Vera-Ellen, an American actress and dancer, passed away on August 30, 1981, from cancer.
Vera-Ellen began her career as a dancer on Broadway, eventually making her way to Hollywood. She was known for her slender figure and her remarkable dancing skills. Her most notable film appearances include “On the Town” (1949) with Gene Kelly and “White Christmas” (1954) alongside Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney.
Despite her success on stage and screen, Vera-Ellen’s personal life was marked by challenges. She faced health issues, including arthritis and anorexia, which were quite rare and not well understood during her time. Her eating disorder was rumored to have been triggered by personal tragedies, including the death of her only daughter, Victoria Ellen, from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in 1963.
After her daughter’s death, Vera-Ellen retreated from the public eye. Her last film appearance was in “Let’s Be Happy” in 1957. She spent her later years living quietly, away from the limelight. Her health continued to decline, and she eventually succumbed to cancer at the age of 60 in Los Angeles, California. Vera-Ellen’s legacy lives on through her memorable performances and her contribution to the Golden Age of Hollywood musicals.