She is no longer with us, but 27th of December would be Marlene Dietrich’s 116th birthday. Google payed tribute to this outstanding talent and famous Hollywood femme fatale.

Embed from Getty Images

The year was 1901. Born Maria Magdalene Dietrich in Berlin, December 27, Marlene grew to be one of the most talked about performers of the time.

Embed from Getty Images

Her first appearance was as a cabaret singer named Lola-Lola. The film was the first ever talking picture from Germany.

© Der Blaue Engel (1930) / UFA Tonfilm

Hollywood icon

Josef von Sternberg’s Der Blaue Engel (1930) was an instant success, and so was the English version, The Blue Angel. Marlene was on the rise. This blonde bombshell soon garnered international recognition for her role.

© Der blaue Engel (1930) / UFA Tonfilm

Marlene went on to work on several other movies with Josef, some of which include Morocco, Shanghai Express, and The Devil Is a Woman.

She was a very spirited individual. The tenacity with which she approached her role left many observers in awe. Marlene constantly challenged the perceptions of women in society at the time. Her brazen nature and unquenchable boldness were legendary.

© Destry Rides Again (1939) / Universal Pictures

More than an actress

On assuming US citizenship, Marlene lent her talents to the war efforts. She was also a fantastic singer. In 1939, she sang to the World War II troops and was consequently awarded the US Medal of Freedom and French Légion d’Honneur.

© Desire (1936) / Paramount Pictures

Google Doodle

Marlene is also known to have fancied wearing top hats and men’s suits, both on and off stage, altering in many respects the ideal picture Hollywood observers had of leading ladies at the time. These quirks are what inspired illustrator Sasha Steinberg who was tasked with creating the Google Doodle for Marlene.

Embed from Getty Images

Steinberg, who coincidentally happens to be drag performer under the name Sasha Velour, says Marlene is a big influence on her roles. The doodle for Marlene had the actress in her signature men’s tux and top hat.

Embed from Getty Images

She led a long and illustrious career during what is still regarded as the Golden Age of Hollywood. She was named the ninth-greatest female star of classic Hollywood cinema by the American Film Institute.

This year, and to mark her 116th Birthday, Google changed its logo in 24 countries to a doodle, designed by Sasha. Happy birthday, Marlene.