Maria Riva, the only child of legendary actress Marlene Dietrich, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 100. Riva died at her son Peter Riva‘s home in Gila, New Mexico, where she had been living since early 2022. Her death marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of television and Hollywood.
Born Maria Elisabeth Sieber on December 13, 1924, in Berlin, Riva grew up in the shadow of her mother, who was a prominent figure in the film industry and a renowned star at Paramount Pictures. Riva’s connection to the entertainment world began early; she played the young version of Catherine the Great in her mother’s film, The Scarlet Empress (1934).
Following her early acting endeavors, Riva transitioned into television during the medium’s formative years. She became a notable figure on shows such as Studio One, Lux Video Theatre, and The Philco Television Playhouse. Riva signed a three-year contract with CBS, earning $250 per week, and she often portrayed characters in perilous situations. Despite her success, she often downplayed her acting talent, reflecting on the era’s low standards for television acting, stating, “I had no talent.”
Riva’s career took a significant turn in the late 1950s when she decided to step back from acting. She expressed her ambivalence toward the profession, admitting, “I never had a burning ambition to be an actress.” Instead, she managed her mother’s one-woman show in Las Vegas and coordinated global tours.
In the wake of her mother’s death in May 1992, Riva embraced her role as a biographer, publishing a book that delved into Dietrich’s life and legacy. She stated in a 2009 interview, “I consider myself a biographer, not the daughter,” showcasing her ability to separate her identity from her mother’s fame. Riva’s literary contributions included a photography book featuring unseen images of Dietrich and a novel titled You Were There Before My Eyes, published in 2017.
Riva also made a notable return to acting in the film Scrooged (1988), where she played Mrs. Rhinelander, alongside actors such as Bill Murray and Robert Mitchum. Her involvement in the film was particularly poignant as her late son, J. Michael Riva, served as the production designer.
Throughout her life, Riva navigated the complexities of being the child of a cultural icon. She attended the Brillantmont International School in Switzerland and studied acting at the Max Reinhardt Academy in Los Angeles. Riva later taught and directed at the academy, influencing a new generation of performers.
In addition to her professional achievements, Riva’s personal life included three sons, including Peter and John-Paul Riva, and several grandchildren. She was married to scenic designer William Riva from 1947 until his death in 1999. Together, they shared a life intertwined with the arts and culture of the time.
Riva’s legacy as a television pioneer and biographer of her mother’s life will be remembered by many. A timeless figure in the entertainment industry, Maria Riva leaves behind a rich history that reflects the changing landscape of television and the profound impact of her mother’s career on her own life.
