In honor of Women’s History Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of influential immigrant and refugee women who’ve helped shape the vibrant tapestry of America. Today, we spotlight Marlene Dietrich, a German American Actress known for her humanitarian efforts during World War II.
Marie Magdalene Dietrich was born in Berlin, Germany, in December 1901. Her career as an actress started with small stage productions and silent films in the 1920s. She later rose to international fame, starring in multiple Hollywood films before and after World War II, earning an Academy Award nomination. Some of her most notable performances include Shanghai Express, Destry Rides Again, A Touch of Evil, Judgment at Nuremberg, and Alfred Hitchcock’s Stage Fright.
Dietrich recalled being approached by the Nazi Party to be the leading actress in various propaganda films. She not only refused but also renounced her German citizenship, applying for U.S. citizenship instead. She was naturalized as an American citizen in 1939.
Dietrich’s wartime contributions were remarkable; she provided financial aid, advocated for American citizenship, and worked to boost troop morale. Alongside Billy Wilder, she helped establish a fund to assist Jews and dissidents fleeing Nazi Germany. She also donated her entire salary from Knight Without Armor to support refugees. As one of the first public figures to embark on a war bond tour, she helped raise over a million dollars. Additionally, she performed for troops in more than 500 shows, becoming one of the most beloved entertainers of the era.
In recognition of her efforts, Dietrich received the Medal of Freedom in November 1947, for her “extraordinary record entertaining troops overseas during the war.’
Despite her success in film, Marlene Dietrich dedicated much of the 1950s through the 1970s to touring worldwide in a cabaret. Her influence extends well beyond Hollywood, standing as a timeless symbol of resilience, courage, and compassion. Dietrich died in 1992.
Others we are celebrating in honor of Women’s History Month:
2025
Indra Nooyi, Forbes list business executive and trailblazer
Azar Nafisi, critically acclaimed author and English Literature Professor
2024
Cecelia Payne-Gaposchkin, astronomer, educator, and trailblazer
Mother Cabrini, canonized Catholic sister and the patron saint of immigrants
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, Psychiatrist and trailblazer for the acceptance of palliative care
Hinke Boot, former 20-year IIB Executive Director and advocate for New Americans
2023
Gloria Estefan, award-winning singer
Iman, supermodel and human rights activist
Isabel Allende, international best-selling author
Madeleine Albright, 64th U.S. Secretary of State, first woman to hold position
Martina Navratilova, tennis superstar and civil rights advocate
Mila Kunis, award-winning actress and humanitarian
Lidia Bastianich, Emmy award-winning celebrity chef
Hedy Lamarr, Hollywood “Golden Age” actress and modern tech luminary