Marlene Dietrich became one of Hollywood's biggest stars. She was born Marie Magdalene Dietrich on December 27, 1901, near Berlin, Germany. Her father worked as a police officer and died when she turned six years old. Her stepfather also died from war wounds when Marlene was 15. She learned violin and theater during school but hurt her wrist and could not play music professionally.
Dietrich started as a chorus girl and got small parts before landing her breakthrough role. She played Lola Lola, a cabaret singer, in the 1930 film Blue Angel. Director Josef Von Sternberg helped make her famous with several movies. The Nazi party wanted her to act for them but she refused. She gave up her German citizenship and moved to America.
Dietrich...