Marie Magdalene "Marlene" Dietrich (December 27, 1901 - May 6, 1992) was a German and American actress and singer whose career spanned from the silent film era of the 1920s to the 1980s. Noted for her glamorous persona and exotic looks, Dietrich became one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses. Dietrich, who sided with the allies, was known for her humanitarian efforts during World War II, housing German and French exiles, providing financial support and even advocating their American citizenship. For her work on improving morale on the front lines during the war, she received several honors from the United States, France, Belgium, and Israel.