33 Facts About Marlene Dietrich

Early Life and Background

Marlene Dietrich, a name synonymous with glamour and talent, had a fascinating life. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about her early years.

1. Born on December 27, 1901, in Berlin, Germany, Dietrich's full name was Marie Magdalene Dietrich.
2. Her father, Louis Erich Otto Dietrich, was a police lieutenant, and her mother, Wilhelmina Elisabeth Josephine, came from a wealthy family.
3. Dietrich had an older sister named Elisabeth, who was born in 1900.
4. As a child, she was nicknamed "Lena" by her family.
5. She showed an early interest in music, learning to play the violin and piano.

Rise to Stardom

Dietrich's journey to becoming a Hollywood icon was marked by several key moments and achievements.

6. She began her career in the 1920s as a cabaret singer and actress in Berlin.
7. Dietrich's breakthrough role came in 1930 with the film "The Blue Angel," directed by Josef von Sternberg.
8. Her performance in "The Blue Angel" led to a contract with Paramount Pictures in the United States.
9. She became one of the highest-paid actresses of her time, earning $200,000 per film in the 1930s.
10. Dietrich's distinctive voice and androgynous style set her apart from other actresses of her era.

Hollywood Success

Dietrich's Hollywood career was filled with memorable roles and collaborations.

11. She starred in several films directed by Josef von Sternberg, including "Morocco" (1930) and "Shanghai Express" (1932).
12. Dietrich received her only Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role in "Morocco."
13. She worked with other notable directors such as Alfred Hitchcock in "Stage Fright" (1950) and Billy Wilder in "A Foreign Affair" (1948).
14. Dietrich's performance in "Destry Rides Again" (1939) showcased her versatility as an actress.
15. She was known for her ability to perform her own stunts, including riding horses and performing acrobatics.

Personal Life and Relationships

Dietrich's personal life was as captivating as her on-screen presence.

16. She married Rudolf Sieber, a film production assistant, in 1923, and they remained married until his death in 1976.
17. The couple had one daughter, Maria Riva, who later became an actress and writer.
18. Dietrich was known for her numerous affairs with both men and women, including actors Gary Cooper and John Gilbert.
19. She had a close friendship with writer Ernest Hemingway, who admired her greatly.
20. Dietrich was an outspoken critic of the Nazi regime and refused to return to Germany during World War II.

Contributions During World War II

Dietrich's bravery and patriotism shone through during the war years.

21. She became an American citizen in 1939, renouncing her German citizenship.
22. Dietrich entertained Allied troops on the front lines, often performing in dangerous conditions.
23. She received the Medal of Freedom from the U.S. government for her wartime efforts.
24. Dietrich also received the Légion d'Honneur from the French government for her contributions.
25. Her rendition of the song "Lili Marlene" became an anthem for soldiers during the war.

Later Years and Legacy

Dietrich's influence extended beyond her acting career, leaving a lasting legacy.

26. She continued to perform in cabarets and concerts worldwide well into her 70s.
27. Dietrich's autobiography, "Marlene Dietrich's ABC," was published in 1962.
28. She lived in Paris for the last years of her life, becoming a recluse.
29. Dietrich passed away on May 6, 1992, at the age of 90.
30. She was buried in Berlin, next to her mother.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Here are some lesser-known tidbits about Dietrich that add to her mystique.

31. Dietrich was known for her love of fashion and had an extensive wardrobe, including pieces from designers like Christian Dior and Chanel.
32. She was a polyglot, fluent in German, English, and French, and could speak some Italian and Spanish.
33. Dietrich was an avid reader and had a personal library of over 3,000 books.

Marlene Dietrich's Lasting Legacy

Marlene Dietrich's impact on film, fashion, and culture remains undeniable. Her bold choices in roles and style challenged norms, making her a trailblazer in Hollywood. Dietrich's performances in classics like "The Blue Angel" and "Morocco" showcased her talent and versatility. Off-screen, her humanitarian efforts during WWII, including entertaining troops and supporting the war effort, highlighted her dedication beyond the silver screen.

Her influence extended to fashion, where her androgynous style inspired generations. Dietrich's ability to blend masculinity and femininity set trends that continue to resonate. Her legacy lives on through the countless artists and performers she inspired.

Marlene Dietrich wasn't just a star; she was an icon who broke barriers and left an indelible mark on the world. Her story reminds us of the power of individuality and the lasting impact one person can have on culture and society.