Life and achievements
Early life
Marlene Dietrich was born on December 27, 1901, in Berlin, Germany, to a relatively affluent family. Her mother, Wilhelmina Elisabeth Josefine, was from a well-off family that had a business selling jewelry and clocks. Her father, Louis Erich Otto Dietrich, was a police lieutenant who died when Marlene was only six years old. Marlene had only one sibling, a sister, Elisabeth, who was older than her.
Dietrich's childhood was happy, and she grew up in a well-off family, which encouraged her interest in the arts. She went to Auguste-Viktoria Girls' School from 1907 to 1917 and then to Victoria-Luise-Schule in Berlin-Wilmersdorf and graduated from there in 1918. Dietrich also had music in her heart and learned to play the violin in school with the dream of becoming a concert violinist. However, a wrist injury limited this dream, and so she had to look for other ways of expressing herself artistically.
Dietrich entered the world of entertainment in 1922 as a chorus girl in Berlin and Vienna. She tried to get a role in Max Reinhardt's theater, and although she was not successful in getting a role, she was hired as a chorus girl and in minor roles in his theater. Her first appearance on the big screen was in 1923 in a movie titled The Little Napoleon, and she got her first husband, Rudolf Sieber, in the film Tragedy of Love in the same year. They got married in 1923, and their only child, Maria, was born in 1924.
Dietrich performed in the theater and movies in the 1920s, and she received recognition in musicals and revues. By the late 1920s, she was also getting meaty roles in films like Café Elektric (1927) and The Ship of Lost Souls (1929). Her big screen debut was in the movie The Blue Angel (1930), where she played the character of Lola Lola, and this made her a star and signed her with Paramount Pictures.
Legacy
Marlene Dietrich is one of the legends of the silver screen whose influence remains relevant to this day. She was the first female performer who challenged norms with her gender-fluid fashion, powerful persona, and absolute confidence in her identity. Her work in films, fashion, and music still has an impact on society, making her an influential personality of the 20th century.
Dietrich was a great actress, and her influence on Hollywood was immense. Her works with director Josef von Sternberg created some of the most visually delightful films of the time, as well as the most multi-layered and mysterious characters. She acted in famous movies such as Morocco (1930), Shanghai Express (1932), and Desire (1936). She was a fashion icon who broke the barriers of gender, and her style of dressing, which incorporated both male and female attire, was a trendsetter for many years.
Besides her acting, Dietrich's contribution during the Second World War as a humanitarian is another reason she is remembered as a strong and noble woman. She was an anti-Nazi activist and, during the Second World War, performed for the soldiers and contributed to the sale of war bonds. She was a courageous woman and worked very hard for her country; she was awarded the Medal of Freedom and the Légion d'honneur.
Dietrich's move to become a cabaret artist in the 1950s was another proof of her adaptability. Her live performances were characterized by her powerful and sensual voice as well as her charming personality on stage. She kept on dancing and acting up to her seventies, proving she still had the talent and passion for it.
Dietrich's presence was not limited to the spheres of politics and culture; she also impacted the areas of fashion and entertainment. She was a fashion model for designers like Christian Dior and a fashion icon who continues to inspire to this day. Her gender-fluid style and daring approach influenced many artists and designers, cementing her status as a pioneer.
In her post-World War II life, Dietrich continued to be a mysterious and famous woman, and her biography and documentaries give some insight into her extraordinary life. She died on May 6, 1992, in Paris, but she is still very much present in the world through her movies, songs, and the impression she left in cinema, fashion, and music. Marlene Dietrich's life and work are still admired and remembered to this day, allowing future generations to learn about her.
Milestone moments
Dec 18, 1930
Breakthrough Role in the Movie "The Blue Angel"
Lola Lola's character in the film The Blue Angel is one of the most famous roles of Marlene Dietrich, and this role helped her to become a star.
The film, directed by Josef von Sternberg, presented Dietrich's acting skills and screen charisma and brought her a lot of positive reviews.
Her acting in the film's hit song, "Falling in Love Again," became legendary and put her in the league of the leading actresses.
This role paved the way for a contract with Paramount Pictures and a smooth shift to the Hollywood system.
The film The Blue Angel is still considered one of the best, and Dietrich's acting is still appreciated for the richness of its interpretation.
May 18, 1939
The Process of Naturalization in the United States of America
Marlene Dietrich left Germany in 1939, and in May of the same year, she took up American citizenship.
This was a very personal and political act of defiance against the Nazi regime that she made.
Dietrich's American citizenship enabled her to contribute to the Allied cause during the Second World War.
She also engaged herself in selling war bonds and entertaining the troops to support the war effort.
The events of this period only served to enhance Dietrich's image as a brave and honorable woman.
Dec 18, 1944
USO Tour During World War II
Marlene Dietrich started her USO tour in December 1944 and entertained the Allied soldiers in Europe and North Africa.
She sang songs from her movies and proved that she was a true performer and a great entertainer for the soldiers.
Dietrich was no stranger to fighting and was known to be on the front lines, sometimes in somewhat risky situations, which made the soldiers respect her.
She was awarded several recognitions for her commitment to lifting the spirit of the people and supporting the war, such as the Medal of Freedom.
This tour can be considered one of the most significant in Dietrich's life, as it shows her courage and desire to help people.
Nov 18, 1947
Accepting the Medal of Freedom
Marlene Dietrich was awarded the Medal of Freedom in November 1947 for her services to the war against the Axis powers.
This prestigious honor was given to her for her performances for the troops and her contribution to the war against the Axis powers.
Dietrich considered this award one of her proudest achievements, as she was a very loyal and patriotic person.
The recognition strengthened her status as not only an entertainer but also a philanthropist.
Her contributions to the war are still considered today as one of her significant achievements.