Fred Astaire
Known For
Acting
Born
1899-05-10 in Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Died
1987-06-22
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.
Most Known For
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
as Self
The Mike Douglas Show
as Self - Guest
The Mike Douglas Show
as Self - Co-Host
What's My Line?
as Self
The Dick Cavett Show
as Self - Guest
Dr. Kildare
as Joe Quinlan
Battlestar Galactica
as Chameleon / Captain Dimitri
The Oscars
as Self
The Steve Allen Show
as Self
The Ed Sullivan Show
as Self
Cinépanorama
as Self
Dinah!
as Self
It Takes a Thief
as Alister Mundy
Rain Man
as Self (archived footage)
The Kennedy Center Honors
as Self
MGM Parade
as actor 'Broadway Melody of 1940' (archive footage) (uncredited)
MGM Parade
as Performer in 'Ziegfeld Follies'
Alcoa Premiere
as Self - Host
Funny Face
as Dick Avery
The Emmy Awards
as Self