Rita Hayworth
Golden Age star known as 'The Love Goddess' and Gilda.
- born
- October 17, 1918
- died
- May 14, 1987
- field
- Actress, dancer, pin-up girl
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Performance in Gilda (1946); films with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly; being a top pin-up girl during World War II
Lore & Background
He instructed her in her first dance lesson. She later recalled, 'From the time I was three and a half... In 1927, her father took the family to Hollywood, where he established a dance studio. Hayworth never graduated from high school, completing only the ninth grade.
Reader's Guide
The press's term 'The Love Goddess' reflected her glamorous screen persona, and her ranking as the second top pin-up girl for GIs during World War II underscored her wartime popularity. Beyond her film legacy, Hayworth's public disclosure of her early-onset Alzheimer's disease in 1980 drew attention to the illness and helped increase public and private funding for research. Her life, marked by early abuse and later illness, adds a complex layer to her legacy as a screen icon.
Did You Know?
- Hayworth was the second top pin-up girl for GIs during World War II, after Betty Grable.
- Fred Astaire called Hayworth his favorite dance partner, though he initially tried not to answer the question.
- She changed her name from Rita Cansino to Rita Hayworth, adopting her mother's maiden name, to sound less Spanish.
- Her public disclosure of early-onset Alzheimer's disease in 1983 helped increase funding for research into the illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Rita Hayworth and what was her birth name?
Rita Hayworth was an American actress, dancer, and pin-up icon born Margarita Carmen Cansino on October 17, 1918. She rose to become one of the most recognizable stars of 1940s Hollywood.
Why was Rita Hayworth called 'The Love Goddess'?
The nickname took hold after her magnetic performance in the 1946 film Gilda, where her character's bold, seductive confidence turned her into a cultural symbol of glamour. The press embraced the title, and it followed her for the rest of her career.
What was Rita Hayworth's role during World War II?
She became the second most popular pin-up girl for American GIs during the war, ranking just behind Betty Grable in circulation. Her images appeared widely in military publications to lift troop morale.
How many films did Rita Hayworth appear in over her career?
Across a 37-year career, she appeared in 61 films, working alongside major dance partners including Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. Her screen work spanned from the late 1930s through the 1970s.
When did Rita Hayworth die and how old was she?
Rita Hayworth passed away on May 14, 1987, at the age of 68. Her death closed a chapter on the era of Golden Age Hollywood stardom.
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