Marlene Dietrich, the iconic Hollywood actress and singer, lived a life filled with fascinating moments. 

Gender-Bending Fashion Icon

Dietrich was known for her androgynous style and often wore men’s suits, which was considered shocking in the 1930s. She helped popularize gender-fluid fashion long before it became mainstream, boldly defying traditional gender norms. Her look became a signature part of her allure and cemented her as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ icons.

She Turned Down Hitler

Born in Germany, Dietrich was approached by Adolf Hitler’s regime to return to Germany and make propaganda films. She flatly refused and instead became an outspoken critic of the Nazi regime. In a defiant act of patriotism, she became an American citizen in 1939 and later performed for Allied troops during World War II, boosting morale and earning the nickname "the soldiers’ goddess."

War Hero

During World War II, Marlene Dietrich not only entertained Allied troops but also secretly gathered intelligence for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the CIA. As an ardent anti-Nazi, she used her celebrity status to her advantage. While performing for soldiers on the front lines, Dietrich would fraternize with high-ranking enemy officers, gaining valuable information that she passed along to the OSS. Her access to influential people in Europe made her a perfect asset for intelligence work. Dietrich’s bravery and contributions to the war effort earned her the Medal of Freedom for her covert activities and her unwavering support of the Allied cause.

A Voice That Mesmerized

Dietrich wasn’t just a movie star—she was also an acclaimed singer with a sultry, hypnotic voice. Her hit song “Lili Marlene” became an anthem during WWII, beloved by both Allied and Axis soldiers for its melancholy and haunting melody. Her later cabaret performances around the world were just as legendary as her screen presence.

A Love for Many

Dietrich had a notoriously open love life. She was romantically linked to both men and women, including some of the most famous figures of her time, such as Jean Gabin, Gary Cooper, and Edith Piaf. She never hid her bisexuality, making her a bold figure in an era when such openness was far from accepted.

Picky About Roles: 

Dietrich wasn’t afraid to reject major Hollywood roles if they didn’t meet her standards. She once turned down the part of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind and was famously selective about the scripts she accepted. She was an actress who valued quality over quantity, which helped maintain her enduring mystique.

The “Dietrich Legs” Insurance

Dietrich’s legs were so admired that they were reportedly insured for $1 million—a staggering amount at the time! She was known for her glamorous, sophisticated image, and her legs became an iconic part of her allure. Her legs were even rumored to have been “perfectly symmetrical”!

Dietrich and Hemingway’s Unrequited Love

Dietrich and author Ernest Hemingway had a deep, lifelong friendship, full of mutual admiration and flirtation. Though their relationship remained platonic, they often exchanged heartfelt letters. Hemingway once called her his “Venus” and described their bond as “nothing but passion.”

A Private Hermit

In her later years, Dietrich became increasingly reclusive. She spent the final decade of her life almost entirely confined to her Paris apartment, avoiding the public eye. While she remained in touch with a few close friends, she refused to make public appearances, adding to the mystery surrounding her.

She Worked With All the Greats

Dietrich starred alongside some of the most legendary directors and actors of her time. She worked with Josef von Sternberg, who crafted her iconic image in films like The Blue Angel (1930), and Alfred Hitchcock in Stage Fright (1950). Her Hollywood career spanned decades, and she became a symbol of both the Golden Age of cinema and timeless glamour.