From Sickly to Stunning: The Polio Survivor Who Became a Hollywood Icon

Cyd Charisse’s journey began not under the spotlights of MGM stages, nor in the glamorous studios of Los Angeles, but in the quiet, dusty atmosphere of Amarillo, Texas, where she was born as Tula Ellice Finklea.

Far from the confident star the world would later adore, little Tula was a fragile child whose future seemed uncertain. Her family often described her as thin, delicate, and constantly battling illnesses. But the challenge that nearly altered her life forever came early: polio.

A Childhood Marked by Illness and Determination

In the early 20th century, before vaccines existed, polio was one of the most terrifying diseases a child could face. For many, it left permanent paralysis. For others, it limited mobility for life. When Tula contracted the illness, the fear in her household was overwhelming.

Her parents watched helplessly as her little body weakened. She struggled with pain, imbalance, and fatigue — symptoms that could have ruined her physical future entirely.

But the Finkleas were not willing to surrender. Her doctors suggested that gentle, controlled movement might help rebuild her muscles. And so, in a desperate attempt to strengthen their daughter, her parents took her to a ballet studio — hoping the structured discipline of dance would help repair what polio had damaged.Continue reading…