- Born
- Died
- Birth nameGrethe Gerda Kornstädt
- Dita Parlo was born on September 4, 1906 in Stettin, Pomerania, Germany [now Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie, Poland]. She was an actress, known for The Grand Illusion (1937), L'Atalante (1934) and Melody of the Heart (1929). She was married to Frank Guetal. She died on December 12, 1971 in Courbevoie, Hauts-de-Seine, France.
- SpouseFrank Guetal(1949 - December 12, 1971) (her death)
- Madonna based her book 'Sex' on a fictional character named Dita, inspired by Dita Parlo and her character in L'Atalante (1934)
- Daughter of a forest ranger, initially trained as a ballet dancer. Subsequently studied acting at Babelsberg film school. Discovered for the screen by the producer Erich Pommer and signed to a contract with Ufa. Had a brief stint in Hollywood from 1930 (often in German-speaking versions of American films) and later also played leads in France for Jean Vigo and Jean Renoir. Went into semi-retirement after World War II, seen just twice more on screen.
- She was deported to Germany as an enemy alien during World War II, but returned to France in 1949 and resumed her career.
- Dita Von Teese chose her name after her.
- In 1949, she married a Protestant pastor, Franck Gueutal (1904-1983); the couple remained married until her death in 1971.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content