Cyd Charisse

Cyd Charisse is the gal with the gams, the willowy Texan from Amarillo who danced her way through the heyday Hollywood musicals and forever into the hearts of fans. Born Tula Ellice Finklea, her professional career began at 13 with the Ballet Russe and she made her feature film debut in 1943's SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT. In 1946, she signed with MGM, was restyled as Cyd Charisse, and showcased in high-profile musicals, such as THE HARVEY GIRLS and EAST SIDE, WEST SIDE. Her performance with Gene Kelly in 1952's SINGIN' IN THE RAIN was a showstopper and she was subsequently paired with Fred Astaire in 1953's BANDWAGON. Reunited with Kelly in 1954's BRIGADOON, she again teamed with Astaire for the classic SILK STOCKINGS in 1957. She continued acting (TWO WEEKS IN ANOTHER TOWN, 1962) and dancing (THE SILENCERS, 1966), and went into television in the '70s and '80s. Cyd Charisse appeared on Broadway in 1992's GRAND HOTEL and two years ago received the first Nijinsky award for her lifelong contributions to dance.