Sally Rand was an American actress who is best known for her iconic “fan dance,” her exotic performances, and her work in burlesque shows. Born Helen Gould Beck on April 3, 1904, in Elkton, Missouri, she became a well-known figure in the entertainment industry.
Personal and Family Life
Sally Rand grew up in the Ozark region of Missouri, where her father served in the Spanish-American War. She began her journey into the world of dance and performance at a young age, inspired by the famous ballerina Anna Pavlova. Throughout her life, she was married three times and had a son named Sean, who later gave her a granddaughter.
Career Highlights
Her career in entertainment included roles as a cigarette girl, circus performer, and dancer. Sally made a name for herself in the 1920s by performing in various stage shows and silent films. She gained further fame as a burlesque performer, particularly known for her “fan dance,” which became a signature act. Despite facing challenges in her career, such as the transition to sound films, she managed to maintain her popularity by incorporating dance into her performances, ultimately leading to a successful career spanning 30 years.
Death and Legacy
Sally Rand passed away on August 31, 1979, in Glendora, California, due to congestive heart failure. Despite her passing, she remains an American icon in the world of entertainment, remembered for her daring performances and contributions to burlesque. Her legacy continues as she is often discussed in the context of the entertainment industry during her time.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Sign of the Cross | 1932-11-30 | Crocodiles’ Victim (uncredited) |
| Sunset Murder Case | 1938-11-11 | Kathy O’Connor |
| Bolero | 1934-02-23 | Annette |
| Hotel Variety | 1933-01-07 | |
| Getting Gertie’s Garter | 1927-02-28 | Teddy Desmond |
| The Fighting Eagle | 1927-08-28 | Fräulein Hertz |
| The Night of Love | 1927-01-22 | Gypsy Dancer |
| The Yankee Clipper | 1927-05-07 | Wing Toy (uncredited) |
| The King of Kings | 1927-04-19 | Mary Magdalene’s Slave (uncredited) |
| A Girl in Every Port | 1928-02-26 | Girl in Bombay (uncredited) |
| His Dog | 1927-07-24 | |
| Court Plaster | 1924-09-28 | |
| Striptease: The Greatest Exotic Dancers of All Time | 2004-11-09 | Herself (archive footage) |
| Sunny Side Up | 1926-08-02 | Dancer |
| Fifth Avenue Models | 1925-04-26 | Mannequin / Dancer (uncredited) |
| Galloping Fury | 1927-11-20 | Dorothy Shelton |
| Braveheart | 1925-12-27 | Sally Vernon |
| Behind the Burly Q | 2010-04-23 | Self (archive footage) |
| Bubble Dance | 2017-01-01 | Self |
| What’s My Line? | 1950-02-02 | Self – Mystery Guest |