Marie Magdalene “Marlene” Dietrich was a German and American actress and singer whose career spanned nearly seven decades.

Dietrich was known for her humanitarian efforts during World War II, housing German and French exiles, providing financial support and advocating their American citizenship. For her work on improving morale on the front lines during the war, she received several honors from the United States, France, Belgium, and Israel. In 1999, the American Film Institute named Dietrich the ninth greatest female screen legend of classic Hollywood cinema.

Born:

27 December 1901

Berlin, Germany

Died:

6 May 1992 (aged 90)

Paris, France