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What is Fred Astaire's estate worth?
Astaire was named the 5th Greatest Male Star of All time by the American Film Institute....Fred Astaire Net Worth.Net Worth:$10 MillionHeight:5 ft 8 in (1.75 m)Profession:Actor, Singer, Choreographer, Percussionist, Film Producer, Dancer, Musician3 more rows
Who was Fred Astaire's wife?
Robyn Smithm. 1980–1987Phyllis Potterm. 1933–1954Fred Astaire/Wife
What year did Ginger Rogers die?
April 25, 1995Ginger Rogers / Date of deathGinger Rogers (born Virginia Katherine McMath; July 16, 1911 – April 25, 1995) was an American actress, dancer and singer during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Did Fred Astaire and Judy Garland get along?
He's a gentleman -- and lots of fun to work with." Miller summed up their partnership well: "Judy and Fred got along just great -- because she's a great pro and a fantastic entertainer, and he was, too. And I think that when you put pros together, it's always a happy union, because they like to work and work hard.
Was Michael Jackson inspired by Fred Astaire?
It's no secret that Fred Astaire was a major influence for Michael Jackson. This can easily be seen through the look of Jackson's “Smooth Criminal,” which heavily mirrors a segment of Astaire's 1953 film, The Band Wagon.
What was the cause of Fred Astaire's death?
PneumoniaFred Astaire / Cause of deathLOS ANGELES (AP) _ Fred Astaire, who epitomized Hollywood elegance for 25 years dancing in top hat and tails with Ginger Rogers and other stars, died of pneumonia Monday in his wife's arms. He was 88. Astaire died at Century City Hospital at 4:25 a.m., his wife, Robyn, tearfully told reporters at a news conference.
Was Lucille Ball related to Ginger Rogers?
Ball played a larger part as an aspiring actress alongside Ginger Rogers, who was a distant maternal cousin, and Katharine Hepburn in the film Stage Door (1937).
Who was Fred Astaire's favorite dance partner?
Rita HayworthFred Astaire made two films with Rita Hayworth, and he once said that Rita was his favourite ever dance partner.
How much was Ginger Rogers worth at the time of her death?
Ginger Rogers was an American actress, dancer, singer, and author who had a net worth of $20 million at the time of her death in 1995. Ginger Rogers was known for her collaborations with Fred Astaire in ten Hollywood musical films, such as "The Gay Divorcee" (1934), "Top Hat" (1935), and "Shall We Dance" (1937).
Did Frank Sinatra like Judy Garland?
Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland had a close relationship The pair reignited their affair in 1955 when Garland was ending her marriage to Sid Luft, and Sinatra was with Ava Gardner. Even after the affair ended, the two remained close friends until Garland's death in 1969.
Did Joan Crawford ever dance with Fred Astaire?
Joan Crawford became the first of a long list of distinguished women of the cinema to dance with Fred Astaire.
Did Frank Sinatra pay for Judy Garland?
She briefly resumed her romance with Sinatra, who at the time was also separated from his then-wife Ava Gardner. Garland remained close friends with Sinatra until her untimely death in 1969. She was $4 million in debt when she died and it was Sinatra who reportedly paid for her funeral.
Who was Fred Astaire's love interest in royal wedding?
Jane PowellHere is the One-Sheet movie poster for Royal Wedding (1951) staring Fred Astaire and Jane Powell.
Who was Fred Astaire's favorite lady to dance with?
Rita HayworthIn his autobiography, Fred Astaire mentioned that he considered Rita Hayworth his favorite dancing partner.
Who was Fred Astaire's first partner?
Adele AstaireAdele Astaire Douglass, 83, the sister of Fred Astaire and his first professional dancing partner, died Sunday in a hospital in Scottsdale, Ariz., after a stroke.
Who were Fred Astaire's children?
Fred Astaire Jr.Ava Astaire‑Mc...Fred Astaire/Children
What was Fred Astaire's partner's name?
The end of the partnership was traumatic for Astaire but stimulated him to expand his range. Free of the brother-sister constraints of the former pairing and working with new partner Claire Luce, Fred created a romantic partnered dance to Cole Porter 's " Night and Day ," which had been written for Gay Divorce.
Why did Fred Astaire leave the MGM?
Soon after, Astaire, like the other remaining stars at MGM, was let go from his contract because of the advent of television and the downsizing of film production. In 1954, Astaire was about to start work on a new musical, Daddy Long Legs (1955) with Leslie Caron at 20th Century Fox. Then, his wife Phyllis became ill and suddenly died of lung cancer. Astaire was so bereaved that he wanted to shut down the picture and offered to pay the production costs out of his pocket. However, Johnny Mercer, the film's composer, and Fox studio executives convinced him that work would be the best thing for him. Daddy Long Legs only did moderately well at the box office. His next film for Paramount, Funny Face (1957), teamed him with Audrey Hepburn and Kay Thompson. Despite the sumptuousness of the production and the good reviews from critics, it failed to make back its cost. Similarly, Astaire's next project – his final musical at MGM, Silk Stockings (1957), in which he co-starred with Cyd Charisse, also lost money at the box office.
How did Fred Astaire change dance?
Astaire revolutionized dance on film by having complete autonomy over its presentation. He is credited with two important innovations in early film musicals. First, he insisted that a closely tracking dolly camera film a dance routine in as few shots as possible, typically with just four to eight cuts, while holding the dancers in full view at all times. This gave the illusion of an almost stationary camera filming an entire dance in a single shot. Astaire famously quipped: "Either the camera will dance, or I will." Astaire maintained this policy from The Gay Divorcee in 1934 until his last film musical Finian's Rainbow in 1968, when director Francis Ford Coppola overruled him.
How many movies did Fred Astaire and Rogers make?
Astaire and Rogers made nine films together at RKO. These included The Gay Divorcee (1934), Roberta (1935, in which Astaire also demonstrates his oft-overlooked piano skills with a spirited solo on "I Won't Dance"), Top Hat (1935), Follow the Fleet (1936), Swing Time (1936), Shall We Dance (1937), and Carefree (1938).
What was Fred Astaire's first act?
Their first act was called Juvenile Artists Presenting an Electric Musical Toe-Dancing Novelty. Fred wore a top hat and tails in the first half and a lobster outfit in the second. In an interview, Astaire's daughter, Ava Astaire McKenzie, observed that they often put Fred in a top hat to make him look taller.
What shows did Fred and Adele perform in?
They won popular acclaim with the theater crowd on both sides of the Atlantic in shows such as Jerome Kern 's The Bunch and Judy (1922), George and Ira Gershwin 's Lady, Be Good (1924), and Funny Face (1927) and later in The Band Wagon (1931).
Why was Ginger Rogers so popular with Fred Astaire?
the reason so many women have fantasized about dancing with Fred Astaire is that Ginger Rogers conveyed the impression that dancing with him is the most thrilling experience imaginable .
Who was Fred Astaire?
Fred Astaire, original name Frederick Austerlitz, (born May 10, 1899, Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.—died June 22, 1987, Los Angeles, California), American dancer onstage and in motion pictures who was best known for a number of highly successful musical comedy films in which he starred with Ginger Rogers.
What was Fred Astaire's most famous movie?
The best of Astaire’s films during this period was The Band Wagon (1953), often cited as one of the greatest of film musicals; it featured Astaire’s memorable duet with Cyd Charisse to the song “Dancing in the Dark.”. Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth in You'll Never Get Rich (1941), directed by Sidney Lanfield.
What was Fred Astaire's style of dancing?
Astaire’s immensely popular dancing style appeared relaxed, light, effortless, and largely improvised. In reality, he was a hardworking perfectionist who tirelessly rehearsed routines for hours on end. Working in collaboration with legendary choreographer Hermes Pan for his films with Rogers, Astaire eschewed the then-popular Busby Berkeley approach to filmed musicals and its emphasis on special effects, surreal settings, and chorus girls in ever-changing kaleidoscope patterns. Instead, Astaire revolutionized the movie musical by simplifying it: solo dancers or couples were shot in full-figure, and dances were filmed with a minimum of edits and camera angles. He is regarded as a pioneer in the serious presentation of dance on film.
Who was Ginger Rogers in Flying Down to Rio?
Astaire and Rogers. Also in 1933 Astaire was paired with Ginger Rogers in the RKO Radio Pictures production Flying Down to Rio. They were a sensation, stealing the picture from stars Delores del Rio and Gene Raymond.
Who was Ginger Rogers in Swing Time?
Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire in Swing Time (1936). Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire in The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939), directed by H.C. Potter. Astaire’s immensely popular dancing style appeared relaxed, light, effortless, and largely improvised.
Who was the actress in the Easter Parade?
Judy Garland and Fred Astaire in Easter Parade (1948). (From left) Kay Thompson, Fred Astaire, and Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face (1957). Astaire’s run of classic MGM musicals ended with Silk Stockings (1957), after which his screen appearances were mostly in nondancing character roles.
Who was Astaire's partner in the movie?
After the last RKO Astaire-Rogers film, The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939), Astaire appeared with various other partners, such as Eleanor Powell, Rita Hayworth (whom Astaire cited as his favourite on-screen partner), and Lucille Bremer.
Who is Fred Astaire?
Fred Astaire was an American dancer, singer, actor, choreographer, and television presenter. He was well known for a number of successful musical comedy films in which he starred with Ginger Rogers.
What did Fred and Ginger do?
Whereas, Katharine Hepburn once described what each of them brought their successful partnership: “Fred gave Ginger class, and Ginger gave Fred sex.”. Off-screen, he was known for his relentless pursuit of perfection.
How many times was Fred Astaire married?
Fred Astaire was married twice . At the age of 81, in 1980, he married Robyn Smith. In 1987, he died and was survived by his wife, Robyn. He married Phyllis Potter in 1933. Together, they had two children together, son Fred Astaire Jr. born on January 1, 1936, and daughter, Ava Astaire-McKenzie on born on March 19, 1942.
What awards did Fred Astaire win?
Likewise, he won Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama or Comedy Special for A Family Upside Down (1978), Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Musical Program or Series for Astaire Time (1960), Best Single Performance by an Actor for An Evening with Fred Astaire (1958).
What ethnicity is Astaire?
He had a sibling namely, Adele Astaire. He belonged to American nationality and mix (Ashkenazi Jewish- German) ethnicity. His birth sign was Taurus. Talking about his education, he attended Alvienne School of the Dance, New York; Ned Wayburn Studio of Stage Dancing.
Where was Fred Astaire born?
Fred was born in Omaha, Nebraska, the United States on May 10, 1899, to parents Frederic Austerlitz and Johanna Austerlitz. He had a sibling namely, Adele Astaire. He belonged to American nationality and mix (Ashkenazi Jewish- German) ethnicity. His birth sign was Taurus.
Who was the dancer in the movie That's Entertainment?
Likewise, he also worked with another legendary dancer, Gene Kelly, on the documentary That’s Entertainment, which explored the golden era of the movie musical.
Who did Fred Astaire dance with?
Fred - who was 5'9" - is best known for dancing with Ginger Rogers, but also danced with Gene Kelly,
Has there ever been a film of his life?
Fred Astaire refused to let his own life story become a film - and a clause in his will makes sure that continues in to his death, too.
Who did Fred Astaire marry and did he have any children?
Fred wed twice, first to Phyllis Livingston Potter who had two children with.
What musicals did the Astaires play in?
The Astaires danced their way to Broadway triumphs in the 1920's, starring in 11 musicals, among them ''Funny Face,'' ''Lady, Be Good!'' and ''The Band Wagon,'' their last big hit together in 1931.
How did Fred Astaire die?
Fred Astaire, whose flashing feet and limber legs not only made him America's most popular dancer but also set standards for motion picture musical comedies that have rarely been met and never exceeded, died of pneumonia yesterday at Century City Hospital in Los Angeles. He was 88 years old.
What are the three elements of Astaire's technique?
Astaire's technique has three elements - tap, ballet and ballroom dancing. The ballet training, by his account, was brief but came at a crucial, early age. He has sometimes been classed as a tap dancer, ...
How tall was Fred Astaire?
He was popular and beloved, a thin, sandy-haired man 5 feet 9 inches tall, who fretted and sweated off-camera and offstage to make his dance come across with a spontaneity that few could equal. During a long career in which he went from vaudeville to Broadway to Hollywood and later to triumph in television - his own special, ''An Evening With Fred Astaire,'' won nine Emmy Awards in 1957 - he never failed to delight mass audiences. 'Greatest Dancer in World'
What was the first movie that he made with Joan Crawford?
His first movie was ''Dancing Lady '' (1933), with Joan Crawford and Clark Gable.
Where did the Astaire dance take place?
The Astaire dance story did not start at birth, but was begun not long after that event, which took place in Omaha on May 10, 1899. His name was Frederick Austerlitz, the same as his father's, a brewery worker and an emigrant from Austria who during World War I Anglicized the family name to Astaire.
Where did Fred and Adele first dance?
When Fred was 10, he and Adele -who were to become one of the best-known dance teams in the country -made their first professional appearance, in vaudeville, in a Keyport, N.J., theater where they earned $50 for a split-week date. Brother-Sister Team.
Who Was Fred Astaire?
Fred Astaire is regarded by many as the greatest popular music dancer of all time. Astaire is usually remembered for his pairings with Ginger Rogers, who starred in several films with him, including Swing Time (1936).
What films did Fred Astaire and Rogers appear in?
Astaire and Rogers appeared in several more films together, including The Gay Divorcee (1934) and Top Hat (1935) . The duo became film's most beloved dance team. Their routines featured a hybrid of styles—borrowing elements from tap, ballroom and even ballet. Katharine Hepburn once described what each of them brought their successful partnership: ...
What year did Fred Astaire die?
A few years later, Astaire was hospitalized for pneumonia. He died on June 22, 1987 , in Los Angeles, California. With his passing, Hollywood had lost one of its greatest talents.
What was Fred Astaire's dance style?
Light on his feet, Fred Astaire revolutionized the movie musical with his elegant and seemingly effortless dance style . He may have made dancing look easy, but he was a well-known perfectionist, and his work was the product of endless hours of practice.
When did Fred Astaire and Irene Castle split?
The pair went their separate ways after 1939 's The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle. Years later, they reunited once more for 1949's The Barkleys of Broadway. After the split with Rogers in 1939, Astaire performed with such leading ladies as Rita Hayworth, Cyd Charisse, Judy Garland, Leslie Caron and Audrey Hepburn.
When did Fred Astaire's widow die?
After his death in 1987 , his widow has been a fierce protector of his name and image. She has filed numerous lawsuits to prevent any unauthorized uses of his likeness or name. In 1997, however, she granted permission for film clips of Astaire to be changed and used for a series of vacuum cleaner commercials.
Who called Fred Astaire the ultimate dancer?
With his passing, Hollywood had lost one of its greatest talents. Former actor and president Ronald Reagan, upon learning the news, called Astaire "an American legend" and "the ultimate dancer.". Rogers said Astaire "was the best partner anyone could ever have.".
How much was Fred Astaire worth when he died?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Fred Astaire was worth $10 million when he died. But that hefty stack of cash wasn't the only way his rug cutting paid off. Over the course of his career, he was awarded three Golden Globes, three Primetime Emmys, an Honorary Oscar, an American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement Award, and, of course, ...
What movie did Fred Astaire play in?
In 1933, after suffering the setback of his sister retiring in order to get married, Astaire finally broke into the silver screen with a small role on a movie called "Dancing Lady. ". Then when his dance number with Ginger Rogers stole the show in the film "Flying Down to Rio" that same year, he was on track to becoming a star.
How did Fred Astaire die?
Fred Astaire's career in showbiz spanned almost eight decades. In 1987, the man The New York Times called "the ultimate dancer" died of pneumonia at the age of 88. And all those years of fancy footwork really paid off.
How many awards did Smith get for rug cutting?
But that hefty stack of cash wasn't the only way his rug cutting paid off. Over the course of his career, he was awarded three Golden Globes, three Primetime Emmys, an Honorary Oscar, an American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement Award, and, of course, a shiny star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. After his death, Smith was very active in guarding the intellectual property he left behind. She took legal action several times to stop his image from being used without proper authorization. There was one exception, however, in 1997, when she gave permission for some of his clips to be used for an ad campaign for vacuum cleaners.
When did Fred and Adele start dancing?
He first started dancing as a duo with his older sister Adele. The two made it to Broadway by 1917 , working with famed composer George Gershwin and his lyricist brother Ira. Fred and Adele had a successful career in the 1920s, but Fred could never seem to break into the movies.
Was Fred Astaire well off at the time of his death?
Fred Astaire was quite well off at the time of his death
Who was the first dancer to dance with Ginger Rogers?
He first started dancing as a duo with his older sister Adele.
Overview
Fred Astaire (born Frederick Austerlitz; May 10, 1899 – June 22, 1987) was an American dancer, actor, singer, choreographer, and television presenter. He is widely considered the greatest dancer in film history.
His stage and subsequent film and television careers spanned a total of 76 years. He starred in more than 10 Broadway and West End musicals, made 31 m…
Life and career
Fred 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, in the US: Frederic Austerlitz (1868–1923). Astaire's mother was born in the US to Lutheran German immigrants from East Prussia and Alsace. Astaire's father was born in Linz, Austria to Roman Catholic parents who had converted fr…
Working methods and influence on filmed dance
Astaire was a virtuoso dancer, able when called for to convey light-hearted venturesomeness or deep emotion. His technical control and sense of rhythm were astonishing. Long after the photography for the solo dance number "I Want to Be a Dancin' Man" was completed for the 1952 feature The Belle of New York, it was decided that Astaire's humble costume and the threadbare stage set were inadequate and the entire sequence was reshot. The 1994 documentary That's En…
Influence on popular song
Extremely modest about his singing abilities (he frequently claimed that he could not sing, but the critics rated him as among the finest), Astaire introduced some of the most celebrated songs from the Great American Songbook, in particular, Cole Porter's: "Night and Day" in Gay Divorce (1932); "So Near and Yet So Far" in You'll Never Get Rich (1941); Irving Berlin's "Isn't This a Lovely Day?", "Cheek …
Awards, honors and tributes
• 1938: Invited to place his hand and footprints in cement at Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Hollywood
• 1950: Ginger Rogers presented an Academy Honorary Award to Astaire "for his unique artistry and his contributions to the technique of musical pictures"
Personal life
Always immaculately turned out, he and Cary Grant were called "the best-dressed actor[s] in American movies". Astaire remained a male fashion icon even into his later years, eschewing his trademark top hat, white tie, and tails, which he hated. Instead, he favored a breezy casual style of tailored sport jackets, colored shirts, and slacks—the latter usually held up by the distinctive use of an old tie or silk …
Death
Astaire died of pneumonia on June 22, 1987, at the age of 88. His body was buried at Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Chatsworth, California. One of his last requests was to thank his fans for their years of support.
Stage, film and television work
• Top Hat (1935)
• Swing Time (1936)
• The Band Wagon (1953)
• Dancing Lady (1933) { Joan Crawford }
• Flying Down to Rio* (1933)