Full Name: Vera Ellen Westmeier Rohe. Born: February 16, 1921. Birthplace: Norwood, Ohio, USA. Chinese Zodiac: Rooster. Zodiac Sign: Aquarius. Died: August 30, 1981 (aged 60). Cause of Death: Cancer. Vera-Ellen's flawless technique and graceful artistry enhanced Hollywood's Golden Age musicals. Even though her vocals were frequently dubbed, her exceptional dancing skills established her as one of the most prominent performers of the era, sharing the stage with luminaries such as Gene Kelly, Danny Kaye, and Fred Astaire. Vera-Ellen, born in 1921, began performing at nine and rapidly demonstrated exceptional talent. She was one of the youngest Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall and triumphed on Major Bowes Amateur Hour as an adolescent. By 18, she had made her Broadway début in Jerome Kern's "Very Warm for May" and appeared in numerous other Broadway productions. Producer Samuel Goldwyn discovered her on Broadway and cast her in 1945's "Wonder Man" opposite Danny Kaye, which marked her transition to Hollywood. She appeared in several critically acclaimed musicals over the following decade, such as "White Christmas" (1954) and "On the Town" (1949). Her graceful style and technical precision influenced the aesthetic of Hollywood musicals. Personal struggles were the impetus for the triumph. Despite the rumors of an eating disorder that circulated due to her slender appearance, acquaintances maintained that she remained physically fit through consistent swimming and dance training. In 1963, she tragically lost her infant daughter to SIDS, and her marriage to oilman Victor Bennett Rothschild ended in 1966. Vera-Ellen progressively withdrew from public life following her final television appearances in 1959. In 1981, she passed away in Los Angeles due to ovarian cancer; however, her legacy endures through her roles in classical films.