Marlene Dietrich

Personal Info

Known For

Acting

Known Credits

90

Gender

Female

Birthday

1901-12-27

Day of death

1992-05-06 (90 years old)

Place of Birth

Berlin, Germany

Marlene Dietrich

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.

Known For

  • Tony Awards

    Tony Awards

  • Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema

    Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema

  • Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff

    Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff

  • German Film Award

    German Film Award

  • The Woman One Longs For

    The Woman One Longs For

  • Judgment at Nuremberg

    Judgment at Nuremberg

  • Witness for the Prosecution

    Witness for the Prosecution

  • No Highway in the Sky

    No Highway in the Sky

  • Martin Roumagnac

    Martin Roumagnac

  • Desire

    Desire

  • Jigsaw

    Jigsaw

  • Golden Earrings

    Golden Earrings

  • Seven Sinners

    Seven Sinners

  • The Spoilers

    The Spoilers

  • Cafe Electric

    Cafe Electric

  • Morocco

    Morocco

  • Manon Lescaut

    Manon Lescaut

  • Kismet

    Kismet

  • Dishonored

    Dishonored

  • Black Fox: The Rise and Fall of Adolf Hitler

    Black Fox: The Rise and Fall of Adolf Hitler

  • The Imaginary Baron

    The Imaginary Baron

  • Marlene

    Marlene

  • Paris When It Sizzles

    Paris When It Sizzles

  • Angel

    Angel

  • Touch of Evil

    Touch of Evil

  • The Blue Angel

    The Blue Angel

  • The Countess of Paris

    The Countess of Paris

  • The Monte Carlo Story

    The Monte Carlo Story

  • Stage Fright

    Stage Fright

  • The Scarlet Empress

    The Scarlet Empress

  • Manpower

    Manpower

  • Pittsburgh

    Pittsburgh

  • A Foreign Affair

    A Foreign Affair

  • Triumph Over Violence

    Triumph Over Violence

  • Around the World in 80 Days

    Around the World in 80 Days

  • The Lady Is Willing

    The Lady Is Willing

  • Art of Love

    Art of Love

  • No Angel: A Life of Marlene Dietrich

    No Angel: A Life of Marlene Dietrich

  • The Ship of Lost Men

    The Ship of Lost Men

  • Checking Out: Grand Hotel

    Checking Out: Grand Hotel

  • The Devil Is a Woman

    The Devil Is a Woman

  • The Flame of New Orleans

    The Flame of New Orleans

  • Becoming Cary Grant

    Becoming Cary Grant

  • Nylon Blues: A History of the Nylon Stocking

    Nylon Blues: A History of the Nylon Stocking

  • Just a Gigolo

    Just a Gigolo

  • The Song of Songs

    The Song of Songs

  • A Modern Dubarry

    A Modern Dubarry

  • The Garden of Allah

    The Garden of Allah

  • Breakdowns of 1942

    Breakdowns of 1942

  • The Great Yiddish Love

    The Great Yiddish Love

  • Erich Maria Remarque und Marlene Dietrich - Flucht in die Liebe

    Erich Maria Remarque und Marlene Dietrich - Flucht in die Liebe

  • Legenden

    Legenden

  • 100 Years of the UFA

    100 Years of the UFA

  • Follow the Boys

    Follow the Boys

  • The Fashion Side of Hollywood

    The Fashion Side of Hollywood

  • The Meeting of Two Queens

    The Meeting of Two Queens

  • That's Entertainment! III

    That's Entertainment! III

  • Blonde Venus

    Blonde Venus

  • Destry Rides Again

    Destry Rides Again

  • Going Hollywood: The '30s

    Going Hollywood: The '30s

  • Shanghai Express

    Shanghai Express

  • The Film Parade

    The Film Parade

  • I Kiss Your Hand, Madame

    I Kiss Your Hand, Madame

  • Das Jahrhundert des Theaters

    Das Jahrhundert des Theaters

  • His Greatest Bluff

    His Greatest Bluff

  • I Wish You Love

    I Wish You Love

  • Dangers of the Engagement

    Dangers of the Engagement

  • Marlene Dietrich: Her Own Song

    Marlene Dietrich: Her Own Song

  • Rancho Notorious

    Rancho Notorious

  • The Century of Icons

    The Century of Icons

  • Im Schatten des Glücks

    Im Schatten des Glücks

  • Classic Movie Bloopers: Uncensored

    Classic Movie Bloopers: Uncensored

  • Man by the Roadside

    Man by the Roadside

  • Show-Business at War

    Show-Business at War

  • Normandie ne partira pas ce soir

    Normandie ne partira pas ce soir

  • The Tragedy of Love

    The Tragedy of Love

  • Knight Without Armour

    Knight Without Armour

  • Marlene Dietrich, “The Blue Angel” Screen Test

    Marlene Dietrich, “The Blue Angel” Screen Test

  • Rediscovering John Gilbert

    Rediscovering John Gilbert

  • Leap Into Life

    Leap Into Life

  • Bodies and Spaces, Fabric and Light

    Bodies and Spaces, Fabric and Light

  • Complicated Women

    Complicated Women

  • Her Dancing Partner

    Her Dancing Partner

  • Das Jahrhundert des Kabaretts

    Das Jahrhundert des Kabaretts

  • Maria Callas: The Final Act

    Maria Callas: The Final Act

  • Heads Up, Charley

    Heads Up, Charley

  • Hitchcock and 'Stage Fright'

    Hitchcock and 'Stage Fright'

  • Beautiful Like a Poem

    Beautiful Like a Poem

  • Coisa Mais Linda - Histórias e Casos da Bossa Nova

    Coisa Mais Linda - Histórias e Casos da Bossa Nova

  • Memo for Joe

    Memo for Joe