Marlene Dietrich
Biography
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.
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.
Known For
Acting

1932
asShanghai Lily

1958
asTana

1961
asMrs. Bertholt

1950
asCharlotte Inwood

1956
asSaloon Hostess

1964
asMarlene Dietrich (uncredited)

1949
asNightclub Patron (uncredited)

1941
asFay Duval

1926
asMicheline

1934
asPrincess Sophia Frederica / Catherine II

1978
asBaroness von Semering

2021
asSelf (archive footage) (uncredited)

1944
asMarlene Dietrich

1932
asHelen Faraday, aka Helen Jones

1940
asBijou

1952
asAltar Keane

1984
asHerself (Voice)

1930
asMademoiselle Amy Jolly

1935
asConcha Perez

1957
asChristine

1941
asCountess Claire Ledoux, aka Lili

1944
asJamilla

1942
asCherry Malotte

1939
asFrenchy

1951
asMonica Teasdale

2017
asSelf (archive footage)

1948
asErika Von Schlüetow

1942
asJosie 'Hunky' Winters

2021
as
1937
asLady Maria Barker, aka Angel

1942
asElizabeth Madden

1965
asSelf (archive footage)

1931
asMagda / X27

1936
asMadeleine de Beaupré

1933
asLily Czepanek

1937
asCountess Alexandra Vladinoff

1946
asBlanche Ferrand

1947
asLydia

1929
asStascha

1936
asDomini Enfilden

1956
asMaria de Crevecoeur

1973
asHerself

1930
as
1927
asErni Göttlinger - ein flatterhaftes Mädchen

1929
asLaurence Gerard / Lucille

1929
asEthel Marley

2004
asSelf (archive footage)

1927
asKokotte

1984
asSelf (archive footage)

2013
asSelf (archive footage)

2004
asSelf (archive footage)

2002
as(archive footage)

2005
asSelf (archive footage)

1962
asNarrator (voice)

2018
as(archive footage)

1935
asSelf

2002
asSelf (archive footage)

1994
as(archive footage)

1996
as
1927
asYvette

1930
asEvelyne

1943
asSelf

1927
asSophie

1924
asMädchen

1923
asKrämerstochter

2003
asSelf (archive footage)

1923
asLucie

1923
asLucy

1927
asEdmée Marchand

1944
asSelf

1933
as(archive footage) (uncredited)

2009
asSelf (archive footage)

2007
asSelf (archive footage)

1930
asLola Lola

1925
asDancer (Extra)

1919
as(unconfirmed)

1928
asChichotte de Gastoné

2017
asSelf - Actress (archive footage)

1991
as(archive footage)

2010
asCountess Alexandra Vladinoff (archive footage)

1991
as(archive footage)

1942
asSelf

2024
asSelf (archive photo)

2020
as
asSelf
asSelf - Recipient
asSelf (archive footage)
asSelf (archive footage)
asSelf (archive footage)
asSelf (archive Footage)
Production
Crew
Directing