Īstaire's father, Fritz Austerlitz, arrived in New York City at the age of 25 on October 26, 1893, at Ellis Island. Astaire's father was born in Linz in Upper Austria, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, to Catholic parents who had converted from Judaism. Astaire's mother was born in the US to Lutheran German immigrants from East Prussia and Alsace. Life and career 1899–1916: Early life and career Fred and his sister Adele in 1906įred Astaire was born Frederick Austerlitz on May 10, 1899, in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Johanna 'Ann' (née Geilus 1878–1975) and Friedrich 'Fritz' Emanuel Austerlitz (1868–1923), known in the US as Frederic Austerlitz.

The American Film Institute named Astaire the fifth-greatest male star of Classic Hollywood cinema in 100 Years. Astaire's fame grew in films like Holiday Inn (1942), Easter Parade (1948), The Band Wagon (1953), Funny Face (1957), and Silk Stockings (1957). Astaire's most memorable dancing partnership was with Ginger Rogers, whom he co-starred with in 10 Hollywood musicals during the classic age of Hollywood cinema, including Top Hat (1935), Swing Time (1936), and Shall We Dance (1937).

As a dancer, he was known for his uncanny sense of rhythm, creativity, and tireless perfectionism. He starred in more than 10 Broadway and West End musicals, made 31 musical films, four television specials, and numerous recordings. He was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1972, and the Television Hall of Fame in 1989.Īstaire's career in stage, film, and television spanned 76 years. He was honored with the Film Society of Lincoln Center tribute in 1973, the Kennedy Center Honors in 1978, and AFI Life Achievement Award in 1980. He received numerous accolades including an Honorary Academy Award, three Primetime Emmy Awards, a BAFTA Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Grammy Award.

He is widely regarded as the 'greatest popular-music dancer of all time'. Fred Astaire (born Frederick Austerlitz May 10, 1899 – June 22, 1987) was an American dancer, actor, singer, choreographer and presenter.

Rhythm heaven tap girl x male reader