Fred Astaire
Biography
Fred Astaire (May 10, 1899 – June 22, 1987) was an American dancer, singer, actor and choreographer. He is widely regarded as the most influential dancer in the history of film. Born as Frederick Austerlitz in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 10, 1899, to Johanna (Geilus) and Fritz, a brewer, he entered show business at age 5. He was successful in vaudeville and on Broadway as well as in London's West End together with his sister Adele, a partnership that lasted 27 years. After Adele retired to marry in 1932, Astaire headed to Hollywood. Signed to RKO, he was loaned to MGM to appear in Dancing Lady (1933) before starting work on RKO's Flying Down to Rio (1933). In the latter film, he was teamed with Ginger Rogers, with whom he worked in 9 RKO pictures. Astaire later appeared opposite a number of partners, including Cyd Charisse, Rita Hayworth, Vera-Ellen and Barrie Chase. Astaire remained active well into old age, starring in musicals through 1968, and also performed a number of straight dramatic roles in film and TV. Throughout his career, he was also active in recording and radio. He died of pneumonia on June 22, 1987 in Los Angeles.
Personal Details
Also Known As
Movies (45)
Gene Kelly - An American in Hollywood
as Self (archive footage)
2025
Sid & Judy
as Self (archive footage)
2019
La La La
as Various Roles (archive footage)
2018
Fred Astaire donne le 'la'
as Self (archive footage)
2017
Darcey Bussell: Looking for Fred Astaire
as Self (archive footage)
2017
Perspectives: For the Love of Fred Astaire
as (archive footage)
2015
Bing Crosby: Rediscovered
as Self (archive footage)
2014
Sem Título #1: Dance of Leitfossil
as Self (archive footage)
2014
Astaire and Rogers Sing the Great American Songbook
as Self (archive footage)
2010
Hollywood Singing and Dancing: A Musical History - The 1940s: Stars, Stripes and Singing
as (archive footage)
2009
1939: Hollywood's Greatest Year
as Self (archive footage)
2009
Hollywood Singing and Dancing: A Musical History - The 1930s: Dancing Away the Great Depression
as Self (archive footage)
2009
Astaire and Rogers: Partners in Rhythm
as Various / Self (archive footage)
2006
"All -Singing All-Dancing" Before And After
as Archive Footage
2006
Reunited at MGM: Astaire and Rogers Together Again
as Self (archive footage)
2005
Easter Parade: On the Avenue
as Self (Archive Footage)
2005
Get Aboard! 'The Band Wagon'
as Self (archive footage)
2005
Complicated Women
as Self (archive footage)
2003
Cole Porter in Hollywood: Satin and Silk
as Self (archive footage)
2003
Cole Porter in Hollywood: Begin the Beguine
2003
Hollywood Musicals of the 40's
as Self (archive footage)
2000
Doris Day: It's Magic
as Self
1998
A Bing Crosby Christmas
as Self (archive footage)
1998
That's Entertainment! III
as (archive footage)
1994
Audrey Hepburn: Remembered
as Self (archive footage)
1993
The Fred Astaire Songbook
as Self (archive footage)
1991
You're the Top: The Cole Porter Story
as Self (archive footage)
1990
Dance Crazy in Hollywood
as Various Roles (archive footage)
1990
Rain Man
as Self (archived footage)
1988
George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey
as Self
1985
The Purple Rose of Cairo
Thanks (Crew)
1985
That's Dancing!
as Self (archive footage)
1985
Going Hollywood: The '30s
as (archive footage)
1984
Showbiz Goes to War
as (archive footage)
1982
Ghost Story
as Ricky Hawthorne
1981
The Man in the Santa Claus Suit
as Santa Claus
1979
A Family Upside Down
as Ted Long
1978
The Purple Taxi
as Dr. Seamus Scully
1977
The Easter Bunny Is Comin' to Town
as S.D. Kluger (narrator) (voice)
1977
The Amazing Dobermans
as Daniel Hughes
1976
That's Entertainment, Part II
as Self - Co-Host / Narrator
1976
Hooray for Hollywood
as Self (archive footage)
1976
Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?
as Self (archive footage)
1975
The Lion Roars Again
as Self
1975
The Towering Inferno
as Harlee Claiborne
1974
