Vera-Ellen

Date of Birth: February 16, 1921

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: August 30, 1981

Biography

Vera-Ellen Westmeyer Rohe, known professionally as Vera-Ellen, was an American dancer and actress. Born on February 16, 1921, in Norwood, Ohio, she demonstrated a prodigious talent for dance from a young age. By the age of 10, Vera-Ellen was enrolled in dance classes, and her dedication soon paid off as she became one of the youngest Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Her film career took off in the 1940s and 1950s, and she became renowned for her remarkable dancing skills and versatility. Vera-Ellen starred alongside some of Hollywood’s greatest leading men, including Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, and Donald O’Connor. Some of her most memorable performances were in musicals like “On the Town” (1949) and “White Christmas” (1954). Her career began to wane in the late 1950s, and she retired from the public eye, living a relatively private life until her passing.

5 Interesting Facts about Vera-Ellen

1. Vera-Ellen was one of the youngest Rockettes at the age of 18.

2. She suffered from anorexia, which was not well understood at the time and contributed to her later health issues.

3. Her waist measured only 21 inches, making her one of the tiniest waistlines in Hollywood history.

4. Vera-Ellen frequently wore high-necked costumes to cover the effects of her anorexia on her neck.

5. She appeared in both “White Christmas” and “On the Town,” two of the most iconic musicals of her era.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Vera-Ellen

1. “Dancing is like breathing – missing a day doing either is very hard.”

2. “I’ve always loved dancing. I can’t imagine my life without it.”

3. “Performing with Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire was like a dream come true.”

4. “The joy of dancing is something that stays with you forever.”

5. “Hollywood was a magical place, but it also had its shadows.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, Vera-Ellen’s net worth is estimated to have been around $3 million.

Children

Vera-Ellen had one child, Victoria Ellen Rothschild, who tragically passed away from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) at the age of three months in 1963.