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Fred Astaire
Making dance central to Hollywood musicals, especially with Ginger Rogers.
Top Hat · Swing Time
- Born
- 10 May 1899
- Birthplace
- Omaha, Nebraska, United States
- Died
- 22 June 1987
More people
Fred Astaire
Fred Astaire was an American dancer, singer and actor whose apparent ease concealed meticulous preparation. His films used choreography to express flirtation, disagreement and reconciliation.
Early life
Sibling act
Began performing as a child with his sister Adele.
Vaudeville training
The pair developed their act on the touring stage before Broadway.
Career
- 1917–1932
Stage partnership
Performed with Adele in Broadway and London musicals.
- 1930s
Hollywood transition
Moved into films and formed a celebrated partnership with Ginger Rogers.
- 1940s–1980s
Screen and television
Worked with new dance partners and later took dramatic roles.
Selected work
Top Hat
An elegant comedy featuring Cheek to Cheek.
Swing Time
Combines romantic comedy with elaborate dance sequences.
The Band Wagon
A backstage musical about reviving a theatre career.
Beyond work
Family
Married Phyllis Potter in 1933 and later Robyn Smith in 1980.
Outside dance
Enjoyed horse racing and owned racehorses.
Sources & photo credit
Biography ↗Life and work ↗Photo: Studio publicity still. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
