Actor

Marlene Dietrich

Acting

Career Snapshot

Explained

These indicators come from TMDB. They are relative signals, not review ratings.

Acting credits

Prolific

Very extensive acting filmography.

TMDB popularity

2.1

Low visibility

TMDB internal trend index. Higher usually means more searches and page activity now.

Movies: 78Series: 2

TMDB ID: 2896

IMDb ID: nm0000017

Known for: Acting

Born: December 27, 1901

Died: May 6, 1992

Age: 90

Place of birth: Berlin, Germany

Gender: Female

Adult content flag: No

Career span: 1923 - 2025

Years active: 103

Average TMDB rating: 6.66

Wikidata: Q4612

Also known as

Marlena Dietrichová • Marie Magdalene Dietrich • Marie Magdalene von Losch

TMDB TMDB IMDb IMDb W Wikidata

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.