Cyd Charisse

Cyd Charisse

Cyd Charisse Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 17, 2008.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Cyd Charisse, the long-legged beauty who danced with the Ballet Russe as a teenager and starred in MGM musicals with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, has died. She was 86.

Charisse was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Monday after suffering an apparent heart attack, said her publicist, Gene Schwam. She died the following day.

She appeared in dramatic films, but her fame came from the Technicolor musicals of the 1940s and 1950s.

Classically trained, she could dance anything, from a pas de deux in 1946's "Ziegfeld Follies" to the lowdown Mickey Spillane satire of 1953's "The Band Wagon" (with Astaire).

She also forged a popular song-and-dance partnership on television and in nightclub appearances with her husband, singer Tony Martin.

Her height was 5 feet, 6 inches (168 centimeters), but in high heels and full-length stockings, she seemed serenely tall, and she moved with extraordinary grace. Her flawless beauty and jet-black hair contributed to an aura of perfection that Astaire described in his 1959 memoir, "Steps in Time," as "beautiful dynamite."

"Her beauty was breathtaking," Debbie Reynolds, who starred with Charisse in the 1952 classic "Singin' in the Rain," said in a statement. "The world will miss her dancing."

Charisse arrived at MGM as the studio was establishing itself as the king of musicals. Three producers — Arthur Freed, Joe Pasternak and Jack Cummings — headed units that drew from the greatest collection of musical talent. Dancers, singers, directors, choreographers, composers, conductors and a symphony-size orchestra were under contract and available. The contract list also included the screen's two greatest male dancers: Astaire and Kelly.

Astaire, who danced with her in "The Band Wagon" and "Silk Stockings," said of Charisse in a 1983 interview: "She wasn't a tap dancer, she's just beautiful, trained, very strong in whatever we did. When we were dancing, we didn't know what time it was."

She first gained notice as a member of the famed Ballet Russe, and got her start in Hollywood when star David Lichine was hired by Columbia Pictures for a ballet sequence in a 1943 Don Ameche-Janet Blair musical, "Something to Shout About."

Although that film failed to live up to its title, its ballet sequence attracted wide notice, and Charisse (then billed as Lily Norwood) began receiving movie offers.

"I had just done that number with David as a favor to him," she said in "The Two of Us," her 1976 double autobiography with Martin. "Honestly, the idea of working movies had never once entered my head. I was a dancer, not an actress. I had no delusions about myself. I couldn't act — I had never acted. So how could I be a movie star?"

She overcame her doubts and signed a seven-year contract at MGM. She also got a new name, the exotic "Cyd" instead of her lifelong nickname Sid to go with her first husband's last name.

"Singin' in the Rain" marked a breakthrough.

When Freed was dissatisfied with another dancer who had been cast, Charisse inherited the role and danced with Kelly in the "Broadway Melody" number that climaxed the movie. She stunned critics and audiences with her 25-foot (7.6-meter) Chinese silk scarf that floated in the air with the aid of a wind machine.

Charisse also danced with Kelly in "Brigadoon," "It's Always Fair Weather" and "Invitation to the Dance." She missed what might have been her greatest opportunity: to appear with Kelly in the 1951 Academy Award winner, "An American in Paris." She was pregnant, and Leslie Caron was cast in the role.

In 1996, Charisse recalled her reaction on entering the movies: "Ballet is a closed world and very rigid; MGM was a fairyland. You'd walk down the lot, seeing all these fabulous movies being made with the greatest talent in the world sitting there. It was a dream to walk through that lot."

Her first assignment was a "Ziegfeld Follies" sequence in which she was one of the female dancers "flitting around Astaire as he danced."

Like most young MGM contract players, she was schooled in drama and voice, and diction lessons eliminated her Texas accent. The singing lessons did not take, however, and the songs in her musicals were dubbed.

She graduated to featured dancer in sequences for such films as "Till the Clouds Roll By," "Fiesta," "On an Island with You" and "Words and Music." She also appeared in such dramatic films as "East Side, West Side," "Tension" and "Mark of the Renegade."

"Silk Stockings" in 1957 marked the end of her dancing career in films, as well as the twilight of the movie musical. With the film business suffering from the onslaught of television, MGM dismantled its great collection of talent. Musicals were too expensive, and foreign audiences had soured on them.

Charisse continued with dramatic films, several of them made in Europe. She and Martin took their musical act to Las Vegas and elsewhere. In 1992 she finally made her Broadway debut, taking over the starring role as the unhappy ballerina in the musicalized "Grand Hotel." The musical had premiered in 1989 with Liliane Montevecchi in the role.

"I've done about everything in show business except to play on Broadway," Charisse said in a 1992 Associated Press interview. "I always hoped that I would one day. It's the World Series of show business. If anybody tells you they're not intimidated, they're lying."

In 1974, Charisse returned to MGM for a TV drama. Gazing over the half-filled commissary at lunchtime, she mused: "You never realize that good things are going to be over sometime. It all seemed so natural then: Clark Gable and Robert Taylor lunching at one table. Lana Turner would be lunching at a table in the corner. Ava Gardner, too.

"I grew up at this studio, and it didn't seem unusual to see all those stars. Nowadays, you'd never find so many names in one commissary. In fact, there aren't that many stars."

Her name was Tula Ellice Finklea when she was born in Amarillo, Texas, on March 8, 1922. From her earliest years she was called Sid, because her older brother couldn't say "sister." She was a sickly girl who started dancing lessons to build up her strength after a bout with polio.

"I was so frail they were afraid to touch me," she recalled in that 1996 interview.

At 14 she auditioned for the head of the famed Ballet Russe, and became part of the corps de ballet and toured the U.S. and Europe. To appear with the nearly all-Russian company, she was first billed as Celia Siderova, than as Maria Istromena.

At one point during the European tour, she met up again with Nico Charisse, a handsome young dancer she had studied with for a time in Los Angeles. They married in Paris in 1939.

The Ballet Russe disbanded after the war broke out, and the newlyweds returned to Hollywood. In 1942, a son, Nicky, was born.

In 1948, the year after she and Nico divorced, Charisse married Martin. Her second son, Tony Jr., was born in 1950.


Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press

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January 25, 2022

Janis posted to the memorial.

November 3, 2021

Frank Way posted to the memorial.

August 24, 2019

mark process posted to the memorial.

124 Entries

Janis

January 25, 2022

I saw this beautiful lady, who reminded me of my mother, in a parade when I was about seven. I waved at her and she waved back and smiled at me. My mother told me that’s Cyd Charisse.

Frank Way

November 3, 2021

She was the most beautiful woman in Hollywood. I'm still in love with her. Rest in peace my love.

mark process

August 24, 2019

I knew Cyd very well as a close friend of her son Tony Martin Jr. She was an amazing lady, elegant and kind with the sort of sophistication you typically find in royalty. She was the epitome of old Hollywood style and glamour, her presence and grace will be sadly missed as an icon of beauty and talent in this industry.
Cyd was a real movie star and she lived a long happy life. She may be gone from this world, but her legacy and catalog of fine work on the silver screen will be with us forever.

Spencer Warren

January 18, 2017

I was fortunate to see Miss Charisse on the big screen at the American Film Institute's renovated thirties theater in Maryland some years ago when they presented a retrospective of her films. Those amazing legs seen on the huge CinemaScope screen in It's Always Fair Weather and Silk Stockings! Singin' in the Rain and The Band Wagon. And a fine actress. A good person. Thank you for gracing our lives forever. RIP

Marissa

August 14, 2016

To Cyd, I have always loved you as a dancer and as a beautiful woman. You will always be one of my favorite people.

William Sabino

May 1, 2016

Meeting you was a great thrill, Ms. Charisse. You were as nice as you were beautiful and talented.
Rest in peace, beautiful woman.

February 1, 2015

I met you on March 10th, 1983. It was a dream come true. We kept in touch after that.
Rest in peace, beautiful one.

June 7, 2014

I have only recently found her movies et al on the internet and I regret I wasn't able to see them when they were on the movie screens. I have never seen a more talented and beautiful dancer like her. How I wish I could have enjoyed watching her then. Tony Martin was the luckiest guy in the world to have her as his life partner. She is truly missed.

A Guy Fan Who Loved to see you dance.

January 1, 2014

You were one of the best reasons for a guy being caught watching dance or musicals. You were stunning, and the power women have was visible in watching you dance, act, sing, or even give a mere glance with those eyes. Rest, and get ready to dance in the heavens. You've added another reason for many fans to want to go to heaven. (The big guy who formed made and created you, shall surely have stage set for you to perform again) God Bless the family and fortunate people who danced with, acted along side, or those who had the pleasure of sharing their lives with you.

Lisa Weiner

April 28, 2013

To Cyd Charrisse,
you were a wonderful actress. I enjoyed watching you in the movie Singing in the rain with actor Gene Kelly. You were just fantastic! My prayers are with you and your family. Lisa Weiner

Lisa Weiner

March 3, 2013

To Cyd Charisse,
You were a very talented actress. You did a great job in the movies Singing in the Rain and that's entertainment PArt 3. My prayers are with you Miss Charisse. Lisa Weiner

March 15, 2012

Sorry to learn of Mrs Charisse passing so late my mother passed on to Heaven also about the same time thinking of her I also thought of you because I was named after you. With Love and memories of your beauty dance on in Heaven. Carla Charisse

Lisa Weiner

November 15, 2010

TO Cyd Charisse
I really enjoyed watching you in the movie Singing in the Rain and I thought you were just great. I will watching you on the big screen. May God give you plenty of comfort. Lisa Weiner

Bill Sabino

October 29, 2010

I met you once, Ms,. Charisse. You are unforgettable.

Rest in Peace, lovely lady.

C. M.

September 27, 2010

May the God of comfort and tender mercies continue to comfort your family and friends, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."" Please accept my sincere condolences during this time of your loss.

March 29, 2010

For Cyd...

A truly talented lady.

WEEP NOT FOR ME


Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.

Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.

I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.

Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.

Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.

Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.


© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California

LORI FARRAR

February 5, 2010

NO MATTER WHAT AGE YOU ARE, YOU ARE STILL A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN, WITH GREAT ACTING ACCOMPLISHMENTS. MAY GOD PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOREVER AND EVER. YOU WERE A GOD SEND TO US, SO WE COULD APPRECIATE YOUR TALENT. YOU WILL BE MISSED BY MANY.

linda elliott

June 22, 2008

One of the true professionals and a exquisite woman. God bless her family. She leaves enough beauty for us to enjoy the rest of our lives.

James Bachman

June 22, 2008

Cdy,I have been a fan of yours,it seems forever,I've seen most of your movies.
I have for years loved to watch you
dance.
so long cyd,you'll always be within
my heart.
J. Frederick Bachman
Peoria Il

ricardo jose esqueda

June 22, 2008

in loving memory of:cyd charisse...
cyd, i grew up with your movies and you have given me more pleasure than any man could ever ask for; tony, you were a lucky man; cyd was a unique (one of kind) stunning beauty who enchanted all of us. ...so tony this is for you and me...
Our Lost Love...
when the end of life aproaches, the same power that brought us all upon this stage of time will continue once again to reveal its glorious secrets and evolve all of us to the next level of existence-into an eternity of seasons...

Good-bye, our lost love...
we salute your destiny...
amor-para siempre.

tony martin and ricardo jose esqueda
june 17, 2008

Kristen

June 22, 2008

God bless you Ms. Charisse. No doubt more than ever you are floating among the stars, your beauty out-shining them all. You gave my childhood countless happy, magical memories. I thank you for that.

Kathy Shotz

June 22, 2008

G-D keep you and condolences to the family.
Like many 'baby-boomers' I grew up watching you glide across the screen, and wishing I could grow up and do the same.
You were a class act and may you and Tony dance forever now.

Deb Chamberlain

June 22, 2008

As a young girl in the sixties, I loved all the musicals that abounded. Cyd was always one of my favorites---so elegant, beautiful and graceful. Imagine my surprise to find out she was only an inch taller than I am! She always appeared more statuesque to a 10 year old girl!

My deepest sympathies to Mr. Martin, their sons, families and friends. Take comfort that she is in Heaven dancing for our Lord and all the angels.

jane gandy

June 22, 2008

Just looking at this beautiful person made us all feel better.May blessings be on all who grieve her going, and joy to all who were blessed by her being here. A loving fan. Jane Gandy

Winston L. Jeffers

June 22, 2008

When I was young, I was watching a good movie called the Bandwagon and I saw this beautiful dancer on stage when I found out it was Cyd Charisse I fell in love with her but I was seven years old at the time but her dancing was enduring and I am going to miss her dancing and her beauty My sympathies to her Husband and sons she was a loss to the entertainment world.

John Hernandez

June 22, 2008

I've had a crush on Cyd since I was a teenager. Her beauty, grace and smile made me feel good. My favorite movie of hers was "Party Girl". She held her own with Robert Taylor and Lee J Cobb.Vaya con dios,chula!

Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)

June 22, 2008

Thank you for the unforgetable dance.God rest your soul.

Wayne Mayberry, III

June 21, 2008

She was a true lady within an era of class and poise. No one could compare. A legend and modern day queen. My grandmother adored you!

Cyd Cherrie

June 21, 2008

To all of Cyd Charisse's family members and friends,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and always because I will never forget Cyd Charisse.

I rarely get to watch the news or read the paper because I have two boys who keep me very busy. I was shocked when I came across this acticle while searching for something in my hometown's newspaper. It seemed as if time had stopped as I read about MY Cyd Charisse. My two boys don't understand why I sat there staring and crying for someone I don't know personally, but one day they will because Cyd was and will always be a very important part of me.

My parents were big fans of Cyd Charisse, and I was the blessed child to receive her name (Cyd Cherrie like Charisse but pronounced like Chari - no "s" sound in the last name). My oldest brother was named after my dad and my grandfather, my sister was named after the famous New York jewelry store, and my dad named me after his second leading lady - Cyd Charisse.

Any chance my parents had, they would go see her, and I was fortunate enough to go with them one time. I was about 5 years old and in Las Vegas when I met the person who I was named after, and I am so proud to have her name, but it never fails. Sometimes, I have to repeat my name over and over or the spelling is incorrect or instead of being a Ms. or Miss I'm a Mr. But none of that bothers me because I know my name is special. One time I was even given her exact name. Everyone asks me if it's short for anything like Cydney or I'm asked where did that name come from because it's so different. Well, we all know the story. After realizing who I was named after, I'm sometimes asked if I can dance and sing like her. I may be tall with long legs, and I've tried the dancing lessons and singing with the neighborhood kids, but I am DEFINITELY NOT THE CYD CHARISSE.

No one forgets me or my name because of her. Some of my friends and people I've only known for a short period of time have named their children Cyd because it is so unique just like the lady we were named after. She seems to give meaning to everything she comes in contact with - even her name.

When I saw her in the Janet Jackson video, I called all of my friends, cousins, EVERYBODY to tell them the lady in the limo with Janet is who I was named after. I was so proud, and my dad was like she still has it go'in on! Thanks Janet!!!

Cyd,
I know Heaven can't get any better, but it did. You are the perfect dancer in Heaven just as you were here on Earth. When you meet my dad, please save a dance for him and let him know it's from Cyd (you and me). I love you!

Lance and Becky Turner

June 21, 2008

There are dancers and then there are dancers. Ms. Charisse was one of the most beautiful and talented dancers to ever "trod the boards". Her beauty, grace and style will be forever missed on the stage and on the Silver Screen.

Our thoughts and prayers are sent to Ms. Charisse's family and friends during this very difficult time. She will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, Cyd, and may the angels greet you at the gates of Heaven.

LONG TIME FAN

June 21, 2008

BEAUTIFUL.....AND A GRACEFUL DANCER....

Cheri Weiner

June 21, 2008

To the families of Cyd Charisse:

It is a blessing to know so many wonderful memories of someone when they are taken from us.

It is a blessing to have lived a life as Cyd Charisse did, to have had such a beautiful blessful life, to have left so many wonderful memories of her very being.

A beauty with such talent, in addition to a long wedded life, is always a sad loss to everyone who knew her, and of all those who knew only OF her.

May her memories be a comfort to everyone who knew her, and for all of those who only knew OF her.

Peggy Kiesner

June 21, 2008

The world will miss her. She is dancing with the angels now. May the lord watch over her family through these rough times.

Anonymous

June 21, 2008

To the family of Cyd:

It always saddens us when we lose love ones to death. Gain comfort in our heavenly Father's promise and demonstrated by this son, Jesus who said he was the resurrection and life, and even those that have died will come to life. (John 11:1-43)
With sympathy,

Kate Young

June 20, 2008

May the family of this lovely lady, be comforted by the Holy Father's love, and may the cherished memories of their time spent with her keep her close in their hearts. Ms. Charisse was a true treasure.

ANN ROBERTS

June 20, 2008

SHE WAS A SIGHT TO BEHOLD IN THE GREAT MGM DANCE MOVIES. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANYONE LIKE HER AGAIN. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY.

Helen Jackson

June 20, 2008

Long ago, as a little black girl in the ghetto, I watched you and thought you were the absolute best. Fifty years later you are still the best. Because of you the art world opened up for me. We love you Cyd; your beauty, grace and talent touched us all. You could REALLY dance. The end of an era.....

June 20, 2008

Do not underestimate the value of prayer. If talking out your feelings with a sympathetic friend can help, how much more will pouring out your heart to “the God of all comfort” help you!—2 Corinthians 1:3

The Green Family

Kurt Sumption

June 20, 2008

You were a class act and a joy to watch. You will be missed,when God made you He broke the mold.My sympathy to your family. God bless.

Mo Dundon

June 20, 2008

What a classy lady ! No one compares to her these days . God bless all of her family and friends . She's dancing with the angels and the other great ones that have passed before her !

Gail Siegel

June 20, 2008

So sorry to learn of your passing.
Dance in Heaven with your former dance partners.
Rest In Peace, Cyd Charisse.

June 20, 2008

My deepest sympathy to your family. And thank you for the wonderful memories, dear lady of grace.

John Armstrong

June 20, 2008

Dance on Cyd with the Angels.

Harry Simpson

June 20, 2008

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Garold W. And Theresa L. Newton

June 19, 2008

It is terribly sad when people pass away. Her talent will also be missed.

Andrew Doherty

June 19, 2008

When I was in grade school in the 1960s, I was a very young news junkie, but I still had trouble learning to read. At a family gathering, I found a newspaper article about Ms Charisse with a lovely photo. I brought the article to my Mom, in front of all the grownups, and said "This lady is NOT Sid Caesar."

It took some time to understand why everybody found that so funny.

Later on, I came to appreciate her as a performer. She was beautiful and she sure could dance. And 60 years with one husband? In show biz? That says a lot about the couple.

My condolences to her family and friends.

Doug Gossage

June 19, 2008

I was born in 1942 and she became known to me during later years. I was in ACapella Choir at Woodrow Wilson H.S. (L.A.) and we presented several musicals with dancing, of course! My thanks go to her, and others as well, for the groundwork that was laid for us. As a Christian, I offer prayers of peace to the family.

M

June 19, 2008

Dance With The Angels in Heaven.

Glenn Day

June 19, 2008

I became a devoted fan after seeing her in "The Story of Three Loves" back in the Fifties.Not just her dancing skill but her outstanding beauty.

MARK SHINKLE

June 19, 2008

SHE WAS SUCH A CLASSY LADY. SHE WAS SO GRACEFUL AND HER PRESENCE IN ALL THE MUSICALS MADE THEM BETTER. THE BAND WAGON WAS MY FAVORITE THOUGH.

Jane Carney

June 19, 2008

I was just a little girl (under 5) when "Silk Stockings" was released. My mother loved watching Cyd Charisse dance. We were Catholic and the movie was on the B list or whatever it was on the Legion of Decency ratings...we were not supposed to go. But my mother took me anyway. It was wonderful and I often have watched it again on late night TV. She was a lovely woman, accomplished actress, and fabulous dancer. I am sure you are proud of her and sad at her loss.

Susan

June 19, 2008

Another wonderfully talented and beautiful actress gone to rest. She brought much happiness with those fabulous musicals of an era long gone. Such class is just not seen today. Rest in peace and may your family and friends be comforted by the memories and the wonderful films you left behind as your legacy. Thank you.

Lee Fasch

June 19, 2008

To the family of Cyd Charisse: Never have I ever seen a more graceful, natural, beautiful dancer-celebrity perform on the screen. A partner of the best male dancers also with no equals. You're to be commended for your wonderful marriage to Mr. Tony Martin, another celebrity for over 60 years, so unusual in "Tinseltown".

You've entertained generations with your talent.

Our prayers are for your Husband, Tony Martin, your children, family and friends, that God will give them strength and comfort during this time of loss.

LORI FARRAR

June 19, 2008

CYD HAD SO MUCH GOING FOR HER, SHE HAD HER LOOKS, HER TALENT, AND HER BEAUTY IN SPIRIT. SHE WILL BE THOROUGHLY MISSED BY MILLIONS OF PEOPLE. GOD BLESS HER FAMILY AND KEEP THEM IN LOVE. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. I REMEMBER THAT SHE WAS MULTI-TALENTED. REST IN PEACE, MY FRIEND

pat nadeau

June 19, 2008

I ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT YOU MRS. MARTIN PUT CLASS IN THE DANCE.THANK YOU FOR SHARING THE DANCE WITH ALL OF US. MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY, GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Audryne Kahanu

June 18, 2008

She was one of my favorites, so beautiful inside as well as in appearance. She has made her mark for a lot of people, now she's entertaining the angels.
Malama Pono & A Hui Hou

donna harper

June 18, 2008

the world has lost a beautiful lady, she will be greatly missed. how i do admire her to this day! as a littlt girl i loved watching her gracefullness on the screen. my sincere condolences to her family. ms. charisse now awaits the resurrection as promised in the holy scriptures (john 5:28,29) at the time of her resurrection she will be able to devote her talents and never grow old again as she enjoys eternity on paradise earth! (revelation 21:3,4) i only hope i can also be there to enjoy once again her dancing!

Shirley Rhya

June 18, 2008

My sincere condolences to Cyd Charisse' family & to her husband - TONY MARTIN

Twana Williford

June 18, 2008

Probably really does'nt matter here..
But just to let you know...a 71 year old lady idolized her...hope this goes in her guest book...

A very Wonderful Lady...

Mary Jeffers

June 18, 2008

In Memory of Cyd Charisse:
God has called home a lovely dancer and actress. I remember your performance in "Singin in the Rain". It was a delightul musical with many memorable scenes. May you rest in peace!

Alfonso L. Alcala'

June 18, 2008

Thank you for sharing your gift of dancing. I remember many of your musicals and watching you dance on the big screen. You were part of an elite group of entertainers , during Hollywood's golden age of musicals.

Jean Dusenberry

June 18, 2008

The world has suffered a great loss. I can't think of anyone with as much talent as Cyd Charisse. Blessings on her family.

Robert Cox

June 18, 2008

I send my heartfelt deepest sympathy to Tony Martin and family with the loss of Cyd. She was a icon of glamour and will be missed by all who ever had the privilege of seeing her perform...

Pat Love

June 18, 2008

When my mom "made us" watch musicals on TV in the early days, I was mostly bored to tears. But Cyd Charisse changed all that. You were beautiful and talented beyond words, and made a typical young L.A. kid learn to appreciate such beauty and talent. I had a school boy crush that only lasted about 40 years! Rest in Peace!

donna thompson

June 18, 2008

my mother enjoyed her so much on the screen dancing, that when i was born, she named me donna charisse.
she will be missed

Andrea Blum

June 18, 2008

Another of the few remaining Hollywood legends is gone. Thankfully we have the wonderful musicals she made, and she will live on forever through those. I know she's hoofing it up in Heaven with Gene and Fred now. May she rest in peace.

Anne Maher Heller

June 18, 2008

I have always loved seeing the movies that Ms. Chrisse danced in ... she was the epitome of grace and elegance ... and those legs!!! My condolences to Tony Martin and all of their family

Fred Hatley

June 18, 2008

Thank you for all of the memories!!

Ruth Roy

June 18, 2008

I saw all of your pictures. You were so wonderful. Rest in peace.

Bette Reiss

June 18, 2008

An exceptional talent and a beautiful lady. Truly some one to inspire all who love dancing.
B.Reiss

Vasili Glimidakis

June 18, 2008

Dear Cyd Charisse's family,
I am sorry for your loss. God bless her and her family. She won hearts of millions and she will be known forever as the dancing partner of Fred Astaire and/or Gene Kelly and she is famous for her legs. She was extremely beautiful. Best wishes.

christine l

June 18, 2008

The world has lost a bit of its beauty with your passing...may you shine in heaven!

D.L. ZIMMERMAN

June 18, 2008

LOVED YOU IN THE MOVIES, REST IN PEACE, CYD CHARISSE

Charisse W.

June 18, 2008

Dear, Dear Cyd --

My father was such a fan, I was named after you. I'm actually even the same height! Thanks for the inspiration. Sleep well.

Muffy

June 18, 2008

My thoughts and sympathies to Tony Martin, her children, other family members and friends.

To me, she was THE BEST! Although she never had the mega-celebrity status of some others, her dancing was magical. She had poise, style and grace; on and off screen. We have all lost a great lady.

NANCY RAE NITZBERG

June 18, 2008

I, NANCY RAE NITZBERG, AGE 66 RECALL BEAUTIFUL MOVIES WITH CYD WITH OTHER FAVORITES OF MIND - MEMORIES THAT CAN NEVER BE REPLACED AND WILL NEVER COME AGAIN - THE CREAM OF THE CROP IN SHOW BUSINESS. DIDN'T KNOW SHE TOO HAD POLO LIKE MY OTHER FAVORITE DINAH SHORE. CYD WILL CERTAINLY BE MISSED MORE THAN ANYONE WILL EVER KNOW.

Gerald Schmidt

June 18, 2008

Ms. Charisse always danced with such poise, grace and elegance. I especially enjoyed her dance number with Gene Kelly in "Singin' in the Rain". May she rest in Peace in the arms of her loving Lord and Savior.

Clarice Barron

June 18, 2008

God has welcomed into His arms this lovely lady who graced the silver screen and entertained us with her charm and talent. I pray that God will comfort her family during this difficult time.

Bonnie Thompkins

June 18, 2008

She was such an elegant and beautiful lady. I named my first daughter Cydney after Ms. Charisse. My condolences to her family...

Bernadette S

June 18, 2008

My heart goes out to Ms. Charisse's family. Although, I never knew her, she inspired my life and career as a dancer. She will be missed. We are lucky to have been graced with her beauty and talent for so many years. She is now is the heavens dancing for the lord. Thank you Ms. Charisse for your greatness. Rest well....

ROGER L. WILKINS WILKINS

June 18, 2008

MY WIFE SUSAN AND I MET YOU AT AN "ELECTROLUX CONVENTION YEARS AGO AT BOCA---AFTER YOUR SHOW,WE BUMPED IN TO EACH OTHER AND YOU ASKED ME FOR A SIP OF MY DRINK--I HANDED IT TO YOU AND YOU THANKED ME AND SHOOK MY HAND--I KNOW YOU DON'T REMEMBER, HOWEVER, I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A FAN OF YOU BOTH AND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY--SHE WAS A BEAUTIFUL GREAT GAL AND WILL BE SORLEY MISSED BY MANY,KINDEST REGARDS, ROGER

louise wisinski

June 18, 2008

Oh, you were so beautiful and elegant. I know you are now shining in God's light..

ray Interlandi

June 18, 2008

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

Angela Carter

June 18, 2008

What an beautiful actress and dance
you were. I've loved you every since
I could remember you will be engrave
in musical history forever. May you rest in peace.

Renae Curtis

June 18, 2008

The World has lost an extremely beautiful and talented Dancer and Actress. Her performance with Gene Kelly in Brigadoon was truly ispiring. She danced with all the greats and thank God we have her on film at her very best. I know Heaven is thrilled to have her there.

Peta Supervielle

June 18, 2008

My husband and I had a song/dance act and were quite often referred to as a Martin and Charisse act. I took that as a great compliment. If only I could have been as brilliant as you.
Rest in Peace, I know you are still dancing, now with the angels.

Alice K.

June 18, 2008

Beauty, grace and talent, she had it all. A true "class act" in all respects. She was part of a time when the movies were magnificent. I felt very sad when I heard of her passing.

Tania Ruiz

June 18, 2008

Rest in Peace.

Yesi Traverso

June 18, 2008

My deepest sympathies for Cyd Charisse's family, friends and all those who loved and admired her. May you find comfort in the promise of Revelation 21:3,4 where God promises us "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away". May you find comfort in the hope of seeing your loved one again, as promised in John 5:28-29, in perfect health and in an abundance of peace, here on earth (Psalm 37:11).

Robyn Leonard

June 18, 2008

The world mourns this beautiful, regal woman. But she will live on in classic movies forever. My prayers are with her family.

Stuart Brittingham

June 18, 2008

Thank you for the beautiful memories of a time of glamour and grace. Your style will always be remembered.

Maria del Rossio

June 18, 2008

She had style, grace, poise, talent as a dancer and actress. She danced and acted from the heart; her soul was truly in her feet. She was just as beautiful a woman on the inside as she was on the outside. The two movies she made, "The Unfinished Dance" and "Fiesta" were two of my family's favorite movies; as my young daughter was striving to be an accomplished ballerina; and, my family's heritage was that of being Spanish. What a sad day for us all who loved, admired, respected this most beautiful dancer/actress lady.

June 18, 2008

She had style, grace, poise, talent as a dancer and actress. She danced and acted from the heart; her soul was truly in her feet. She was just as beautiful a woman on the inside as she was on the outside. The two movies she made, "The Unfinished Dance" and "Fiesta" were two of my family's favorite movies; as my young daughter was striving to be an accomplished ballerina; and, my family's heritage was that of being Spanish. What a sad day for us all who loved, admired, respected this most beautiful dancer/actress lady.

Sheila Smith

June 18, 2008

Loved her dancing. She was a class act. Rest in Peace Cyd.

Joan Coyle

June 18, 2008

I loved your dancing. May God hold you in his arms forever.
My sympathy to the Bennett family.

Bonnie Harrison

June 18, 2008

We will never forget you in all your movies and the beautiful dancing, may you rest in peace. Our prayers go out to your family. Bonnie Harrison and Dr. Bob Beloud, Grass Valley, Calif.

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