Fred Astaire

Fred Astaire: Biography in Details

Who is Fred Astaire?

Fred Astaire was an American dancer, singer, actor, choreographer, and television presenter. He was well known for a number of successful musical comedy films in which he starred with Ginger Rogers.

Fred Astaire: Childhood, Education, and Family

Fred was born in Omaha, Nebraska, the United States on May 10, 1899, to parents Frederic Austerlitz and Johanna Austerlitz.

He had a sibling namely, Adele Astaire. He belonged to American nationality and mixed (Ashkenazi Jewish- German) ethnicity. His birth sign was Taurus.

Talking about his education, he attended Alvienne School of the Dance, New York; Ned Wayburn Studio of Stage Dancing.

Fred Astaire: Professional Career

In talking about his profession, he started performing as a child, partnering up with his older sister Adele.

For all his early success, though, a career in the movies eluded Astaire. In fact, he had done a screen test, but he failed to attract any interest. A studio executive wrote at the time.

Whereas, he ended with a small role in 1933’s Dancing Lady with Joan Crawford. Likewise, he was also matched up with another Broadway talent, Ginger Rogers, for Flying Down to Rio, also in 1933.

Similarly, he and Rogers appeared in several more films together, including The Gay Divorcee (1934) and Top Hat (1935).

The duo became the film’s most beloved dance team. Their routines featured a hybrid of styles—borrowing elements from the tap, ballroom, and even ballet.

Whereas, Katharine Hepburn once described what each of them brought in their successful partnership: “Fred gave Ginger class, and Ginger gave Fred sex.”

Off-screen, he was known for his relentless pursuit of perfection.

Eventually, he also performed with such leading ladies as Rita Hayworth, Cyd Charisse, Judy Garland, Leslie Caron, and Audrey Hepburn.

Moreover, some of the most famous musicals from his later career include Easter Parade with Garland and Funny Face with Hepburn.

As his movie roles tapered off, he also worked more in television.

Besides that, Fred Astaire often appeared as himself for special tribute shows. Similarly, he had a growing interest in dramatic parts, working on such series as Dr. Kildare.

Likewise, he also worked with another legendary dancer, Gene Kelly, on the documentary That’s Entertainment, which explored the golden era of the movie musical.

Fred Astaire: Lifetime Achievements, Awards

In talking about his lifetime achievements and awards, he won Golden Globe Awards for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for The Towering Inferno (1974), and Best Actor – Comedy or Musical for Three Little Words (1950).

Likewise, he won Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama or Comedy Special for A Family Upside Down (1978), Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Musical Program or Series for Astaire Time (1960), Best Single Performance by an Actor for An Evening with Fred Astaire (1958). 

Moreover, Fred Astaire won the BAFTA Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for The Towering Inferno (1974). 

Fred Astaire: Salary, Net Worth

There is no information about his salary. His net worth was around $10 million as of 2022.

Body Measurements: Height, Weight, Body Size

On talking about his body measurements, Fred had a height of 5 feet 9 inches. Additionally, he weighs 61 Kg.

Fred Astaire’s hair color was brown and his eye was brown.

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Fred Astaire expired in 1987 when there were no social media or any digital forms of communication.

Fred Astaire: Death

Fred Astaire died on June 22, 1987, at the age of 88 in Los Angeles, California, United States. The cause of his death was Pneumonia.

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Reference: (Wikipedia)

Fred Astaire's Birthday Dates