Marlene Dietrich was of the sultriest actresses of the silver screen. Holding both German and American citizenship, Dietrich’s lengthy career was constantly reinvigorated by her ability to reinvent herself. Identified by an image of glamour and exoticism, Dietrich’s international fame as a performer and ability to captivate audiences led her to be one of the highest-paid actresses of her day. Marie Magdalene “Marlene” Dietrich was born in Berlin to Louis and Wilhelmina Dietrich. Her father was a police lieutenant, while her mother came from a wealthy family who owned a jewelry store and clock-making company. Louis and Wilhelmina would have two children—Marlene and her older sister, Elisabeth—before Louis’ death in 1907.
