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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


Listen: Kim David Smith's MOSTLY MARLENE Album Out Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 21, 2025

KIM DAVID SMITH's new album Mostly Marlene, is available in streaming and digital formats now! This month, he was nominated for a 2025 MAC Award for “Major Artist.” Learn more and listen to the album.
BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup " Mar. 21 to Mar. 27, 2024
by Rebecca Kaplan - Mar 21, 2025

Looking for a fun show to see this week? We have you covered with jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week.
Interview: Kim David Smith Celebrates New Album, MOSTLY MARLENE, at Joe's Pub
by Rebecca Kaplan - Mar 13, 2025

Kim David Smith, the provocative international singer and actor, will release the new album Mostly Marlene in digital and streaming platforms on 3/21. Smith will celebrate the album’s release with a special New York concert at Joe’s Pub that night.
Listen: Kim David Smith's New Single 'Illusions' With Charles Busch Out Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 7, 2025

KIM DAVID SMITH has released the new single from his upcoming album Mostly Marlene. “Illusions” – a studio duet with Tony-nominated playwright and performer Charles Busch. Listen now!
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG And More Announced for Grand Theatre 2025 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 4, 2025

Grand Theatre has unveiled its 2025/26 season, titled “You Are Here.” The lineup features six productions, including, Tony, Olivier, and Pulitzer Prize winning shows. Check out all of the detials here!
Ute Lemper Celebrates Kurt Weill’s 125th with 'Mack the Knife' From New Album
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 3, 2025

To celebrate revolutionary composer Kurt Weill’s 125th birthday on March 2, acclaimed singer & actress Ute Lemper has released “Mack the Knife,” the new single from her album Pirate Jenny. Listen to it here!
Kim David Smith New Album MOSTLY MARLENE to be Released in March
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 21, 2025

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The Famous Spiegeltent Returns to St Andrew Square, Edinburgh This Summer
by Stephi Wild - Feb 19, 2025

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Previews: DIETRICH at Revolution Stage Company
by Kay Kudukis - Feb 18, 2025

DIETRICH, written by Willard Manus, starring Cindy Marinangel, Chicago Second City Conservatory graduate, directed by Glenda Morgan Brown and produced by Sea Angel Productions., LLC is based on a true story. Set in May 1960, the play takes place when the actress returned to the Berlin stage for the first time since fleeing the Hitler regime in the 1930’s. Inside her dressing room at the Tatania-Palast Theater, Dietrich weighs whether to go through with the live performance despite threats on her life by Nazi sympathizers who resented her for having spent much of World War II entertaining American soldiers on the front lines. To them, Dietrich is a turncoat; a traitor who deserves to be shot and killed on stage.
Ute Lemper Celebrates Kurt Weill's 125th Birthday with New Album
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 13, 2025

In honor of revolutionary composer Kurt Weill’s 125th birthday this year, acclaimed singer & actress Ute Lemper has announced her new album, Pirate Jenny.
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by Stephi Wild - Jan 31, 2025

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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

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Feature: 11 of the Best Duo, Variety and Alt Cabaret Acts of 2024
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Feature: 11 of the Best Cabaret Tribute Shows of 2024
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Photos: THE EYES OF THE WORLD at The White House
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 11, 2024

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President Joe Biden to Attend Performance of THE EYES OF THE WORLD at The White House
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 5, 2024

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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!

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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