Amarillo’s Cyd Charisse took part in some of the most astonishing scenes in cinema history. The long, lithe ballet dancer turned Hollywood leading lady whirled her way into the hearts of millions of moviegoers in musicals like Singin’ in the Rain (1952), The Band Wagon (1953) and Brigadoon (1954). She partnered on several occasions with two of the biggest names in movie musical history: Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. Through a long and varied career, Charisse spoke fondly of her hometown, citing the formative experiences of her Amarillo childhood that helped forge a strikingly resilient person and performer.
Cyd Charisse was born Tula Ellice Finklea during an Amarillo snowstorm on March 8, 1922. She was the younger child of Ernest Enos “E.E.” and Lela (Norwood) Finklea. Tula’s older brother, E.E. Jr., tried calling her “sis” but it came out as “Sid” and the nickname stuck.
The Finkleas were quiet and civically minded. They attended First Methodist Church and involved themselves in several local charities. Lela served as treasurer of the Potter County Tuberculosis Association for decades…