Vera-Ellen

Vera-Ellen

Deceased · Born: Feb 16, 1921 · Died: Aug 30, 1981

Personal Details

BornFeb 16, 1921 Norwood, Ohio, USA
Spouse
  • Victor Rothschild

    ( Nov 19, 1954 to Dec 31, 1969 )
  • Bob Hightower

    ( Feb 4, 1941 to Nov 28, 1946 )
Parents
  • Alma Catherine Westmeier
  • Martin Rohe

Biography

Vera-Ellen, a talented and accomplished dancer, embarked on her illustrious career at the tender age of ten, and it wasn't long before she became one of the youngest and most promising Rockettes, captivating audiences with her mesmerizing performances on the Broadway stage. As her star continued to rise, she appeared in a string of successful musicals, showcasing her impressive dance skills and captivating charm.

It was during this period that she caught the attention of renowned film producer Samuel Goldwyn, who was impressed by her unique talent and charisma. In 1945, at the age of just 24, Goldwyn cast her opposite the legendary Danny Kaye in the film Wonder Man, marking the beginning of a long and illustrious career in Hollywood.

Throughout the 1950s, Vera-Ellen went on to dance alongside some of the most iconic figures in the industry, including the incomparable Fred Astaire in Three Little Words (1950) and Gene Kelly in On the Town (1949). Her striking blonde hair, slender build, and undeniable dancing prowess made her a household name, and she became a staple of light-hearted, yet successful, films.

However, as the 1950s drew to a close, Vera-Ellen decided to retire from the acting world, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a lasting impact on the world of dance.

Career

1997
Christmas Unwrapped: The History of Christmas
Christmas Unwrapped: The History of Christmas as Judy Haynes (archive footage)
1994
That's Entertainment! III
That's Entertainment! III as (archive footage)
1957
Let's Be Happy
Let's Be Happy as Jeannie MacLean
1954
White Christmas
White Christmas as Judy Haynes
1953
Big Leaguer
Big Leaguer as Christy
Call Me Madam
Call Me Madam as Princess Maria
1952
The Belle of New York
The Belle of New York as Angela Bonfils
1951
Happy Go Lovely
Happy Go Lovely as Janet Jones
1950
Three Little Words
Three Little Words as Jessie Brown Kalmar
1949
On the Town
On the Town as Ivy Smith
Love Happy
Love Happy as Maggie Phillips
1948
Words and Music
Words and Music as Vera-Ellen
1947
1946
The Kid from Brooklyn
The Kid from Brooklyn as Susie Sullivan
1945
Wonder Man
Wonder Man as Midge Mallon