Marlene Dietrich

Actress, Singer

Marlene Dietrich was a German-American actress and singer known for her glamorous persona and groundbreaking roles that challenged gender norms.

Born
December 27, 1901
Died
May 6, 1992
Quotes
94
Rank
#518

About Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich — Life and Legacy

Marlene Dietrich, a German-American actress and singer, emerged as a significant cultural figure in the early 20th century, renowned for her captivating performances and distinctive style. Her role in the film 'The Blue Angel' catapulted her to fame, showcasing her ability to blend vulnerability with strength, a theme that resonates throughout her work. Dietrich's worldview was marked by a deep understanding of identity and self-expression. Her quote, 'I dress for the image. Not for myself,' reveals her complex relationship with fame and the persona she crafted. She navigated the expectations of Hollywood while asserting her individuality, often challenging traditional gender roles through her performances. By portraying characters that defied societal norms, she opened doors for future generations of artists. Today, Dietrich's quotes and ideas continue to resonate, particularly her assertion that 'Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace.' This encapsulates her belief that true fulfillment comes from confronting challenges and embracing one's authentic self. Her legacy endures as a testament to the power of self-expression and the complexities of identity in the public eye.

Quote collection

Marlene Dietrich quotes (page 1 of 5)

94 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Marlene Dietrich Actress, Singer
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"I dress for the image. Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men."

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Marlene Dietrich Actress, Singer
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"The British have an umbilical cord which has never been cut and through which tea flows constantly. It is curious to watch them in times of sudden horror, tragedy or disaster. The pulse stops apparently, and nothing can be done, and not one move made, until a “nice cup of tea” is quickly made. There is no question that it brings solace and does steady the mind. What a pity all countries are not."

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Marlene Dietrich Actress, Singer
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"Being in the depths of sadness is just as important an experience as being exuberantly happy."

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Marlene Dietrich Actress, Singer
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"Careful grooming may take twenty years off a woman's age, but you can't fool a flight of stairs."

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Marlene Dietrich Actress, Singer
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"To be completely woman you need a master, and in him a compass for your life. You need a man you can look up to and respect. If you dethrone him it's no wonder that you are discontented, and discontented women are not loved for long."

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Marlene Dietrich Actress, Singer
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"Champagne makes you feel like it's Sunday and better days are just around the corner."

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Marlene Dietrich Actress, Singer
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"Glamour is assurance. It is a kind of knowing that you are all right in every way, mentally and physically and in appearance, and that, whatever the occasion or the situation, you are equal to it."

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Marlene Dietrich Actress, Singer
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"You can't live without illusions, even if you must fight for them."

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Marlene Dietrich Actress, Singer
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"Most women set out to try to change a man, and when they have changed him they do not like him."

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Marlene Dietrich Actress, Singer
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"In Europe, it doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman - we make love with anyone we find attractive."

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Marlene Dietrich Actress, Singer
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"In language gender is particularly confusing. Why, please, should a table be male in German, female in French, and castrated in English?"

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Marlene Dietrich Actress, Singer
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"Words can bruise and break hearts, and minds as well. There are no black and blue marks, no broken bones to put in plaster casts, and therefore no prison bars for the offender."

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Marlene Dietrich Actress, Singer
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"Darling, the legs aren't so beautiful, I just know what to do with them."

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Marlene Dietrich Actress, Singer
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"Once a woman has forgiven her man, she must not reheat his sins for breakfast."

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Marlene Dietrich Actress, Singer
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"Love for the joy of loving, and not for the offerings of someone else's heart."

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Marlene Dietrich Actress, Singer
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"I do not think that we have a “right” to happiness. If happiness happens, say thanks."

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Marlene Dietrich Actress, Singer
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"I was raised almost entirely on turnips and potatoes, but I think that the turnips had more to do with the effect than the potatoes."

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