Marlene Dietrich’s Daughter, Celebrated Actress, Passes at 100
Marlene Dietrich’s daughter, Maria Riva, has passed away at the age of 100. Riva, a celebrated actress, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday at her son Peter Riva’s home in Gila, New Mexico. Her passing marks the end of an era linked to one of Hollywood’s grande dames.
Maria Riva’s Life and Career
Born Maria Elisabeth Sieber in Berlin on December 13, 1924, she was the only child of Marlene Dietrich and Rudolf Sieber. When Riva was five, she moved to Los Angeles to join her mother, who had already become a Hollywood star. Riva made her screen debut as a child, portraying Catherine the Great alongside her mother in “The Scarlet Empress” (1934).
Throughout the 1950s, Riva enjoyed a successful career as a television actress, appearing in various anthology series such as:
- Studio One
- Lux Video Theatre
- Suspense
- The Philco Television Playhouse
- Crime Photographer
She gained recognition for her performances and received Emmy nominations for Best Actress in both 1952 and 1953.
Transition from Acting to Management
In the late 1950s, Riva decided to leave acting. She subsequently managed her mother’s one-woman shows and Las Vegas productions. This role allowed her to step into the spotlight, albeit indirectly, as she navigated the complexities of her mother’s legacy.
Literary Contributions and Personal Reflections
In 1992, shortly after Dietrich’s death, Riva published a book celebrating her mother’s life and career. She positioned herself as a biographer and expressed pride in her ability to separate her personal feelings from her mother’s legacy.
Family and Legacy
Riva was married to scenic designer William Riva from 1947 until his passing in 1999. She is survived by her three sons: Peter, John-Paul, and David, along with several grandchildren.
Maria Riva’s life encapsulates the essence of Hollywood’s golden age while also showcasing the challenges faced by the family of a superstar. Her contributions to television and literature establish her as a significant figure in her own right, continuing the legacy of Marlene Dietrich.
