Vera-Ellen
Biography
Vera-Ellen, born Vera-Ellen Rohe in Norwood, Ohio, was an American dancer, actress, and singer. She began dancing at age 10 and later became one of the youngest Rockettes. After appearing in Broadway musicals, she was cast by producer Samuel Goldwyn in the 1945 film Wonder Man opposite Danny Kaye. Her film career included dancing with Gene Kelly in On the Town in 1949 and Fred Astaire in Three Little Words in 1950. She also worked with Donald O'Connor. Known for her slim build and blonde hair, she appeared in a series of successful, light-hearted films before retiring from acting in the late 1950s. She died on August 30, 1981, at the age of 60.
Career overview
Vera-Ellen was an American actress, dancer, and singer born on February 16, 1921, in Norwood, Ohio. She began dancing at age 10 and later became one of the youngest Rockettes. Before transitioning to film, she performed in several Broadway musicals. In 1945, film producer Samuel Goldwyn discovered her and cast the 24-year-old opposite Danny Kaye in the film Wonder Man.
Known for her slim build and blonde hair, Vera-Ellen appeared in a series of successful, light-hearted films. Her career included collaborations with prominent performers such as Gene Kelly in On the Town (1949) and Fred Astaire in Three Little Words (1950). She is recognized for both her solo performances and her work with partners including Danny Kaye, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, and Donald O'Connor.
Vera-Ellen retired from acting in the late 1950s. She passed away on August 30, 1981, at the age of 60. Throughout her career, she earned 25 known credits. She was born Vera-Ellen Rohe, also referred to as Vera Ellen Westmeier Rohe.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
25 titles- Killer Sally (2022) as Self - Actress & Dancer, White Christmas (archive footage)
- Bing Crosby: Rediscovered (2014) as Self (archive footage)
- Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer (2002) as Self (archive footage)
- 'White Christmas': A Look Back with Rosemary Clooney (2000) as Judy Haynes (archive footage) (uncredited)
- Christmas Unwrapped: The History of Christmas (1997) as Judy Haynes (archive footage)
- That's Entertainment! III (1994) as (archive footage)
- That's Dancing! (1985)
- Let's Be Happy (1957) as Jeannie MacLean
- The Dinah Shore Chevy Show (1956) as Self
- White Christmas (1954) as Judy Haynes
- A Star Is Born World Premiere (1954) as Self
- Big Leaguer (1953) as Christy
- Call Me Madam (1953) as Princess Maria
- The Belle of New York (1952) as Angela Bonfils
- Happy Go Lovely (1951) as Janet Jones
- The Colgate Comedy Hour (1950) as Self
- Three Little Words (1950) as Jessie Brown Kalmar
- Love Happy (1949) as Maggie Phillips
- On the Town (1949) as Ivy Smith
- The Ed Sullivan Show (1948) as Self
- Words and Music (1948) as Vera-Ellen
- Carnival in Costa Rica (1947) as Luisa Molina
- The Kid from Brooklyn (1946) as Susie Sullivan
- Three Little Girls in Blue (1946) as Myra Charters
- Wonder Man (1945) as Midge Mallon
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Vera-Ellen best known for?
Vera-Ellen is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including That's Entertainment! III (1994), Let's Be Happy (1957), Scrooge (1970), White Christmas (1954).
When and where was Vera-Ellen born?
Vera-Ellen was born on February 16, 1921 in Norwood, Ohio, USA. They passed away on August 30, 1981.
How many credits does Vera-Ellen have?
Vera-Ellen has accumulated over 25 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1945 to 2022.
What is Vera-Ellen's background in cinema and television?
Vera-Ellen, born Vera-Ellen Rohe in Norwood, Ohio, was an American dancer, actress, and singer. She began dancing at age 10 and later became one of the youngest Rockettes. After appearing in Broadway musicals, she was cast by producer Samuel Goldwyn in the 1945 film Wonder Man opposite Danny Kaye. Her film career inclu...
Vera-Ellen by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- A Star Is Born World Premiere (1954) as Self — aged about 33
- Big Leaguer (1953) as Christy — aged about 32
- White Christmas (1954) as Judy Haynes — aged about 33
- That's Entertainment! III (1994) as (archive footage) — aged about 73
- The Colgate Comedy Hour (1950) as Self — aged about 29
- The Ed Sullivan Show (1948) as Self — aged about 27
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