Marlene Dietrich

Personal Info

Known For

Acting

Known Credits

89

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

  • German Film Award

    German Film Award

  • Witness for the Prosecution

    Witness for the Prosecution

  • Judgment at Nuremberg

    Judgment at Nuremberg

  • Checking Out: Grand Hotel

    Checking Out: Grand Hotel

  • The Garden of Allah

    The Garden of Allah

  • Heads Up, Charley

    Heads Up, Charley

  • The Blue Angel

    The Blue Angel

  • Coisa Mais Linda - Histórias e Casos da Bossa Nova

    Coisa Mais Linda - Histórias e Casos da Bossa Nova

  • The Great Yiddish Love

    The Great Yiddish Love

  • The Countess of Paris

    The Countess of Paris

  • Seven Sinners

    Seven Sinners

  • Blonde Venus

    Blonde Venus

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

    Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema

  • Around the World in Eighty Days

    Around the World in Eighty Days

  • Rancho Notorious

    Rancho Notorious

  • Desire

    Desire

  • Manon Lescaut

    Manon Lescaut

  • The Woman One Longs For

    The Woman One Longs For

  • Triumph Over Violence

    Triumph Over Violence

  • Golden Earrings

    Golden Earrings

  • The Ship of Lost Men

    The Ship of Lost Men

  • The Devil Is a Woman

    The Devil Is a Woman

  • The Fashion Side of Hollywood

    The Fashion Side of Hollywood

  • Touch of Evil

    Touch of Evil

  • Cafe Electric

    Cafe Electric

  • Martin Roumagnac

    Martin Roumagnac

  • Morocco

    Morocco

  • The Lady Is Willing

    The Lady Is Willing

  • The Spoilers

    The Spoilers

  • Paris When It Sizzles

    Paris When It Sizzles

  • Das Jahrhundert des Theaters

    Das Jahrhundert des Theaters

  • Angel

    Angel

  • Dishonored

    Dishonored

  • Pittsburgh

    Pittsburgh

  • Marlene

    Marlene

  • Stage Fright

    Stage Fright

  • Hitchcock and 'Stage Fright'

    Hitchcock and 'Stage Fright'

  • Going Hollywood: The '30s

    Going Hollywood: The '30s

  • A Foreign Affair

    A Foreign Affair

  • Becoming Cary Grant

    Becoming Cary Grant

  • Follow the Boys

    Follow the Boys

  • Jigsaw

    Jigsaw

  • No Highway in the Sky

    No Highway in the Sky

  • Manpower

    Manpower

  • Kismet

    Kismet

  • The Century of Icons

    The Century of Icons

  • The Song of Songs

    The Song of Songs

  • Just a Gigolo

    Just a Gigolo

  • A Modern Dubarry

    A Modern Dubarry

  • Legenden

    Legenden

  • Destry Rides Again

    Destry Rides Again

  • Breakdowns of 1942

    Breakdowns of 1942

  • The Imaginary Baron

    The Imaginary Baron

  • The Monte Carlo Story

    The Monte Carlo Story

  • I Wish You Love

    I Wish You Love

  • The Meeting of Two Queens

    The Meeting of Two Queens

  • Shanghai Express

    Shanghai Express

  • Show-Business at War

    Show-Business at War

  • Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff

    Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff

  • Art of Love

    Art of Love

  • Das Jahrhundert des Kabaretts

    Das Jahrhundert des Kabaretts

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

    Erich Maria Remarque und Marlene Dietrich - Flucht in die Liebe

  • I Kiss Your Hand, Madame

    I Kiss Your Hand, Madame

  • Marlene Dietrich: Her Own Song

    Marlene Dietrich: Her Own Song

  • That's Entertainment! III

    That's Entertainment! III

  • The Film Parade

    The Film Parade

  • No Angel: A Life of Marlene Dietrich

    No Angel: A Life of Marlene Dietrich

  • The Scarlet Empress

    The Scarlet Empress

  • Black Fox: The Rise and Fall of Adolf Hitler

    Black Fox: The Rise and Fall of Adolf Hitler

  • 100 Years of the UFA

    100 Years of the UFA

  • Bodies and Spaces, Fabric and Light

    Bodies and Spaces, Fabric and Light

  • Nylon Blues: A History of the Nylon Stocking

    Nylon Blues: A History of the Nylon Stocking

  • Her Dancing Partner

    Her Dancing Partner

  • Im Schatten des Glücks

    Im Schatten des Glücks

  • The Tragedy of Love

    The Tragedy of Love

  • The Flame of New Orleans

    The Flame of New Orleans

  • Man by the Roadside

    Man by the Roadside

  • Knight Without Armour

    Knight Without Armour

  • His Greatest Bluff

    His Greatest Bluff

  • Beautiful Like a Poem

    Beautiful Like a Poem

  • Classic Movie Bloopers: Uncensored

    Classic Movie Bloopers: Uncensored

  • Memo for Joe

    Memo for Joe

  • Complicated Women

    Complicated Women

  • Dangers of the Engagement

    Dangers of the Engagement

  • Leap Into Life

    Leap Into Life

  • Marlene Dietrich, “The Blue Angel” Screen Test

    Marlene Dietrich, “The Blue Angel” Screen Test

  • Normandie ne partira pas ce soir

    Normandie ne partira pas ce soir

  • Maria Callas: The Final Act

    Maria Callas: The Final Act