Toni Basil

Basil in 2010, photo Credit: PRPhotos.com 

Birth Name: Antonia Christina Basilotta

Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Date of Birth: September 22, 1943

Ethnicity:
*father – Italian/Sicilian
*mother – Scottish, possibly other

Toni Basil is an American singer, actress, choreographer, dancer, and filmmaker. She is known for her hit 1981 song “Mickey.”

Her father, Luigi/Louis Basilotta, was an orchestra leader. He conducted orchestras at the Chicago Theatre, at the Sahara Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, and other locations. He was the son of Italian emigrants, with Sicilian roots.

Her mother, Jacqueline Jessica Anderson, was a vaudeville acrobatic comedian, who was part of her family’s act “Billy Wells and The Four Fays.” She was born in Dunedin, New Zealand, and had Scottish ancestry.

Toni’s paternal grandfather was Antonio/Antonino/Anthony Basilotta (the son of Luigi Basilotta and Francesca Paola Di Gregorio). Antonio was born in Nicosia, Province of Enna, Sicily.

Toni’s paternal grandmother was Antonina/Antonia/Anna Bonomo/Buonamo (the daughter of Vito Bonomo and Felicia Billone). Antonina was born in Nicosia, Province of Enna. Felicia was the daughter of Giuseppe Billone and Vincenza Cevasco.

Toni’s maternal grandfather was named John William Anderson. John was born in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Toni’s maternal grandmother was named Agnes Hobbs. Agnes was born in Kangarilla, Australia.

Sources: Marriage record of Toni’s parents – https://familysearch.org

Toni’s father on the 1930 U.S. census – https://familysearch.org

Information about Toni’s father’s family – https://www.ancestry.it

Marriage record of Toni’s paternal grandparents, Antonio/Antonino/Anthony Basilotta and Antonina/Antonia/Anna Bonomo/Buonamo – https://familysearch.org

Birth record of Toni’s paternal grandfather, Antonio/Antonino/Anthony Basilotta – https://familysearch.org