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Marlene Dietrich Headshot

Marlene Dietrich

Date of Death: May 06, 1992 (90)

Birth Place: Berlin, GERMANY

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BIO

Marlene Dietrich was a German-American actress and singer who was born on December 27, 1901, in Berlin, Germany. She began her career as a stage actress in Berlin in the 1920s, before transitioning to film in the early 1930s. Dietrich quickly became known for her sultry voice, striking beauty, and unique androgynous style.


Dietrich's breakthrough role came in the 1930 film "The Blue Angel," in which she played a seductive cabaret singer named Lola Lola. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Dietrich's performance earned her international acclaim. She went on to star in a number of successful films throughout the 1930s, including "Morocco" (1930), "Shanghai Express" (1932), and "Desire" (1936).
In addition to her film work, Dietrich was also a talented singer and performer. She recorded a number of popular songs throughout her career, including "Falling in Love Again" and "Lili Marlene." She often performed in cabarets and nightclubs around the world, and her live performances were known for their glamour and sophistication.
During World War II, Dietrich became a vocal opponent of the Nazi regime in Germany. She renounced her German citizenship and became an American citizen in 1939. She traveled extensively throughout Europe during the war, performing for Allied troops and using her celebrity status to raise morale and support for the war effort. She also worked as a spy for the Allies, gathering intelligence and providing support to resistance movements in Europe.
After the war, Dietrich continued to work in film and music, although her career began to decline in the 1950s. She made a number of appearances on television, including a recurring role on the series "I Spy" in the 1960s. She also continued to perform live, making her final public appearance in 1975 at the age of 73.
Marlene Dietrich died on May 6, 1992, at the age of 90. She is remembered as one of the greatest actresses and performers of the 20th century, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and entertainers.

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Unknown, 1968
Performer

[Broadway]
Unknown, 1967
Performer


Awards and Nominations


winner
Tony Awards - 1968 - Special Tony Award

Marlene Dietrich

Videos

News


President Joe Biden to Attend Performance of THE EYES OF THE WORLD at The White House

On Friday, December 6, The White House will host a special live performance of American History Unbound’s The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day, to be attended by President Joe Biden. Learn more!
Review: Kim David Smith Vamping Through Hallo-Wien

Kim David Smith captured Marlene Dietrich's essence in a Halloween-themed cabaret at New York's Café Sabarsky, with a repertoire spanning Weimar classics and pop mashups. Accompanied by pianist Tracy Stark, the show exemplified cabaret as a celebration of artistic freedom, and a vital sanctuary for self-expression in challenging times.
Review: WOLF KINGS at Young Liars

It’s a headlong dive into a fiercely black, wildly comic nightmare.  It’s a venture into betrayal and menace and sex and chaos, and into the unplumbed depths of the psyche.  It’s Wolf Kings, the Young Liars’ remarkable new piece now playing at The Chapel.
Dean Wareham & Britta & Sonic Boom Share Cover of David Berman's 'Snow Is Falling In Manhattan'

On November 22 the trio of Dean & Britta & Sonic Boom - some of indie music’s foundational members - will release a holiday album, A Peace of Us. Now, they reveal the album’s lead-track, a cover of David Berman’s “Snow Is Falling In Manhattan.' Listen to the track!
Feature: Kim David Smith Spills on Hallo-Wien & Christmas Shows

Australian-born NYC cabaret star Kim David Smith blends Weimar-era classics with contemporary pop at Café Sabarsky and Club Cumming. Known as the 'David Bowie of cabaret,' Smith channels Marlene Dietrich while reimagining songs from Friedrich Hollander to Kylie Minogue, creating immersive performances that prioritize presence over 'authenticity.'
Video: Take a Look Inside Allyson Briggs' New Album

Explore the behind-the-scenes documentary of Allyson Briggs as she celebrates the release of her new Burt Bacharach album, PROMISES, PRAYERS, AND RAINDROPS, offering an intimate look at her creative process.
Dean Wareham & Britta & Sonic Boom Collaborate on Holiday Album

A trio composed of indie music’s foundational members - Dean & Britta & Sonic Boom -have announced the forthcoming album A Peace of Us—an LP composed of diverse holiday tunes filtered through their musical imaginations. Listen to a song from the album now!
Interview: Grover Dale Reflects on a Life in the Theater

Grover Dale’s life story reads like the ultimate show bio. After all, there are few performers who can count the original Broadway production of West Side Story among their credits. Or say that Sir Noel Coward hand picked them to appear in one of his musicals.
Review: MARLENE at ExPats Theatre

What did our critic think of MARLENE at ExPats Theatre?
Video: Allyson Briggs Launches Video Series to Celebrate PROMISES, PRAYERS, AND RAINDROPS

Allyson Briggs is launching a new video series to celebrate her latest album, PROMISES, PRAYERS, AND RAINDROPS, featuring the music of Burt Bacharach. The series showcases her vintage vocal style. Learn more about the series!
Review: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN Is Monstrously Funny at Elmwood Playhouse

The Elmwood cast, directed with the requisite command of comic timing and savvy stagecraft by Director and Choreographer Jason Sommers, is comprised of an impressive array of skilled performers who seem to be enjoying their over-the-top antics as much as the audience does. 
PBS to Air THE EYES OF THE WORLD Concert Featuring Broadway Alums

American History Unbound and American Public Television (APT) has announced The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day, performed with the Boston Pops, will begin airing on public television stations nationwide and streaming on PBS.org beginning Friday, November 1, 2024.
How Often Do Writers Play in the Orchestra for Their Own Musicals

This time, the reader question was: I know sometimes writers perform in their own shows… but how often do writers play in the orchestra for their own musicals on Broadway?
Expats Theatre to Present MARLENE by Pam Gems

Expats Theatre will present its upcoming production of MARLENE, a new play that explores the life and legacy of Marlene Dietrich. Learn how to purchase tickets.
MUSE/IQUE to Present FREEDOM AT THE MOULIN ROUGE Beginning This Month

Just at summer's end, MUSE/IQUE and Artistic & Music Director Rachael Worby will present MUSE/IQUE's next show of their 2024 season Freedom at the Moulin Rouge, the incredible, under-told story of the first-ever fully integrated hotel and casino in the country.
FREEDOM AT THE MOULIN ROUGE Comes to MUSE/IQUE This Month

Just at summer’s end, MUSE/IQUE and Artistic & Music Director Rachael Worby will present MUSE/IQUE’s next show of their 2024 season Freedom at the Moulin Rouge, the under-told story of the first-ever fully integrated hotel and casino in the country.
Jean Smart Will Lead A CIRCLE IN THE WATER Reading

BroadwayWorld has just learned that Hacks star Jean Smart will lead an upcoming reading of the one woman play, A Circle in the Water. The reading will be held August 21-22 at The Duke and is by invitation only.
Allyson Briggs Sings Burt Bacharach On New Album 'PROMISES, PRAYERS, AND RAINDROPS'

Algos Music has announced the release of the new album by vintage vocalist extraordinaire ALLYSON BRIGGS – Promises, Prayers, and Raindrops: Allyson Briggs Sings Burt Bacharach – on CD and in digital and streaming platforms.
Allyson Briggs to Welcome Julie Benko at Birdland Theater to Celebrate new Burt Bacharach Album

ALLYSON BRIGGS and special guest JULIE BENKO will perform at BIRDLAND THEATER to celebrate a new BURT BACHARACH album, with a livestream available for those unable to attend in person. Learn how to purchase tickets.
ANNA BERGMAN: THE SONG IS YOU to be Presented By Hamptons Summer Songbook By The Sea

Anna Bergman will perform beloved songs from Broadway and film at LTV Studios on June 22, accompanied by musical director Phil Hall. Learn how to purchase tickets.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Marlene Dietrich been in?

Marlene Dietrich has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has Marlene Dietrich been in?

Marlene Dietrich has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Marlene Dietrich been nominated for?

Marlene Dietrich has been nominated for the Special Tony Award at the Tony Awards.

What awards has Marlene Dietrich won?

Marlene Dietrich has won the Special Tony Award at the Tony Awards.

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