Cyd Charisse
back| Full Name | Tula Ellice Finklea |
| Stage Name | Cyd Charisse |
| Born | March 8, 1922 |
| Birthplace | Amarillo, Texas, USA |
| Died | June 17, 2008 (aged 86) |
| Buried | Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery, Culver City, California, USA |
| Married to | Nico Charisse (m. 1939–1947; divorced) - Tony Martin (m. 1948–2008; until her death) |
| Children | Nico |
| Notable films | Singin' in the Rain (1952) - The Band Wagon (1953) - Brigadoon (1954) - Silk Stockings (1957) - Party Girl (1958) |
Cyd Charisse
The Legs of Hollywood
Cyd Charisse (born Tula Ellice Finklea, 1922–2008) was an American dancer and actress renowned for her elegance, athleticism, and striking screen presence. Trained in classical ballet, she began dancing with the Ballet Russe before transitioning to Hollywood in the 1940s.
She rose to fame in iconic MGM musicals like Singin’ in the Rain (1952), The Band Wagon (1953), and Silk Stockings (1957), dancing alongside legends like Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. Known for her expressive movement and sculptural beauty, Charisse brought sensuality and sophistication to the musical genre.
Off-screen, she was married to singer Tony Martin for 60 years and raised two sons. She received the National Medal of the Arts in 2006. Charisse passed away in 2008 at age 86, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest dancers ever captured on film.
Cyd Charisse (1922 – 2008)
Biography and Film Career
Tula Ellice Finklea, known to the world as Cyd Charisse, was born on March 8, 1922, in Amarillo, Texas, into a modest yet supportive family. From a young age, it was clear she possessed a rare combination of poise, athleticism, and artistry. Nicknamed "Sid" by her younger brother, a childhood mispronunciation later evolved into her unique stage name, "Cyd"—a name that would come to symbolize elegance and the golden era of Hollywood musicals.
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Early Life and Introduction to Dance
Charisse was a frail child, suffering from polio at age six. Doctors recommended physical activity to help her recover and regain strength, and it was this advice that first led her to dance. What began as therapy blossomed into a lifelong passion. By the time she was a teenager, Cyd had already begun formal ballet training and eventually studied under prominent instructors such as Nijinska and Adolph Bolm. She trained in Los Angeles and later traveled to Europe, where she danced with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo under the names Felia Siderova and Maria Istomina.
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Rise to Stardom in Hollywood
Her transition into film came during the 1940s when Hollywood began seeking trained dancers to bring a new level of artistry to musical films. Initially appearing in small roles, her early work included dancing parts in films like Ziegfeld Follies (1945). But it was her pairing with Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire in the 1950s that catapulted her into stardom.
In Singin’ in the Rain (1952), although she had no dialogue, she captivated audiences with the dream ballet sequence opposite Gene Kelly, establishing herself as a magnetic screen presence. In The Band Wagon (1953), her chemistry with Fred Astaire and her performance in the "Dancing in the Dark" number showcased a unique blend of balletic grace and cinematic sensuality.
She was often cast as the glamorous, mysterious woman—elegant, unattainable, and devastating on the dance floor. Her roles in Brigadoon (1954), Silk Stockings (1957), and It’s Always Fair Weather (1955) solidified her status as one of MGM’s top musical stars. Although less known for her acting than her dancing, her performance in Party Girl (1958) revealed a deeper, more dramatic side of her talent.
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Personal Life and Marriages
Cyd Charisse was first married to Nico Charisse, her former dance instructor, in 1939. They had one son, Nicky Charisse, before divorcing in 1947. Shortly afterward, she married Tony Martin, a popular singer and actor, in 1948. Their marriage was one of the most enduring in Hollywood, lasting until her death 60 years later. Together, they had a son, Tony Martin Jr..
Off-screen, Cyd was known for her grace, humility, and devotion to family. Despite her glamorous image, she remained grounded and avoided the trappings of fame. She and Tony Martin were often seen at Hollywood events as a picture of old-school class and devotion.
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Passions and Legacy
Beyond her career, Cyd was passionate about fitness, fashion, and classic film preservation. She continued to dance well into her later years and often spoke fondly of the discipline and beauty of ballet. In her later life, she made occasional television appearances and participated in retrospectives of Hollywood's golden age.
In recognition of her contributions to film, she was awarded the National Medal of the Arts in 2006, and she has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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Final Years and Death
In June 2008, Cyd Charisse was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after suffering a heart attack. She died on June 17, 2008, at the age of 86. Her death marked the end of an era—the passing of one of the last great MGM musical stars. She was buried at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California.
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Legacy
Cyd Charisse remains an enduring symbol of glamour, grace, and artistry in motion. She was not only one of the greatest dancers in film history but also a pioneer who helped elevate dance as a central storytelling element in cinema. Her elegance on screen was matched only by her quiet strength and dignity in life.
Cyd Charisse Measurements
• Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 120 lbs (54 kg) during her film career
• Figure/Measurements: 36-22-36 inches (91-56-91 cm)
• Hair Color: Dark Brown
• Eye Color: Green
• Legs: Famously long and sculpted — her legs were once insured for $5 million, making them among the most celebrated in Hollywood history.
Cyd Charisse with Fred Astaire
Analysis of Cyd Charisse’s Acting Style
Cyd Charisse was never merely an actress who danced; she was a dancer who acted with her entire being. Her acting style was visually expressive, deeply rooted in her training as a ballerina, and her performances often blurred the lines between dialogue and movement, lending a unique emotional resonance to her roles.
A Physical Language of Emotion
Charisse possessed an uncanny ability to tell a story through physicality. In many of her most iconic roles—especially in films like Singin’ in the Rain and The Band Wagon—she didn't rely heavily on spoken lines. Instead, her acting lived in the tension of a pointed toe, the arc of an arm, or the flick of a wrist. She communicated sensuality, vulnerability, power, or detachment in ways that words could rarely match.
Her facial expressions were precise and restrained, allowing the subtleties of emotion to rise naturally through her posture and breath. Unlike more overtly theatrical actresses of her time, Charisse had an almost European elegance, using silence and stillness as effectively as motion.
Sophistication and Control
There was always a sense of self-possession in Cyd Charisse's characters. Whether she played a mysterious Soviet envoy (Silk Stockings) or a cabaret dancer caught in a noir underworld (Party Girl), she carried herself with cool control and understated magnetism. She was never overplayed—her characters were often enigmatic, sometimes distant, yet undeniably compelling.
This composure did not equal coldness. Rather, it created tension. When she finally allowed her characters to soften—through a smile, a gaze, or a tender movement—it felt earned, like a curtain slowly drawn back to reveal a warmer soul.
Underutilized Dramatic Potential
Because she was so prized for her dancing, Charisse was often given roles that emphasized grace over grit. But when given the chance, she revealed a strong dramatic instinct. In Party Girl, for example, she showed she could handle dialogue-heavy, emotionally rich material. Her portrayal of Vicki Gaye, a woman torn between love and survival in a violent world, hinted at a more naturalistic acting style, one that might have flourished if Hollywood had given her more varied opportunities.
Stylized Yet Human
Even within the artificial polish of Technicolor musicals, Charisse’s acting grounded the fantasy. She brought a certain modernity to her characters: composed, confident women with emotional depth and autonomy. Her performances were highly stylized but never stiff, graceful yet very human.
Major Awards & Honors
National Medal of the Arts (2006)
• Awarded by President George W. Bush.
• This is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government.
• Recognized her lifetime contribution to American culture through her unique blend of dance and film.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Cyd Charisse has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 1601 Vine Street.
• This honor commemorates her impact on the motion picture industry, particularly her legacy in Hollywood musicals.
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Other Notable Honors
American Film Institute Recognition
• Though not the recipient of a specific AFI award, her films frequently appear in AFI retrospectives and tributes to classic Hollywood musicals.
• Singin’ in the Rain and The Band Wagon are often ranked among the greatest musicals of all time, in large part due to her performances.
Golden Boot Award (1992)
• Presented by the Motion Picture and Television Fund.
• Honors actors and actresses who have contributed to Westerns. Charisse received it for her roles in films like The Wild North and The Mark of the Renegade.
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Posthumous Honors & Tributes
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) Tributes
• Following her death in 2008, TCM featured a dedicated tribute, showcasing her most iconic films.
• She continues to be featured in TCM’s “Summer Under the Stars” and other retrospectives honoring the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Documentary Appearances
• Charisse was featured in several dance and MGM musical documentaries, such as That's Entertainment! (1974), That's Entertainment, Part II (1976), and That's Dancing! (1985), where she was both a subject and commentator.
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Stage and Dance Recognition
Though she was not formally decorated with awards from traditional ballet institutions, Charisse is widely recognized in the dance world as one of the greatest screen dancers of all time.
Her contribution is frequently acknowledged in:
• Retrospectives by the American Ballet Theatre and Dance Magazine.
• Dance film festivals and academic discussions about the evolution of dance in cinema.
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Legacy Acknowledgments
• Books, biographies, and film studies regularly cite Charisse as a pivotal figure in Hollywood’s integration of classical dance and modern film.
• She has been the subject of tributes at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Lincoln Center, and various dance institutions.
Quotes by Cyd Charisse
• "If I had to give up either acting or dancing, I’d choose to keep dancing."
A clear reflection of her lifelong passion for movement and physical expression over dialogue.
• "I never wanted to be a movie star. I wanted to be a dancer, and I wanted to be good."
This humble admission speaks to her integrity as an artist and her focus on craft over fame.
• "When you dance with someone, you learn things about them that even a lover wouldn't know."
A poetic insight into the intimacy and communication inherent in dance, something she knew deeply.
• "Dancing is a very hard life. You put your heart and soul into it, and sometimes your bones."
Her acknowledgment of the physical demands of her profession, delivered with both pride and honesty.
• "With Fred Astaire, it was like dancing with a man who had learned to walk by dancing. With Gene Kelly, it was like dancing with a man who had learned to dance by walking."
A famous quote in which she insightfully compared her two most legendary partners. It’s often cited in discussions of her career.
Quotes About Cyd Charisse
• "When you see Cyd Charisse dance, you know you’re seeing something special—something not just physical, but spiritual."
– Fred Astaire, on her unique blend of technique and emotion.
• "She had legs that could go on dancing forever."
– Gene Kelly, referring to her famously long, expressive legs that became her signature.
• "She was a goddess in motion—classical, cool, unattainable. And yet, there was always that hint of fire underneath."
– A critic’s description of her screen presence.
Cyd Charisse Movies
1943
• Something to Shout About – Charisse's credited film debut as Lily, a dancer in a musical comedy about a Broadway show.
• Mission to Moscow – Uncredited role as a ballerina in this political drama depicting U.S.-Soviet relations during WWII.
• Thousands Cheer – Uncredited dancer in a musical featuring various performances to boost wartime morale.
1944
• In Our Time – Uncredited role as a ballerina in this romantic drama set in Poland during the onset of WWII.
1945
• Ziegfeld Follies – Appeared as a ballerina in the "Beauty" segment, showcasing elaborate musical numbers.
1946
• The Harvey Girls – Played Deborah Andrews, a waitress in the Old West, in this musical about the Harvey House restaurant chain.
• Three Wise Fools – Portrayed Rena Fairchild in a fantasy drama where three elderly men are visited by a young girl claiming to be their granddaughter.
• Till the Clouds Roll By – Featured as a dancer in this biographical musical about composer Jerome Kern.
1947
• Fiesta – Played Conchita, a supporting role in this musical drama about a woman aspiring to be a bullfighter.
• The Unfinished Dance – Portrayed Mlle. Ariane Bouchet, a ballerina in a drama about rivalry and ambition in a ballet company.
1948
• On an Island with You – Played Yvonne Torro, a dancer in this musical romantic comedy set on a tropical island.
• The Kissing Bandit – Appeared as a dancer in this musical comedy about a man who reluctantly becomes a bandit.
• Words and Music – Portrayed Margo Grant in this musical biography of songwriting duo Rodgers and Hart.
1949
• East Side, West Side – Played Rosa Senta in this drama about infidelity and socialites in New York City.
• Tension – Portrayed Mary Chanler in this film noir about a man plotting to kill his wife's lover.
1951
• The Mark of the Renegade – Played Manuella de Vasquez in this swashbuckling adventure set in 19th-century California.
1952
• The Wild North – Portrayed an Indigenous woman who aids a trapper accused of murder in this adventure film.
• Singin' in the Rain – Featured as the long-legged woman in the "Broadway Melody" ballet sequence, showcasing her dance prowess.
1953
• Sombrero – Played Lola de Torrano in this romantic drama set in Mexico, involving three interwoven love stories.
• The Band Wagon – Portrayed Gabrielle Gerard, a ballerina in this musical comedy about a washed-up actor's Broadway comeback.
• Easy to Love – Uncredited cameo as a girl in a blue swimsuit in this musical set in a Florida water park.
1954
• Brigadoon – Played Fiona Campbell, a Scottish woman from a mystical village that appears once every hundred years, in this romantic musical.
• Deep in My Heart – Featured as a performer in the "Desert Song" sequence of this biographical musical about composer Sigmund Romberg.
1955
• It's Always Fair Weather – Portrayed Jackie Leighton, a TV producer in this musical about three war buddies reuniting after ten years.
1956
• Meet Me in Las Vegas – Played Maria Corvier, a ballerina who brings luck to a gambler in this romantic musical comedy.
1957
• Silk Stockings – Portrayed Ninotchka Yoschenko, a stern Soviet envoy who falls for an American producer, in this musical remake of "Ninotchka."
1958
• Twilight for the Gods – Played Charlotte King in this maritime drama about a troubled sea voyage.
• Party Girl – Portrayed Vicki Gaye, a showgirl who becomes involved with a mob lawyer, showcasing both her dramatic and dance talents.
1960
• Black Tights – Featured in the "La Femme" segment of this anthology film presenting four ballet-based stories.
1961
• Five Golden Hours – Played Baroness Sandra in this dark comedy about a man who exploits wealthy widows.
1962
• Two Weeks in Another Town – Portrayed Carlotta in this drama about a washed-up actor's attempt at a comeback in Rome.
• Something's Got to Give – Played Bianca Arden in this unfinished romantic comedy starring Marilyn Monroe and Dean Martin.
1965
• Assassination in Rome – Portrayed Shelley North in this thriller about a woman searching for her missing husband in Rome.
1966
• The Silencers – Played Sarita in this spy spoof featuring Dean Martin as secret agent Matt Helm.
1967
• Maroc 7 – Portrayed Louise Henderson in this crime film involving jewel theft and espionage in Morocco.
1976
• Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood – Appeared as the President's Girl in this comedy about a dog becoming a Hollywood star.
1978
• Warlords of Atlantis – She played Atsil, the Queen of Atlantis, in this science fiction adventure about a hidden underwater city.