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Born in Berlin in 1901 (although mystery, much of it created by Dietrich herself, surrounds her origins - accounts of her year of birth and even her real name vary). A talented violinist as a teen, she took up acting when she injured her wrist and by 1930 was a popular performer in Germany. Her classic performance in The Blue Angel saw her transferred to Hollywood, where she was touted as a rival to Greta Garbo and Oscar nominated for her role in Morocco. Exuding exotic sex appeal, Dietrich gained a reputation for bedding her co-stars, and began a craze for women wearing slacks. Turning down a personal offer from Hitler to return to Germany, she became a US citizen and, in later years, a cabaret singer.
