Profile of the Day: Rita Hayworth

Rita Hayworth

Hollywood legend Rita Hayworth was born on October 17, 1918 in Brooklyn, New York. One of the top stars of the 1940s, Hayworth appeared in a total of 61 films throughout her long career.

Margarita Carmen Dolores Cansino was the oldest child of two dancers. Her father, Eduardo Cansino, Sr., and her mother, Volga Hayworth, had performed with the Ziegfeld Follies. Her paternal grandfather, Antonio Cansino, was a renowned Spanish classical dancer.

At the peak of her career, Hayworth was named one of the top movie box-office attractions in the world. She often showcased her dancing talents on screen and even holds the distinction of being the only person to dance with both Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.

In 1980, Hayworth was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The public disclosure of her illness helped bring attention to the disease, which was rarely discussed at the time. It also helped to greatly increase funding in Alzheimer’s research. Hayworth died on May 14, 1987 at the age of 68. Her headstone read: “To yesterday’s companionship and tomorrow’s reunion.”
 

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Image: Wikimedia Commons