Art, literature & culture

Birth of Marlene Dietrich

27 December 1901

Marlene Dietrich was born on 27 December 1901 in Rote Insel. A German-born actress and singer, Dietrich became an international star with the film The Blue Angel in 1930, directed by Josef von Sternberg, in which she played the cabaret singer Lola Lola. She followed him to Hollywood and made films such as Morocco and Shanghai Express, with a glamorous and sophisticated image that included her fondness for men's tailoring. A vocal opponent of the Nazi regime, she became an American citizen, sold war bonds and entertained Allied troops, for which she received the Medal of Freedom. In later decades she was a cabaret performer and recording artist. She spent her last years in Paris.

Open on the timeline

Before and after

More in Art, literature & culture

The era

This moment belongs to the Industrial era (1760 CE to 1914 CE), steam, factories and revolutions. You can also browse everything in the 20th century.