A Tribute to Vera-Ellen

Movies Photo Album One Photo Album Two Vera-Ellen Movies on Amazon.com Vera-Ellen Yahoo! Group Who was Vera-Ellen? She was only one of the best dancers to ever appear in musicals, an able and charming actress who could match and even outdance many of the leading men of the '40's and '50's. Sadly, her fame has faded, and few know of her. Such obscurity is not deserving for her talent and beauty. I created this web page as a tribute to her. Vera-Ellen (Westmyer) Rohe was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 16, 1921. Many sources say she was born in 1926, but it has been proven that 1921 was the real date. She began dancing for health reasons at the age of 10. During her early career, she appeared in nightclub acts, as one of the youngest Rockettes, and a Broadway dancer. Her movie career began in 1945, when she appeared with Danny Kaye in "Wonder Man". She was known as "Twinkletoes", and I've read very few mean words said against her. She appeared in many movies, almost all of them musicals, until the late 1950's. Vera-Ellen was married twice: once to fellow dancer Robert Hightower, and once to millionaire Victor Rothschild. Both marriages ended in divorce. She "dated" Rock Hudson over a period of three years. This romance was really a publicity event, devised by Rock's agent. Rumour has it that Rock really wanted to marry Vera-Ellen, but that can't be verified. It does appear that they were definitely good friends who enjoyed each other's company. The reason for her disappearance from the movies is complicated and under debate. Vera-Ellen became alarmingly thin in her thirties. Her peculiar eating habits are well documented. Always a reclusive person, she started to withdraw from Hollywood as her alleged anorexia took its toll on her. This was also during a time when Hollywood simply stopped making many musicals. Although Vera-Ellen could act as well as dance, MGM didn't take her talents seriously enough to give her many non-dancing parts. She made appearances on TV and in Las Vegas for a few years before finally retiring. One side effect of anorexia is rapid aging. Many people have asked why Vera-Ellen always covers her neck in "White Christmas" - it is assumed that her neck is where she started to visibly age. She also had a daughter, Victoria Ellen Rothschild, who died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Understandably, this was a very traumatic event, and helps to understand why she withdrew from public life. It should be stated that while Vera-Ellen did definitely age, as she dropped out of sight, she aged with grace. Her friend Bill Dennington supplied the following personal photos, which supply a rare and treasured look at how beautiful and spirited she remained. Though retired from professional work, Vera-Ellen continued to take dancing lessons, partly to combat the arthritis she suffered later. Vera-Ellen died of cancer in Los Angeles, California, on August 30, 1981. The books Professor David Soren of the University of Arizona, has written two editions of Vera-Ellen's biography. The first edition was published through McGraw-Hill Press and is out of print. The second edition is available through Amazon.com. The book in either edition is a spectacular wealth of information. After so many years of gleaning tidbits from many sources, it was a treasure to finally have so much in one place. If you have information/corrections that can be used, please contact Dr. Soren. He's given permission for me to publish his e-mail address, so you won't be intruding. Click to join Vera-Ellen With all the interest in the book, and the attention that my page gets over the holidays (thank you White Christmas!), I decided to start a Vera-Ellen mailing list. The group has attracted many people who knew Vera-Ellen in her lifetime, including the former president of her fan club, and personal friends from her later years. Bill Dennington, who supplied the personal photos on this page, is a member with many stories to share. If you want to talk with fellow fans, please join. It's free! Click on the button below. If you want to order some of her movies, and/or help support this site, you can do so through my association with Amazon.com - just follow this link to a selection of her movies found on DVD or VHS. Related links Internet Movie Database entry for more info on Vera-Ellen's career. Wikipedia entry for Vera-Ellen. Vera-Ellen page in Spanish. I don't know how to read Spanish, but I can tell you that this page has many delightful pictures. The Gene Kelly Home Page A classy and fitting tribute to another great dancer. The Donald O'Connor Page And here is another wonderful performer and co-star! Vera-Ellen: The Goddess of the Dance Floor Facebook group - must be on Facebook to view. VOTE FOR MY SITE Last updated March 23, 2007.