Renowned German-American actress, singer and fashion trendsetter Marie Magdalene “Marlene” Dietrich was born on December 27, 1901 in Schoeneberg, Germany. Throughout her stage career, the iconic movie star took part in more than 60 films and won viewers’ hearts with her style and passion. The American Film Institute has recognized her as the ninth greatest female star of all time.
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“Most women set out to try to change a man, and when they have changed him they don't like him.”
In her young years, Marie Dietrich learned to play the violin and joined a pit orchestra that accompanied silent films. However, she was fired just in four weeks as her beauty distracted other musicians from the performance.
In her young years, Marie Dietrich learned to play the violin and joined a pit orchestra that accompanied silent films. However, she was fired just in four weeks as her beauty distracted other musicians from the performance.
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“The weak are more likely to make the strong weak than the strong are likely to make the weak strong.”
In 1922, she finally debuted on the silver screen with a bit part in “The Little Napoleon”, a silent historical comedy.
In 1922, she finally debuted on the silver screen with a bit part in “The Little Napoleon”, a silent historical comedy.
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“It's the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter.”
Tragicomedy “The Blue Angel” (1930, directed by Josef von Sternberg) drastically changed Dietrich’s status from an unknown actress to a superstar. She surprisingly outshone the renowned Emil Jannings, and the picture introduced her signature song “Falling in Love Again.” Movie-goers flew to theaters like moths to flames.
Tragicomedy “The Blue Angel” (1930, directed by Josef von Sternberg) drastically changed Dietrich’s status from an unknown actress to a superstar. She surprisingly outshone the renowned Emil Jannings, and the picture introduced her signature song “Falling in Love Again.” Movie-goers flew to theaters like moths to flames.
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“I do not think we have a "right" to happiness. If happiness happens, say thanks.”
The sweeping success of “The Blue Angel” entrenched Marlene Dietrich with Hollywood and she inked a contract with Paramount Pictures. Her six movies directed by Josef von Sternberg garnered her global fame.
The sweeping success of “The Blue Angel” entrenched Marlene Dietrich with Hollywood and she inked a contract with Paramount Pictures. Her six movies directed by Josef von Sternberg garnered her global fame.
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“Courage and grace is a formidable mixture. The only place to see it is the bullring.”
In 1936, Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels tried to lure Dietrich to Germany with a lucrative contract and favorable filming conditions, but she rejected the offer. In 1939, the actress received American citizenship.
In 1936, Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels tried to lure Dietrich to Germany with a lucrative contract and favorable filming conditions, but she rejected the offer. In 1939, the actress received American citizenship.
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“If God exists, He needs to review His plan.”
A vocal opponent of Nazism, Marlene Dietrich performed as a frontline entertainer for the Allies in North Africa, Italy and France. She was awarded the US Medal of Freedom and the French National Order of the Legion of Honour.
A vocal opponent of Nazism, Marlene Dietrich performed as a frontline entertainer for the Allies in North Africa, Italy and France. She was awarded the US Medal of Freedom and the French National Order of the Legion of Honour.
“There is a gigantic difference between earning a great deal of money and being rich.”
In 1963, Dietrich travelled to Moscow and Leningrad. Soviet people attended her concerts with great enthusiasm.
In 1963, Dietrich travelled to Moscow and Leningrad. Soviet people attended her concerts with great enthusiasm.
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“It is a joy to find thoughts one might have, beautifully expressed by someone wiser than oneself.”
Marlene Dietrich married assistant director Rudolf Sieber in 1923. However, her amorous nature manifested itself in love affairs with movie stars Jean Gabin, Gary Cooper and James Stewart.
Above: Marlene Dietrich, her daughter Maria, her husband Rudolph Sieber, 1936
Marlene Dietrich married assistant director Rudolf Sieber in 1923. However, her amorous nature manifested itself in love affairs with movie stars Jean Gabin, Gary Cooper and James Stewart.
Above: Marlene Dietrich, her daughter Maria, her husband Rudolph Sieber, 1936
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“There comes a time when suddenly you realize that laughter is something you remember and that you were the one laughing”
In 1975, the actress broke her thigh in Sydney. Her husband died a year later. Dietrich suffered from dependence on painkillers and alcohol, and her career rapidly declined.
In 1975, the actress broke her thigh in Sydney. Her husband died a year later. Dietrich suffered from dependence on painkillers and alcohol, and her career rapidly declined.
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“Don't cry for me after I'm gone; cry for me now.”
Marlene Dietrich passed away in 1992, but her immortal glory lives on.
Marlene Dietrich passed away in 1992, but her immortal glory lives on.
