph William Verdon (December 31, 1896-June 23, 1978), who were British immigrants to the United States by way of Canada. Her brother was William Farrell Verdon (August 1, 1923-June 10, 1991). The Verdon family could be described as "showpeople." Her father was an electrician at MGM Studios, and her mother was a former vaudevillian of the Denishawn dance troupe, as well as a dance teacher.

As a child, Gwen was afflicted with rickets, leaving her legs so badly misshapen she was called "Gimpy" by other children and spent her early years in orthopedic boots and rigid leg braces. Her mother put three-year-old Gwen in dance classes; ballet training strengthened her legs and improved her carriage.