Vera Zorina: Ballerina and Actress Dies at 86

Vera Zorina was a German-born Norwegian ballerina, actress and choreographer. Born Eva Brigitta Hartwig on January 2, 1917, in Berlin, she danced with the Ballets Russes and chose her stage name from a list of Russian names.

She starred in the films On Your Toes and Star Spangled Rhythm, with choreography by her first husband, George Balanchine. She played Ariel in the Broadway production of The Tempest (1945) and was acclaimed in Joan of Arc at the Stake. She lost the role of Maria in For Whom the Bell Tolls to Ingrid Bergman.

Zorina married George Balanchine (1938-1946), Columbia Records president Goddard Lieberson (1946-1977) and harpsichordist Paul Wolfe. She had two sons, including composer Peter Lieberson. She died in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on April 9, 2003, at age 86.

Achievements: On Your Toes (1939), Star Spangled Rhythm (1942), Ariel in The Tempest (1945).

Birth: January 2, 1917 - Berlin, Germany.

Profession: Ballerina, actress and choreographer.

Interesting Facts: Her granddaughters formed the band TEEN.