May 10th marks the birthday of Frederick Austerlitz, better known to the world as Fred Astaire, and the greatest popular-music dancer.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1899, Astaire’s journey into show business began too early. At just four years old, he formed a vaudeville act with his older sister, Adele. The duo eventually conquered Broadway and London with hits like Funny Face and The Band Wagon. When Adele retired in 1932 to marry, Fred faced a difficult transition period. After his sister’s retirement, Astaire made a screen test. The movie executive wrote, “Can’t act, can’t sing. Balding. Can dance a little.” Still, Astaire got a part in Dancing Lady (1933).
Astaire was paired with Ginger Rogers in Flying Down to Rio. Together, they starred in ten films, including classics like Top Hat (1935) and Swing Time (1936).
Astaire insisted on having his dance scenes shot in full frame so the audience could see every step. He wanted the movement to feel continuous and connected.
Fred briefly retired in 1946, but he returned to movies just two years later. During this time, he made several colorful musicals for MGM, these films are considered some of his finest works. He performed a slow-motion dance with Judy Garland in Easter Parade and danced with “empty shoes” in The Barkleys of Broadway, which was his final film with Ginger Rogers.
In the 1951 MGM musical Royal Wedding, Fred Astaire delivers two of his most iconic performances, a gravity-defying “ceiling dance” in the song You’re All the World to Me and a duet with a hat rack. These scenes, especially the revolving room set, remain masterpieces of classic Hollywood choreography.
Astaire’s career spanned over 35 years and included partnerships with other greats like Rita Hayworth, Judy Garland, and Cyd Charisse. In 1947, he co-founded the Fred Astaire Dance Studios, wanting to make high-quality ballroom instruction available to everyone. He believed that anyone could experience the joy and discipline of dance.
Even in his later years, Astaire was devoted to his passion, earning an Oscar nomination for his role in The Towering Inferno and winning multiple Emmys for his television specials. When he passed away in 1987, fellow legend Mikhail Baryshnikov noted, “No dancer can watch Fred Astaire and not know that we all should have been in another business.”
Happy heavenly birthday, Fred!
Ask us! What questions do you have about content, strategy, pop culture, lifestyle, wellness, history or more? We may use your question in an upcoming article!
Like MediaFeed’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was syndicated by MediaFeed.co
