Heather Sweet

 

Heather Sweet: American Burlesque

 Dancer Biography

Full Name: Heather Renée Sweet

 

Stage Name: Dita Von Teese

 

Birth Date: September 28, 1972

 

Birth Place: West Branch (Rochester), Michigan, USA

 

Nationality: American

 

Occupation: Burlesque dancer (vedette), model, actress, costume designer, businesswoman, author

 

Frequently dubbed the “Queen of Burlesque” for reviving classic striptease with elaborate vintage costumes and stagecraft.

 

Height and Physical Stats

 

Height: 5 ft 2 in (160 cm)

 

Weight: ~57kg (125lbs)

 

Distinctive Traits: Raven hair, painted eyes, lip makeup, trademark beauty mark, known for her curvaceous, vintage silhouette

 

 

 Education & Early Life

 

High School: University High School, Irvine, California

 

In college she studied historical costuming and wanted to work in film styling

 

Originates from a modest background—father was a machinist, mother a manicurist. Influenced by her mother's love of 1940s Hollywood glamour.

 

 

 

Family and Personal Life

 

Father: Ken Sweet (machinist); Mother: Bonnie Lindsey (manicurist)

 

Siblings: One sister (eg, Jena)

 

Marital History: Married Marilyn Manson (2005–2007) partner is Adam Rajcevich since 2014

 

Children: none

 

Career Highlights

 

 Burlesque & Performance

 

Began performing in 1992, quickly gained recognition for theatrical numbers featuring props: giant martini glass, claw-foot tub, carousel horse, world's largest feather fans

 

International star—toured global venues like Crazy Horse (Paris) and Las Vegas residencies, including an 8-month “Voltaire” show at Horseshoe in 2023–24

 

Performed in high-profile music videos: Green Day (Redundant), Marilyn Manson (Mobscene), Die Antwoord, Monarchy, Taylor Swift (Bejeweled cameo)

 

 

Acting & Media

 

Appeared in films and shows: The Death of Salvador Dalí (2005), Saint Francis (2007), Don't Worry Darling (2022), CSI, RuPaul's Drag Race, Hell's Kitchen, The Masked Dancer, The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell

 

 

 Author & Designer

 

Authored books: Burlesque and the Art of the Teese, Your Beauty Mark, detailing burlesque history, beauty & fetish aesthetics

 

Launched couture brands: lingerie, corsetry (Von Follies), stockings (Secrets in Lace), perfumes (four signature scents), makeup and accessories, plus collaborations with MAC, Perrier, Cointreau

 

 

Net Worth

 

Estimated around $16 million as of 2025

 

Income sources include performance tours, Las Vegas residency, merchandise, book sales, fragrance & lingerie lines, brand endorsements (MAC, Cointreau, Perrier)

 

 

Awards & Recognition

 

Dubbed the Queen of Burlesque for her influence in reviving neo-burlesque.

 

Included in Forbes Top 10 Beauty Influencers (2018)

 

Multiple nominations: Beverly Hills Film Festival Best Actress (for The Death of Salvador Dalí), Grammy nominee for audiobook narration

 

 

Summary

 

Dita Von Teese rose from a shy Michigan upbringing to become a global icon—blending high fashion, theatrical burlesque, entrepreneurship, and design. She revived vintage glamor through meticulously crafted performances and stage aesthetics, cementing her status as the “Queen of Burlesque.” At 52, she remains active with international residencies, theatrical tours, writing, product design, and brand partnerships—amassing a substantial $16 M net worth. Beyond performance, she embodies a vision of empowerment, style, and timeless beauty.