Cyd Charisse was an American actress who is best known for her roles in Singin’ in the Rain, The Band Wagon, and Brigadoon. She was renowned for her incredible dancing skills and is considered one of the finest female dancers in the history of film musicals.
Personal and Family Life
Cyd Charisse was born Tula Ellice Finklea on March 8, 1922, in Amarillo, Texas. She spent her childhood taking ballet lessons and joined the Ballet Russe at the age of 13. In 1939, she married her dance teacher, Nico Charisse, and later married singer Tony Martin in 1948, with whom she had one child.
Career Highlights
She made her film debut in 1943 and quickly gained fame after dancing with Fred Astaire in Ziegfeld Follies. Her performance in Singin’ in the Rain in 1952 solidified her status as a star. She continued to work in television and nightclubs after the decline of movie musicals in the 1960s.
Death and Legacy
Cyd Charisse passed away at the age of 86 from complications related to a heart attack on June 17, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. Her legacy as a talented dancer and actress continues to influence performers today, and she remains an iconic figure in film history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Singin’ in the Rain | 1952-04-09 | Dancer |
| The Band Wagon | 1953-08-07 | Gabrielle Gerard |
| Brigadoon | 1954-09-08 | Fiona Campbell |
| The Silencers | 1966-02-18 | Sarita |
| Warlords of Atlantis | 1978-05-01 | Atsil |