Devi Dja was an American actress known for her roles in “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” “Road to Singapore,” and “Road to Morocco.” Born on August 1, 1914, in the Dutch East Indies, she became famous for her unique dancing style and expressive hand gestures.
Personal and Family Life
Devi Dja was born in Java and started learning temple dances called “Legong” at a young age. She was known for her remarkable talent, which captivated audiences and led her to perform internationally. Dja married artist Acee Blue Eagle but later divorced, then married Ali Assan, with whom she had a daughter, Ratna, who became an actress herself.
Death and Legacy
Devi Dja passed away on January 20, 1989, in Northridge, California, due to cancer. She left behind a legacy celebrated for her contributions to dance and film. Her epitaph, “May you dance in God’s light forever,” reflects her lasting impact on the arts, and a documentary titled “I Remember Devi Dja” was released in 2017 to honor her memory.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Road to Singapore | 1940-03-22 | Native Girl (uncredited) |
| The Picture of Dorian Gray | 1945-03-03 | Lead Dancer |
| Road to Morocco | 1942-11-10 | Dancer (uncredited) |
| Cargo to Capetown | 1950-04-01 | Dancer (uncredited) |
| Beyond the Forest | 1949-10-21 | Dancer (uncredited) |