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Marlene Dietrich

Actor

Marlene Dietrich

Born December 27, 1901 in Berlin, GermanyDied May 6, 199254 films

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.

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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.

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The best way into Marlene Dietrich's work
Witness for the Prosecution posterFirst watchWitness for the Prosecution19578.2as ChristineAn ailing barrister is thrust back into the courtroom in what becomes one of the most unusual and eventful murder cases of the lawyer's career when he finds himself defending a man being…View film

Essential films

Ranked by acclaim and reach
Touch of Evil poster7.7Touch of Evil1958Judgment at Nuremberg poster8.0Judgment at Nuremberg1961The Blue Angel poster7.3The Blue Angel1930Around the World in 80 Days poster6.7Around the World in 80 Days1956Stage Fright poster6.8Stage Fright1950Shanghai Express poster7.0Shanghai Express1932Destry Rides Again poster7.2Destry Rides Again1939A Foreign Affair poster7.1A Foreign Affair1948

Filmography

54 films as actor
  1. 1978Just a GigoloBaroness von Semering
  2. 1964Paris When It SizzlesMarlene Dietrich (uncredited)
  3. 1963Where Have All the Flowers Gone?
  4. 1961Judgment at NurembergMrs. Bertholt
  5. 1958Touch of EvilTana
  6. 1957Witness for the ProsecutionChristine
  7. 1956The Monte Carlo StoryMaria de Crevecoeur
  8. 1956Around the World in 80 DaysSaloon Hostess
  9. 1952Rancho NotoriousAltar Keane
  10. 1951No Highway in the SkyMonica Teasdale
  11. 1950Stage FrightCharlotte Inwood
  12. 1949JigsawNightclub Patron (uncredited)
  13. 1948A Foreign AffairErika Von Schlüetow
  14. 1947Golden EarringsLydia
  15. 1946Martin RoumagnacBlanche Ferrand
  16. 1944KismetJamilla
  17. 1944Follow the BoysMarlene Dietrich
  18. 1942PittsburghJosie 'Hunky' Winters
  19. 1942The SpoilersCherry Malotte
  20. 1942The Lady Is WillingElizabeth Madden
  21. 1941ManpowerFay Duval
  22. 1941The Flame of New OrleansCountess Claire Ledoux, aka Lili
  23. 1940Seven SinnersBijou
  24. 1939Destry Rides AgainFrenchy
  25. 1937AngelLady Maria Barker, aka Angel
  26. 1937Knight Without ArmourCountess Alexandra Vladinoff
  27. 1936The Garden of AllahDomini Enfilden
  28. 1936DesireMadeleine de Beaupré
  29. 1935The Devil Is a WomanConcha Perez
  30. 1934The Scarlet EmpressPrincess Sophia Frederica / Catherine II
  31. 1933The Song of SongsLily Czepanek
  32. 1932Blonde VenusHelen Faraday, aka Helen Jones
  33. 1932Shanghai ExpressShanghai Lily
  34. 1931DishonoredMagda / X27
  35. 1930Marlene Dietrich, “The Blue Angel” Screen Test
  36. 1930MoroccoMademoiselle Amy Jolly
  37. 1930The Blue AngelLola Lola
  38. 1930Dangers of the Engagement PeriodEvelyne
  39. 1929The Ship of Lost MenEthel Marley
  40. 1929The Woman One Longs ForStascha
  41. 1929I Kiss Your Hand, MadameLaurence Gerard / Lucille
  42. 1928Art of LoveChichotte de Gastoné
  43. 1927Cafe ElectricErni Göttlinger - ein flatterhaftes Mädchen
  44. 1927His Greatest BluffYvette
  45. 1927Heads Up, CharleyEdmée Marchand
  46. 1927The Imaginary BaronSophie
  47. 1927A Modern DubarryKokotte
  48. 1926Manon LescautMicheline
  49. 1925Her Dancing PartnerDancer (Extra)
  50. 1924Leap Into LifeMädchen
  51. 1923The Countess of ParisLucie
  52. 1923The Tragedy of LoveLucy
  53. 1923Man by the RoadsideKrämerstochter
  54. 1919Im Schatten des Glücks(unconfirmed)