Fred Astaire

NAME: Fred Astaire

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Fred Astaire was famous for his exceptional talent as a dancer, singer, and actor. He revolutionized the world of dance on stage and screen with his innovative choreography, impeccable sense of rhythm, and effortless style.

BIRTH: Fred Astaire was born on May 10, 1899, in Omaha, Nebraska, United States.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Astaire was born as Frederick Austerlitz Jr. His father, Frederick Austerlitz Sr., was an Austrian immigrant who worked as a brewer, and his mother, Johanna "Ann" Geilus, was of German descent.

CHILDHOOD: Fred Astaire began dancing at four, encouraged by his older sister Adele. By the time he was in short pants, he and his sister Adele were a vaudeville act with a name that could curdle milk: "Juvenile Artists Presenting an Electric Musical Toe-Dancing Novelty." 

EDUCATION: Astaire received formal education in Omaha, but his true education in the performing arts came from his experiences on stage with his sister Adele.

CAREER RECORD: Adele eventually waltzed off into married life, leaving Astaire to strike out on his own. Hollywood, in all its wisdom, decided this impeccably graceful fellow couldn't sing, couldn't act, and was "slightly balding." Can you imagine? Thankfully, that particular studio rejector is lost to the mists of time, while Astaire became synonymous with movie musicals.

Fred Astaire's career spanned over seven decades, during which he starred in numerous Broadway musicals and Hollywood films. 

Stage: Starred in over 10 Broadway and West End musicals, achieving fame with Funny Face and The Band Wagon.

Film: Made 31 musical films, most notably with Ginger Rogers in classics like Top Hat, Swing Time, and Shall We Dance.

Television: Appeared in four television specials showcasing his talents.

APPEARANCE: Fred Astaire was known for his elegant and refined appearance, often seen in tailored suits and bow ties. He was 5 foot 7 and wore 2-inch heels to heighten him to 5 foot 9. 

Studio publicity portrait for film You'll Never Get Rich (1941).

He had very large hands, which Astaire disguised by curling his middle two fingers while dancing.

FASHION: Onstage and in film, Astaire was synonymous with impeccable tailoring, favoring top hats, tails, and elegant suits that accentuated his movement. He was considered a fashion icon of his time, influencing men's fashion with his sophisticated style and attention to detail.

There's a delightful rumor that Astaire wore a necktie as a belt, a debonair affectation he supposedly picked up from his friend Douglas Fairbanks. The truth, which is somehow less amusing, is that he borrowed the idea. Still, it goes to show the man had style, 

Astaire wasn't a big fan of going bald, so he sported a toupee whenever he wasn't sporting a hat, which explains his rather enthusiastic millinery collection in his films.

CHARACTER: Astaire was known for his professionalism, dedication, and perfectionism in his craft. He was described as kind, charming, and hardworking by those who knew him.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Astaire had a dry wit and subtle humor often employing irony and playful barbs in his interactions.

RELATIONSHIPS: Astaire was married twice, first to New York socialite Phyllis Potter in 1933. She died tragically young from lung cancer in 1954 leaving him devastated. They had two children together.

He later found love again with a jockey named Robyn Smith, a woman some four and a half decades his junior. They met at the track, and Astaire was 81 when they married on June 24, 1980. She became his rock and a fierce protector of his legacy after his death in 1987.

MONEY AND FAME: Astaire achieved great wealth and fame throughout his career, becoming one of the most celebrated entertainers of the 20th century. He managed his money well and lived a comfortable life.  He was also very humble despite his fame.

Fred Astaire's legs were insured for one million dollars.

FOOD AND DRINK: Astaire enjoyed fine dining and was known to appreciate a good cocktail.

Astaire's signature "drunk" dance in Holiday Inn wasn't entirely an act. He supposedly fortified himself with a bourbon or two before each take, and by the seventh and final attempt, well, let's just say he was feeling the music – literally.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Astaire's performances were often accompanied by iconic musical scores, and he had a deep appreciation for various forms of art.

His big break came in 1932 with Ginger Rogers in Flying Down to Rio. The two of them set the screen ablaze, not just with their sizzling dance routines, but with their undeniable chemistry. They went on to make nine films together, a cinematic partnership that practically rewrote the rulebook on romantic musicals. 

Astaire even got to show off his under-appreciated piano skills in Roberta, tickling the ivories with a solo on "I Won't Dance." Turns out the man could do it all (except, apparently, sing according to Hollywood).

LITERATURE: Astaire was known to enjoy reading, although specifics about his literary preferences are not extensively documented.

NATURE: While not a central theme in his life, Astaire did enjoy spending time outdoors, particularly with his horses.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Astaire was a passionate golfer and enjoyed horse racing.  In 1946 his horse Triplicate won the prestigious Hollywood Gold Cup and San Juan Capistrano Handicap. His dedication to dance could also be considered a lifelong hobby.

Astaire took up skateboarding in his seventies (and promptly broke his wrist), proving you're never too old to learn a new trick (or break a bone).  

SCIENCE AND MATHS: While Astaire's career focused primarily on the arts, he had a keen intellect and likely appreciated the complexities of science and mathematics.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Astaire's personal beliefs and philosophies are not extensively documented, but he was known to have a deep sense of spirituality. According to reliable sources, Fred Astaire did convert to Episcopalianism in 1912.

SCANDAL: Astaire managed to maintain a relatively scandal-free public image throughout his life, focusing instead on his work and personal relationships.

MILITARY RECORD: Astaire served briefly in World War I, entertaining troops as part of the U.S. Army's entertainment division.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Astaire maintained remarkable physical fitness throughout his life, owing to his rigorous dance training and active lifestyle. He was known for his stamina and agility.

HOMES: Astaire owned several homes throughout his life, including properties in California and Switzerland.

TRAVEL: Astaire traveled extensively for his career, performing in theaters and studios around the world.

In 1926, while in Britain, Astaire treated himself to his first Rolls-Royce boasting 20 horsepower and a top speed of nearly 60mph (97 km per hour). He loved the car so much, e took it back to Hollywood. There it had new "Playboy Roadster" coachwork built to give it the American millionaire look, before it was sold. 

DEATH: Fred Astaire passed away on June 22, 1987, at the age of 88, in Los Angeles, California, United States. He is interred at Oakwood Memorial Park, Chatsworth, California, USA, the same cemetery where long-time dancing partner, Ginger Rogers, is located.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: There has never been a movie about Fred Astaire and there never will be. Astaire's will included a clause requesting that no such portrayal ever take place.

In 1975, a television movie titled The Amazing Dobermans featured characters loosely based on Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Additionally, there have been documentaries that have portrayed aspects of Astaire's life, though none may have been comprehensive biopics specifically focusing on him.

Robyn Smith wrote a book about their marriage, titled Fred Astaire: A Remembrance.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Fred Astaire received numerous accolades throughout his career, including multiple Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and Grammy Awards. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest entertainers of all time and has left an indelible mark on the world of dance and film.