Rita Hayworth (October 17, 1918 – May 14, 1987) was an American film actress and dancer who attained fame during the 1940s not only as one of the era's top stars, but also as the era's greatest
sex symbol, most notably in
Gilda (1946). She appeared in 61 films over 37 years
[Gerald Faris, "A Screen Goddess and Hollywood Rebel Loses The Battle Against Disease," The Age, May 18, 1987. Accessed June 7, 2009.] and is listed as one of the
American Film Institute's
Greatest Stars of All Time.
Early career
Born
Margarita Carmen Cansino in
Brooklyn,
New York City, she was the daughter of
Spanish flamenco dancer
Eduardo Cansino, Sr. and
Irish-American Ziegfeld girl Volga Hayworth. Her father wanted her to become a dancer while her mother hoped she'd become an actress.
[ "Rita Hayworth Delights Papa and Mama Cansino." Ellensburg Daily Record, July 13, 1944. Accessed June 7, 2009.] Her grandfather, Antonio Cansino, was the most renowned exponent in his day of Spain's classical dances; he made the
bolero famous. He also gave Hayworth her first instruction in dancing.
["Actress Rita Hayworth's Grandfather Dies at 89." Los Angeles Times. June 22, 1954.]
