Tamara Toumanova

Tamara Toumanova was an American actress and ballerina best known for her roles in films like Days of Glory, Tonight We Sing, and The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes.

Personal and Family Life

Tamara Vladimirovna Tumanova was born on March 2, 1919, in Tyumen, Russia, while her mother was fleeing the country. She and her family lived in several refugee camps before settling in Paris. In 1944, she married Casey Robinson, a film producer, but they divorced in 1954. Throughout her life, Toumanova was celebrated as one of the “baby ballerinas” alongside Tatiana Riabouchinska and Irina Baronova, a nickname given to them during their early performances in London.

Career and Achievements

Toumanova began her ballet training in Paris in 1924 and quickly became a professional ballerina. She joined George Balanchine’s Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo in 1932 and danced for four decades. Making her film debut in Days of Glory in 1944, she garnered significant attention and continued to act in various films and television shows. Her Broadway debut occurred in 1939, showcasing her talent beyond ballet.

Death and Legacy

Tamara Toumanova passed away on May 29, 1996, in Santa Monica, California, due to undisclosed causes. Throughout her career, she was known as “The Black Pearl of the Russian Ballet” and left a lasting impact on both ballet and film. Her contributions to the arts continue to be remembered and celebrated, inspiring future generations of dancers and performers.

Filmography