A seven-decade career
Born in 1901, Dietrich worked as an actress and singer across a career spanning nearly seven decades. From the 1950s through the 1970s, she spent much of her time touring internationally as a live performer.
Music
Marlene Dietrich
Her role as Lola Lola in “The Blue Angel,” her classic Hollywood films, and her international career as a singer and live performer.
Marlene Dietrich was a German and American actress and singer whose career spanned nearly seven decades. She performed on stage and in silent films in 1920s Berlin before winning international acclaim as Lola Lola in “The Blue Angel” in 1930. She went on to star in Hollywood films and toured internationally as a live performer from the 1950s through the 1970s.
Worth knowing
International acclaim
Dietrich’s portrayal of Lola Lola in Josef von Sternberg’s “The Blue Angel” brought her international acclaim in 1930 and led to a contract with Paramount Pictures.
Films with Josef von Sternberg
Dietrich made six Hollywood films directed by Josef von Sternberg, including “Morocco,” “Shanghai Express,” and “The Scarlet Empress.” Her performance in “Morocco” earned her only Academy Award nomination.
Wartime humanitarian work
During World War II, Dietrich housed German and French exiles, provided financial support, and advocated for their American citizenship. She also entertained on the front lines and received honors from the United States, France, Belgium, and Israel for her work to improve morale.
Addresses you can still visit
Every place in this city with a documented tie to this person.
Performed here
Friedrichstadt-Palast
Marlene Dietrich performed at the Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin.
Performed here
Theater des Westens and the Wilde Bühne Plaque
Marlene Dietrich performed at the Theater des Westens during her early career.
Follow the story on foot
These addresses are scattered across the city. Our routes and quests put them in an order that works.