A German-Norwegian actress and dancer who starred in Hollywood films and Broadway musicals, known for her stunning beauty and captivating stage presence.
Vera Zorina, a Norwegian ballerina, theatre and film actress, and choreographer, is renowned for her mesmerizing performances in classic Hollywood musicals, particularly those choreographed by her then-husband George Balanchine. Her iconic dance sequences, including the Slaughter on Tenth Avenue segment from On Your Toes and the enchanting That Old Black Magic in Paramount Pictures' Star Spangled Rhythm, continue to captivate audiences to this day.
Born Eva Brigitta Hartwig on January 2, 1917, in Berlin, Germany, Zorina was the daughter of professional singers Fritz Hartwig, a German lapsed Roman Catholic, and Abigail Johanne Wimpelmann, a Norwegian Lutheran. She was brought up in Kristiansund, Norway, where she began her dance training at a young age. Zorina received her education at the Lyceum for Girls in Berlin and was trained in dance by esteemed instructors Olga Preobrajenska and Nicholas Legat.
At just 12 years old, Zorina was presented to Max Reinhardt, a prominent theatre director, who cast her in productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream (1929) and Tales of Hoffmann (1931). Her talent soon took her to London's Gaiety Theatre, where she was invited to join the prestigious Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in 1933. It was during this time that she adopted the stage name Vera Zorina, choosing the last name from a list of 20 options because it was the only one she could pronounce.
Zorina's success in London led to a seven-year film contract with American producer Samuel Goldwyn, and she went on to appear in seven Hollywood movies between 1938 and 1946. Some of her most notable films include The Goldwyn Follies, I Was an Adventuress, Louisiana Purchase, and Star Spangled Rhythm. Although her film career was marked by ups and downs, including losing the lead role in For Whom the Bell Tolls to Ingrid Bergman, Zorina's captivating performances remain an integral part of Hollywood's Golden Age.
Zorina's personal life was marked by her marriage to George Balanchine, with whom she collaborated on several iconic dance sequences. The couple divorced in 1946, but Zorina continued to work in the entertainment industry, albeit at a slower pace. She passed away on April 9, 2003, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood's most talented and versatile performers.
Zorina's story serves as a testament to the power of determination and talent, inspiring those who dare to dream big and shine bright in the spotlight.
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A glamorous and androgynous Hollywood icon, known for her sultry voice, striking features, and trailblazing gender-bending style on screen. She mesmerized audiences with her unique blend of European sophistication and American charm.
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