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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


Agatha Christie's WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION Celebrates 100 Years
by Stephi Wild - Jan 31, 2025

31 January 2025 marks 100 years since Agatha Christie's story Witness for the Prosecution – originally titled Traitor Hands  –  was first published. Learn more here!
BLUE MAN GROUP Comes to Berlin
by Stephi Wild - Jan 22, 2025

Anyone expecting a peaceful night out should look elsewhere. Blue man Group is coming to Berlin- Berlin - celebrating one of the most successful long-run shows in the city. Learn more here!
Review: BERLIN BERLIN at Museumsquartier WIen
by Martin Ganeider - Jan 17, 2025

The critically acclaimed revue is hitting the road and stopping in Vienna for a strictly limited run. Ages ago, Berlin was the center of the world, with its Night Clubs, Bars, and the famous Admiralspalast with its Conférenciers the Variety 'Admiral' (played by Simon Stockinger, well-deserved Winner of the 2024 BroadwayWorld Austria Award for  Best Supporting Performer in a Musical). It has been a time full of good music, loads of dancing, liquor, and huge Variety shows; the world danced through Berlin and the doors into the Admiralspalast, the world's melting pot, where everyone wanted to be a part of.
Feature: 11 of the Best Duo, Variety and Alt Cabaret Acts of 2024
by Rebecca Kaplan - Jan 2, 2025

We’re continuing the BroadwayWorld Cabaret team’s highlight recaps of their favorite shows from 2024 with some of our favorite duo acts, alt shows, recurring series and more.
Feature: 11 of the Best Cabaret Tribute Shows of 2024
by Rebecca Kaplan - Jan 1, 2025

One popular cabaret sub-genre is the tribute show, diving into the work of a specific singer, songwriter, or show. Here are some of the best tribute concerts from the past year, as chosen by the BroadwayWorld Cabaret team
Photos: THE EYES OF THE WORLD at The White House
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 11, 2024

American History Unbound’s production, The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day was performed at the White House, honoring the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. See photos.
President Joe Biden to Attend Performance of THE EYES OF THE WORLD at The White House
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 5, 2024

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
by Chloe Yang - Nov 14, 2024

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
by Steve Callahan - Nov 11, 2024

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'
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 30, 2024

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
by Chloe Yang - Oct 24, 2024

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
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 11, 2024

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.
Interview: Grover Dale Reflects on a Life in the Theater
by Team BWW - Oct 3, 2024

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.
Dean Wareham & Britta & Sonic Boom Collaborate on Holiday Album
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 2, 2024

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!
Review: MARLENE at ExPats Theatre
by Mary Lincer - Sep 29, 2024

What did our critic think of MARLENE at ExPats Theatre?
Video: Allyson Briggs Launches Video Series to Celebrate PROMISES, PRAYERS, AND RAINDROPS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 27, 2024

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
by Bruce Apar - Sep 17, 2024

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. 
How Often Do Writers Play in the Orchestra for Their Own Musicals
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Sep 15, 2024

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?
PBS to Air THE EYES OF THE WORLD Concert Featuring Broadway Alums
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 12, 2024

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.
Expats Theatre to Present MARLENE by Pam Gems
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 21, 2024

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.

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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