Dance Icon Cyd Charisse Dies at 86

Cyd Charisse, who gained renowned as a graceful dancer in the golden age of Hollywood musicals as a partner of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, died today of cardiac arrest at age 86, Variety reports. Known for her beauty and long legs, the 5-6 Charisse gained acclaim in movies such as The Band Wagon and Singin' in the Rain. In the latter, she danced with Astaire in the show-stopper "Broadway Melody." Charisse continued performing in her 70s and made her Broadway debut in 1992. (More MGM stories.)