Cyd Charisse

Date of Birth: March 8, 1922

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: June 17, 2008

Biography

Cyd Charisse was an American actress and dancer renowned for her stunning performances in Hollywood musicals during the 1940s and 1950s. Born as Tula Ellice Finklea on March 8, 1922, in Amarillo, Texas, she began taking ballet lessons at a young age to build strength after a bout with polio. Her talent was evident early on, leading her to join the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo under the name “Felia Sidorova.” Charisse transitioned to Hollywood and initially found work as a dancer in various films, but it was her role opposite Fred Astaire in “The Band Wagon” (1953) that catapulted her to stardom. She is also celebrated for her performances in “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952) and “Brigadoon” (1954). Her long legs and graceful dance movements made her one of the most memorable dancers in film history. She married twice, first to Nico Charisse with whom she had a son, Nicky, and later to singer Tony Martin, with whom she remained married until her death. Together, they had a son named Tony Martin Jr. Cyd Charisse passed away on June 17, 2008, in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood’s greatest dancers.

5 Interesting Facts about Cyd Charisse

1. Cyd Charisse’s legs were insured for a then-astronomical $5 million.

2. She was a trained ballerina and danced with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo before transitioning to film.

3. Charisse starred in two of the most iconic dance sequences in film history: “Broadway Melody Ballet” in “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Dancing in the Dark” in “The Band Wagon.”

4. She was awarded the National Medal of Arts and Humanities in 2006 by President George W. Bush.

5. Charisse was known for her height and long legs, which were considered ideal for her dance routines and often highlighted in her films.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Cyd Charisse

1. “I think that in all my dancing I play a role. To me, that’s what dancing is about. It’s not just steps.”

2. “When you dance with Fred Astaire, you don’t look at his feet. You look at his eyes.”

3. “I was never a dancer who could do what they call ‘selling the song.’ I was a dancer who could dance.”

4. “Fred moved like silk; he was so smooth.”

5. “My only problem was when I worked with Gene Kelly, trying to keep up with his energy.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, Cyd Charisse achieved a net worth of approximately $5 million.

Children

Cyd Charisse had two children: 1. Nicky Charisse, from her first marriage to Nico Charisse. 2. Tony Martin Jr., from her marriage to singer Tony Martin.