- Madonna based her book 'Sex' on a fictional character named Dita, inspired by Dita Parlo and her character in L'Atalante (1934)
- Daughter of a forest ranger, initially trained as a ballet dancer. Subsequently studied acting at Babelsberg film school. Discovered for the screen by the producer Erich Pommer and signed to a contract with Ufa. Had a brief stint in Hollywood from 1930 (often in German-speaking versions of American films) and later also played leads in France for Jean Vigo and Jean Renoir. Went into semi-retirement after World War II, seen just twice more on screen.
- She was deported to Germany as an enemy alien during World War II, but returned to France in 1949 and resumed her career.
- Dita Von Teese chose her name after her.
- In 1949, she married a Protestant pastor, Franck Gueutal (1904-1983); the couple remained married until her death in 1971.
- In the late 1930s, she was scheduled to appear in the Orson Welles production of Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness for RKO Radio Pictures. However, that project did not come to pass.
- During the 1930s she moved easily between German and French films, achieving success in several films, including, in the span of four years, two that are considered among the greatest in cinema history: L'Atalante (1934) and La Grande Illusion (1937).
- She appeared in only three films during the last thirty years of her life, making her final film appearance in 1965.
- Parlo attempted to establish a career in American films but despite a couple of roles in Hollywood films, was unable to extend her European success.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content