Marlene Dietrich

Acting

Marlene Dietrich

Overview

Known for
Acting
Gender
Other
Birthday
Dec 27, 1901 (123 years old)
Death date
May 06, 1992

Marlene Dietrich

Known For

Maria Callas: The Final Act
0h 59m
Movie 2024

Maria Callas: The Final Act

In this new film from Arena, a cast of musical...

Normandie ne partira pas ce soir
0h 53m
Movie 2021

Normandie ne partira pas ce soir

It was the world's largest, most beautiful and fastest cruise...

Val
1h 49m
Movie 2021

Val

For over 40 years Val Kilmer, one of Hollywood’s most...

Cher: In Her Own Words
1h 0m
Movie 2021

Cher: In Her Own Words

Cher, the star who refused to be boxed in, stood...

Hollywood, The Dream Life of Lana Turner
1h 30m
Movie 2019

Hollywood, The Dream Life of Lana Turner

Portrait of Julia Jean Turner, from her childhood to her...

Bodies and Spaces, Fabric and Light
0h 30m
Movie 2018

Bodies and Spaces, Fabric and Light

This visual essay focuses on the visual style and composition...

100 Years of the UFA
0h 58m
Movie 2017

100 Years of the UFA

The intricate history of UFA, a film production company founded...

Becoming Cary Grant
1h 25m
Movie 2017

Becoming Cary Grant

For the first time one of Hollywood's greatest stars tells...

Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema
1h 10m
Movie 2007

Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema

Before the G, PG and R ratings system there was...

Hitchcock and 'Stage Fright'
0h 19m
Movie 2004

Hitchcock and 'Stage Fright'

Documentary about film.

Biography

Marlene Dietrich (1901–1992) was a German-American actress and singer, widely regarded as one of the most iconic figures of classic Hollywood. She rose to fame in the 1930s with films like The Blue Angel, Shanghai Express, and Destry Rides Again, captivating audiences with her sultry voice, striking beauty, and androgynous style. Known for her ability to reinvent herself, Dietrich transitioned from film star to a celebrated cabaret performer, touring internationally for decades. Beyond her career, Dietrich was known for her progressive views and unconventional lifestyle. She openly defied gender norms, often wearing men's clothing both on and off-screen, which contributed to her enigmatic persona. Her personal life has long been the subject of speculation, particularly regarding her sexuality. While she was married to Rudolf Sieber, she was rumored to have had relationships with both men and women, including actresses Claudette Colbert and Mercedes de Acosta. Some sources suggest she was part of Hollywood’s so-called “sewing circle,” a network of women engaged in same-sex relationships. However, Dietrich never publicly confirmed these rumors, maintaining an air of mystery that only added to her legendary status. Her legacy continues to inspire discussions on gender, sexuality, and Hollywood’s golden age.