Marlene Dietrich was born on December 27, 1901 in Schoneberg, Germany. She began her acting career as a chorus girl in vaudeville and theater acts, slowly working her way up to more prominent roles on stage and eventually in film.
Dietrich gained international fame for her roles in 1930s dramas such as The Blue Angel, Shanghai Express, and Desire. She was known for her sultry voice, cool demeanor, and striking beauty, which captivated audiences around the world.
During the onset of World War II, Dietrich became a prominent figure in Hollywood. She was asked by members of the Nazi Party to return to Germany, but she refused, vocalizing her hatred for Nazism. In 1939, she became an American citizen and from 1942 to 1943, she toured the U.S. to collect war bonds, using her celebrity status to support the Allied forces.
Marlene Dietrich was married to Rudolf Sieber from 1923 until his death in 1976. Despite her marriage, she was openly bisexual and had numerous affairs with both men and women throughout her life. She had her only child, Maria, in December of 1924.
Dietrich was ranked 9th on The American Film Institute's 1999 list of the Greatest Female Stars of All Time, solidifying her status as one of the most iconic actresses in cinema history. She continued to act in films and perform onstage until her retirement in the 1970s.