Born on March 8, 1921, in Amarillo, Texas, Charisse started dancing at an early age, joining the Ballet Ruse when she was just 13. After starring in some minor film roles, Charisse appeared as a dancer in the Fred Astaire vehicle Ziegfeld Follies in 1946 and was soon offered a seven-year contract with MGM at the height of the Golden Age of movie musicals. She starred in many classic musicals including Singin' in the Rain, The Band Wagon, Brigadoon, It's Always Fair Weather and Silk Stockings.
Charisse is survived by husband Tony Martin, with whom she celebrated her 60 year wedding anniversary in May, and sons Nicholas Charisse and Tony Martin, Jr.