Let me tell you a story about Marlene Dietrich, one of the most fascinating women in Hollywood history. Picture this: the phone rings, and her grandsons know it’s time to sit up straight and show some respect. "When the phone rang, we knew not to call her 'Massy'—our family nickname for her. She would instantly transform into the legendary Dietrich," recalls Peter Riva in an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly. "Her entire demeanor would shift. It was like watching a metamorphosis right before our eyes." This was the Marlene Dietrich everyone admired from afar—the one who commanded attention with just a single gesture.
A Star Who Set the Standard
Born in Berlin, Marlene wasn’t just another pretty face in the entertainment world. She was a trailblazer who set a high bar for elegance, professionalism, and kindness. "If someone was sick, she'd be the first to whip up a pot of soup and check in on them," Peter explains. "But here's the thing about Marlene—she didn’t treat people like they were beneath her. No, she believed in leading by example. Her actions spoke louder than words, showing us all how to rise above mediocrity without ever looking down on anyone." During the 1930s, she became one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood, but her heart always stayed grounded in reality.
A Life Shaped by Turmoil and Freedom
Marlene grew up in an aristocratic family during the vibrant Weimar era, a time when Berlin was a hotbed of artistic and cultural innovation. "Understanding her roots is key to grasping who she truly was," Peter shares. "She couldn't stand discrimination of any kind—whether it was based on race, religion, or anything else. It went against everything she believed in." As a teenager, Marlene dreamed of becoming a violinist, but an injury derailed those plans. Instead, she found herself drawn to the avant-garde world of theater, where boundaries were blurred and creativity reigned supreme. "Back then, there weren’t many men left after World War I, so she danced with women. Sometimes she dressed as a man, other times as a woman—it was all part of the theatrical experience," Peter adds. This fluidity became a defining aspect of her persona.
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From Berlin to Hollywood: A Global Sensation
In 1930, Marlene made waves in Hollywood with her role in Morocco, where she famously wore a man's tuxedo. This bold move turned her into an international sensation. The Nazis tried to recruit her as a symbol of German pride, offering her a position akin to "queen of Germany." But Marlene had no interest in aligning herself with such oppressive forces. "She was polite, but when the opportunity arose, she stood up to them," Peter reveals. "She became an American citizen in 1939, proving her commitment to freedom and democracy." Alongside her career, Marlene's personal life was complex. She married Rudolf Sieber in 1923, and though their marriage endured until his death in 1976, both were unfaithful. Rumors swirled about her affairs with Hollywood legends like Gary Cooper and Yul Brynner, yet Peter notes that true love remained elusive for her. "My grandmother could fall in love multiple times a day—with a song, a flower, a person—but the chaos of her era kept her from fully understanding love itself," he reflects.
A Complicated Mother-Daughter Bond
Despite her public charm, Marlene struggled in her relationship with her daughter, Maria. "She didn't quite know how to love her own child," Peter admits. "Her way of communicating, while not cruel, could come across as authoritarian." Nevertheless, he insists that Maria held a special place in her mother's heart. "The love of her life was my mom," he says, highlighting the depth of their bond despite its challenges.
Retirement and Reflection
After breaking her leg during a performance in 1975, Marlene retired from public life. "We'd visit her in Paris whenever we traveled through," Peter recalls. "She took her image so seriously that she chose to step away rather than disappoint her fans." In her later years, she lived simply in a one-bedroom apartment adorned with geraniums. Though she no longer appeared in public, she remained engaged with the world, responding to hundreds of fan letters each week. "She wasn't a recluse; she just felt a responsibility to bring joy to others," Peter explains.
Reported by Louise A. Barile, with contributions from Fortune Benatar
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