Tula Ellice Finklea, better known as Cyd Charisse, was born on March 8, 1922, in Amarillo, Texas. This talented dancer spent her early childhood years honing her skills in ballet lessons, and her dedication paid off when she joined the prestigious Ballet Russe at the tender age of 13.
In 1939, Cyd Charisse tied the knot with her former dance teacher, Nico Charisse, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership. Two years later, she made her film debut in the 1943 movie "Something to Shout About," starring under the pseudonym Lily Norwood.
The same year, she landed a role as a Russian dancer in the critically acclaimed film "Mission to Moscow," directed by the renowned Michael Curtiz. Her impressive performance caught the attention of Hollywood moguls, and in 1945, she was hired to dance alongside the legendary Fred Astaire in the musical extravaganza "Ziegfeld Follies."
Although her uncredited appearance in this film went unnoticed, it ultimately led to a seven-year contract with MGM, paving the way for her future success. Over the next few years, Cyd Charisse appeared in numerous musicals, solidifying her status as a rising star.
However, it was her iconic performance in the 1952 film "Singin' in the Rain," alongside Gene Kelly, that catapulted her to stardom. This was swiftly followed by her captivating portrayal in "The Band Wagon" (1953),cementing her reputation as a leading lady of Hollywood's Golden Age.
As the 1960s dawned, the popularity of musicals began to wane, and Cyd Charisse's career suffered as a result. She continued to make appearances on television and performed in a nightclub revue with her second husband, the renowned singer Tony Martin.
Tragically, Cyd Charisse passed away on June 17, 2008, at the age of 86, due to a heart attack. Her legacy, however lives, on, and she remains an iconic figure in the world of Hollywood, remembered for her captivating performances and enduring beauty.
