Vera-Ellen (1921–1981) was an American actress and dancer known for her exceptional versatility and precision in musical films of the 1940s and 1950s. A talented performer from a young age, she trained in dance and won amateur competitions before breaking into Broadway, where she gained recognition in Very Warm for May (1939). Her success on stage led to a Hollywood career, where she became one of the most skilled dancers of her era.

Vera-Ellen starred alongside some of the biggest names in musical cinema, including Fred Astaire (Three Little Words, 1950), Gene Kelly (On the Town, 1949), and Danny Kaye (White Christmas, 1954), the latter being her most famous role. Known for her graceful yet athletic dance style, she was frequently cast in high-energy, elaborate dance sequences. However, by the late 1950s, her film career declined as Hollywood's interest in musicals waned.

After retiring from the screen, Vera-Ellen largely withdrew from public life. Despite speculation about her health, she remained a beloved figure in classic Hollywood. She passed away in 1981, but her performances continue to be celebrated as some of the finest examples of Golden Age musical cinema.