VERA-ELLEN (1921-1981) * AFI Top Actress nominee > Active 1937–59 > Born Vera Ellen Westmeier Rohe 16 Feb 1921 Ohio > Died 30 Aug 1981 (aged 60) California, cancer > Other: Dancer > Spouses: Robert Hightower (1941–46 div); Victor Rothschild (1954–66 div) > Children: 1 daughter with millionaire Rothschild, but died of SIDS at 3 months. Admired for lithe figure at the time, but actually anorexic. Severe arthritis due to dancing & anorexia.
