Fred Astaire (1899–1987,) born Frederick Austerlitz, was an American dancer, singer, and actor. One of the world’s most excellent dancers, he is celebrated for starring in several film musicals. He revolutionized the film musical with a succession of original and innovative tap-dance routines.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Astaire began his career teamed with his sister Adele Astaire as a touring vaudeville act (1916,) rising to stardom with her on Broadway in specially written shows like Lady Be Good (1924) and Funny Face (1927.) In 1932, Fred went to Hollywood and continued with various partners, notably actress Ginger Rogers, and choreographer Hermes Pan.
Astaire’s many films include The Gay Divorcee (1934,) Top Hat (1935,) and Swing Time (1936.) He announced his retirement in 1946 but returned to create further classic musicals like Easter Parade (1948) and The Band Wagon (1953.) Astaire then turned to straight acting, winning an Academy Award nomination for The Towering Inferno (1974) and an Emmy for A Family Upside Down (1978.)
Astaire’s autobiography is Steps in Time (1960.) American biographer Bill Adler wrote Fred Astaire: A Wonderful Life (1987.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Fred Astaire
When you’re experimenting you have to try so many things before you choose what you want, and you may go days getting nothing but exhaustion.
—Fred Astaire
Topics: Experiment
Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you’ve got to start young.
—Fred Astaire
Topics: Aging, Age
I just put my feet in the air and move them around.
—Fred Astaire
Topics: Dance
The hardest job kids face today is learning good manners without seeing any.
—Fred Astaire
Topics: Jobs, Character, Manners, Childhood
I am not sending messages with my feet. All I ever wanted was not to come up empty. I did it for the dough and the old applause.
—Fred Astaire
Topics: Goals, Aspirations, Motivation
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