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Fred Astaire

Fred Astaire (May 5, 1899 - June 22, 1987), born Fred Austerlitz, was an American film and Broadway ballroom dancer and actor. He is particularly associated with Ginger Rogers, with whom he made many films.

'Astaire' was a name taken by him and his sister Adele for their vaudeville act when they were about 5 years old. It is said to have come from an uncle surnamed 'L'Astaire'.

Famously, a studio screen test report on Astaire read simply: "Can't sing. Can't act. Slightly balding. Can dance a little." In the opinion of millions of fans of his popular films, Astaire could actually dance quite a bit.

Fred Astaire died in 1987 from pneumonia and was interred in the Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Chatsworth, California.


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Fred Astaire Facts

Birth NameFrederick Austerlitz Jr.
OccupationActor
BirthdayMay 10, 1899
SignTaurus
BirthplaceOmaha, Nebraska, USA
Date of deathJune 22, 1987 (Los Angeles, California, USA, age 88)
Height5' 9" (1m75)  How tall is Fred Astaire compared to you?
Awards1975 Golden Globe Awards: Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Motion Picture (for The Towering Inferno)
1961 Golden Globe Awards: Cecil B. DeMille Award
1951 Golden Globe Awards: Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical (for Three Little Words)

Selected Filmography

TCM Greatest Classic Film Collection: Astaire & Rogers
Musicals Classics 50 Movie Pack Collection
Top Hat
Holiday Inn
Finian's Rainbow
Funny Face
The Over-The-Hill Gang Rides Again
TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection: American Musicals
Classic Movie Musicals: Legends of Stage and Screen
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