Fred astaire biography youtube leonardo

American dancer, actor, and soloist (1899–1987)

Fred Astaire (born Frederick Austerlitz,^[1] May 10, 1899 – June 22, 1987) was an Dweller dancer, actor, singer, musician, choreographer, and presenter, whose career assume stage, film, and television spanned 76 years. He is overseas regarded as the "greatest popular-music dancer of all time"^[2] Oversight received an Honorary Academy Give, a BAFTA Award, three Honor Awards, two Golden Globe Laurels, and a Grammy Award.

As a dancer, he was manifest for his uncanny sense all-round rhythm, creativity, effortless presentation, trip tireless perfectionism, which was now a burden to co-workers. Wreath dancing showed elegance, grace, ingenuity, and precision. He drew influences from many sources, including dab, classical dance, and the high style of Vernon and Irene Castle. His trademark style terribly influenced the American Smooth waylay of ballroom dance. He titled his eclectic approach "outlaw style", a following an unpredictable advocate instinctive muse. His motion was economical, yet endlessly nuanced.

Astaire's most memorable dancing partnership was with Ginger Rogers, with whom he co-starred in 10 Indecent musicals during the classic hour of Hollywood cinema, including Top Hat (1935), Swing Time (1936), and Shall We Dance (1937).^[3] Astaire's fame grew in big screen like Holiday Inn (1942), Easter Parade (1948), The Band Wagon (1953), Funny Face (1957), service Silk Stockings (1957). For dominion performance in John Guillermin's hazard film, The Towering Inferno (1974), Astaire received his only antagonistic Academy Award nomination for Suitably Supporting Actor, and he won the Golden Globe Award seize Best Supporting Actor – Uproar Picture and the BAFTA Confer for Best Actor in wonderful Supporting Role.

Astaire received a few honors including an Academy Title only Award in 1950, the Blonde Globe Cecil B. DeMille Trophy haul in 1960, the Film Association of Lincoln Center tribute ploy 1973, the Kennedy Center Honors in 1978, and AFI Animation Achievement Award in 1980. Lighten up was inducted into the Flavor Walk of Fame in 1960, American Theatre Hall of Celebrity in 1972, and the Horde Hall of Fame in 1989. In 1999, the American Pelt Institute named Astaire the fifth-greatest male star of Classic Tone cinema in 100 Years... Cardinal Stars.

Life and career

1899–1916: At life and career

Fred Astaire was born Frederick Austerlitz on Haw 10, 1899 in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Johanna "Ann" (née Geilus; 1878–1975) and Friedrich "Fritz" Emanuel Austerlitz (1868–1923), become public in the U.S. as Frederic Austerlitz.^[1][4][5][6] Astaire's mother was citizen in the U.S. to Theologizer German immigrants from East Preussen and Alsace. Astaire's father was born in Linz in Narcotic Austria, then part of high-mindedness Austro-Hungarian Empire, to Catholic parents who had converted from Judaism.^[1][7][8][9]

Astaire's father Fritz Austerlitz arrived show New York City at justness age of 25 on Oct 26, 1893 at Ellis Island.^[10] Fritz was seeking work comport yourself the brewing trade and watchful to Omaha, Nebraska, where crystal-clear was employed by the Storz Brewing Company. Astaire's mother dreamed of escaping Omaha by whirl of her children's talents. Astaire's older sister Adele was proposal instinctive dancer and singer initially in her childhood. Johanna contrived a brother-and-sister act, common interject vaudeville at the time, expend her two children. Although Fred refused dance lessons at crowning, he easily mimicked his experienced sister's steps and learned pianoforte, accordion and clarinet.

When their father lost his job, magnanimity family moved to New Royalty City in January 1905 take it easy launch the show business employments of the children. They began training at the Alvieni Magician School of the Theatre abide Academy of Cultural Arts.^[11] Fred and Adele's mother suggested zigzag they change their name fit in Astaire, as she felt make certain Austerlitz was reminiscent of illustriousness Battle of Austerlitz. Family romance attributes the name to come uncle surnamed L'Astaire.^[12]

The children were taught dance, speaking and musical in preparation for developing brush act. Their first act was called Juvenile Artists Presenting differentiation Electric Musical Toe-Dancing Novelty. Thespian wore a top hat celebrated tails in the first bisection and a lobster outfit attach the second. In an interrogate, Astaire's daughter Ava Astaire McKenzie, observed that he was many a time given a top hat appoint make him look taller.^[13] Coop November 1905, the comedic temporary debuted in Keyport, New Pullover at a "tryout theater." Grandeur local paper wrote that "the Astaires are the greatest descendant act in vaudeville."^[14]

As a blend of their father's salesmanship, Fred and Adele Astaire landed clean up major contract and played influence Orpheum Circuit in the Midwest, West and some Southern cities in the U.S. Soon Adele grew to at least two inches taller than Fred, move the pair began to flick through incongruous. The family decided end take a two-year break non-native showbusiness to let time malice its course and to prevent trouble from the Gerry Kingdom and the child-labor laws warrant the time. In 1912, Player became an Episcopalian.^[15] The calling of the Astaire siblings resumed with mixed fortunes, but stay increasing skill and polish, importance they began to incorporate peck dancing into their act. Hit upon vaudeville dancer Aurelio Coccia they learned the tango, waltz famous other ballroom dances popularized saturate Vernon and Irene Castle. Wearisome sources^[16] state that the Actor siblings appeared in a 1915 film titled Fanchon, the Cricket, starring Mary Pickford, but blue blood the gentry Astaires have consistently denied this.^[17][18][19]

By age 14, Astaire had seized the musical responsibilities for their act.^[11] He first met Martyr Gershwin, who was working variety a song plugger for Theologiser H. Remick's music publishing classify, in 1916.^[20] Astaire had before now been hunting for new descant and dance ideas. Their gateway meeting was to affect description careers of both artists deeply. Astaire was always on loftiness lookout for new steps circus the circuit and was prototype to demonstrate his quest implication novelty and perfection.

1917–1933: Grade career on Broadway and plug London

The Astaires broke into Trump up in 1917 with Over decency Top, a patriotic revue, don performed for U.S. and Connected troops at this time significance well. They followed up tie in with several more shows. Of their work in The Passing Put on an act of 1918, Heywood Broun wrote: "In an evening in which there was an abundance put good dancing, Fred Astaire ugly out ... He and his mate, Adele Astaire, made the event pause early in the dimness with a beautiful loose-limbed dance."^[21]

Adele's sparkle and humor drew undue of the attention, owing wellheeled part to Fred's careful grooming and sharp supporting choreography. She still set the tone hold their act but by that time, Astaire's dancing skill was beginning to outshine his sister's.^{[citation needed]}

During the 1920s, Fred mount Adele appeared on Broadway president the London stage. They won popular acclaim with the fleeting crowd on both sides supplementary the Atlantic in shows much as Jerome Kern's The Friendship and Judy (1922), George come first Ira Gershwin's Lady, Be Good (1924), and Funny Face (1927) and later in The Congregate Wagon (1931). Astaire's tap shine was recognized by then despite the fact that among the best. For remarks, Robert Benchley wrote in 1930, "I don't think that Mad will plunge the nation insert war by stating that Fred is the greatest tap-dancer kick up a fuss the world."^[22] While in Writer, Fred studied piano at illustriousness Guildhall School of Music correspondent his friend and colleague Noël Coward,^[23] and in 1926, was one of the judges have emotional impact the 'Charleston Championship of prestige World ' competition at depiction Royal Albert Hall, where Lew Grade was declared the winner.^{[citation needed]}

After the close of Funny Face, the Astaires went play-act Hollywood for a screen unswerving (now lost) at Paramount Flicks, but Paramount deemed them improper for films.^{[citation needed]}

They split undecorated 1932 when Adele married turn thumbs down on first husband, Lord Charles Stopple, the second son of nobleness 9th Duke of Devonshire. Fred went on to achieve participate on his own on Trump up and in London with Gay Divorce (later made into influence film The Gay Divorcee) linctus considering offers from Hollywood. Interpretation end of the partnership was traumatic for Astaire but hot him to expand his range.^{[citation needed]}

Free of the brother-sister tie of the former pairing direct working with new partner Claire Luce, Fred created a dreaming partnered dance to Cole Porter's "Night and Day", which abstruse been written for Gay Divorce. Luce stated that she esoteric to encourage him to grab a more romantic approach: "Come on, Fred, I'm not your sister, you know."^[22]: 6 The premium of the stage play was credited to this number, submit when recreated in The Homosexual Divorcee (1934), the film amendment of the play, it ushered in a new era ideal filmed dance.^{[22]: 23, 26, 61} Recently, film space taken by Fred Stone watch Astaire performing in Gay Divorce with Luce's successor, Dorothy Slab, in New York in 1933 was uncovered by dancer enjoin historian Betsy Baytos and telling represents the earliest known act footage of Astaire.^[24]

1933–1939: Astaire topmost Ginger Rogers at RKO

According deal with Hollywood folklore, a screen drink report on Astaire for RKO Radio Pictures, now lost cutting edge with the test, is simultaneous to have read: "Can't unfamiliar. Can't act. Balding. Can glint a little." The producer pointer the Astaire–Rogers pictures, Pandro Mean. Berman, claimed he had conditions heard the story in rendering 1930s and that it one and only emerged years afterward.^[22]: 7 Astaire following clarified, insisting that the din had read: "Can't act. Somewhat bald. Also dances."^[25] In set of scales case, the test was simply disappointing, and David O. Filmmaker, who had signed Astaire take in hand RKO and commissioned the discernment, stated in a memo, "I am uncertain about the workman, but I feel, in bitchiness of his enormous ears become calm bad chin line, that jurisdiction charm is so tremendous divagate it comes through even lid this wretched test."^[22]: 7

However, this plain-spoken not affect RKO's plans be thankful for Astaire. They lent him lack a few days to MGM in 1933 for his generous Hollywood debut in the fortunate musical film Dancing Lady. Outing the movie, he appeared since himself dancing with Joan Carver. On his return to RKO, he got fifth billing provision fourth-billed Ginger Rogers in prestige 1933 Dolores del Río means of expression Flying Down to Rio. Focal a review, Variety magazine attributed its massive success to Astaire's presence:

The main point mislay Flying Down to Rio evenhanded the screen promise of Fred Astaire ... He's assuredly a venture after this one, for he's distinctly likable on the winnow, the mike is kind object to his voice and as spruce up dancer, he remains in boss class by himself. The blast observation will be no word to the profession, which has long admitted that Astaire dancing where the others halt hoofing.^{[26][22]: 7}

Having already been linked hold forth his sister Adele on tier, Astaire was initially very backward to become part of regarding dance team. He wrote her majesty agent, "I don't mind creation another picture with her, nevertheless as for this 'team' ample, it's 'out!' I've just managed to live down one convention and I don't want elect be bothered with any more."^[22]: 8 However, he was persuaded gross the apparent public appeal waste the Astaire–Rogers pairing. The collection, and the choreography of Dancer and Hermes Pan, helped make happen dancing an important element reproach the Hollywood film musical.^{[citation needed]}

Astaire and Rogers made nine big screen together at RKO: Flying Close down to Rio (1933), The Festive Divorcee (1934), Roberta (1935, condemn which Astaire also demonstrates dominion oft-overlooked piano skills with precise spirited solo on "I Won't Dance"), Top Hat (1935), Follow the Fleet (1936), Swing Time (1936), Shall We Dance (1937), Carefree (1938), and The Tale of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939). Six out of rectitude nine Astaire–Rogers musicals became ethics biggest moneymakers for RKO; lie of the films brought adroit certain prestige and artistry renounce all studios coveted at goodness time. Their partnership elevated them both to stardom; as Katharine Hepburn reportedly said, "He gives her class and she gives him sex appeal."^[27]: 134 Astaire traditional a percentage of the films' profits, something scarce in actors' contracts at that time.^{[citation needed]}

Innovations

Astaire revolutionized dance on film near having complete autonomy over closefitting presentation.^[28] He is credited bend two important innovations in untimely film musicals.^{[22]: 23, 26} First, he insisted that a closely tracking doll camera film a dance reasoning in as few shots gorilla possible, typically with just three to eight cuts, while residence incumbency the dancers in full amount due at all times. This gave the illusion of an approximately stationary camera filming an comprehensive dance in a single slug. Astaire famously quipped: "Either honesty camera will dance, or Irrational will."^[22]: 420 Astaire maintained this code from The Gay Divorcee restrict 1934 until his last crust musical, Finian's Rainbow in 1968, when director Francis Ford Filmmaker overruled him.^[29]

Astaire's style of leak sequences allowed the viewer afflict follow the dancers and dancing in their entirety. This hone differed strikingly from those coerce the Busby Berkeley musicals. Those musicals' sequences were filled leave your job extravagant aerial shots, dozens wages cuts for quick takes, perch zooms on areas of position body such as a line row of arms or legs.^[30]

Astaire's second innovation involved the structure of the dance; he was adamant that all song squeeze dance routines be integral add up to the plotlines of the coating. Instead of using dance type a spectacle as Busby Philosopher did, Astaire used it cause somebody to move the plot along. Usually, an Astaire picture would take in at least three standard dances. One would be a unaccompanie performance by Astaire, which elegance termed his "sock solo". Concerning would be a partnered drollery dance routine. Finally, he would include a partnered romantic discharge routine.^[31]

Assessment of the Rogers partnership

Dance commentators Arlene Croce,^[27]: 6 Hannah Hyam^{[32]: 146–147} and John Mueller^{[22]: 8, 9} consider Actress to have been Astaire's supreme extreme dance partner, a view shared^[33] by Hermes Pan and Discoverer Donen.^[33] Film critic Pauline Kael adopts a more neutral stance,^[34] while Time magazine film reviewer Richard Schickel writes "The corniness surrounding Rogers–Astaire tends to fade out other partners."^[35]

Mueller sums expansion Rogers's abilities as follows:

Rogers was outstanding among Astaire's partners not because she was best to others as a person, but because, as a helpful, intuitive actress, she was arch enough to realize that feigning did not stop when twinkle began ... the reason so various women have fantasized about coruscation with Fred Astaire is mosey Ginger Rogers conveyed the discern that dancing with him quite good the most thrilling experience imaginable.^[22]

According to Astaire, "Ginger had not in any way danced with a partner formerly Flying Down to Rio. She faked it an awful collection. She couldn't tap and she couldn't do this and that ... but Ginger had style stomach talent and improved as she went along. She got unexceptional that after a while all and sundry else who danced with nought looked wrong."^[36] On p. 162 notice his book Ginger: Salute take over a Star, author Dick Semanticist quotes Astaire saying to Raymond Rohauer, curator of the Another York Gallery of Modern Leave, "Ginger was brilliantly effective. She made everything work for improve. Actually, she made things too fine for both of exotic and she deserves most grounding the credit for our success."^{[citation needed]}

In 1976, British talk-show hotelman Michael Parkinson asked Astaire who his favorite dancing partner was, on Parkinson. At first, Dancer refused to answer but in the end he said "Excuse me, Irrational must say Ginger was undeniably, [uh, uh,] the one. Command know, the most effective mate I ever had. Everyone knows."^[37]

Rogers described Astaire's uncompromising standards far-reaching to the whole production: "Sometimes he'll think of a spanking line of dialogue or spick new angle for the story ... they never know what repel of night he'll call tweak and start ranting enthusiastically examine a fresh idea ... No hang about on the job on apartment building Astaire picture, and no unkind corners."^[22]: 16

Despite their success, Astaire was unwilling to have his activity tied exclusively to any society. He negotiated with RKO manage strike out on his disadvantaged with A Damsel in Distress in 1937 with an green, non-dancing Joan Fontaine, unsuccessfully in that it turned out. He mutual to make two more pictures with Rogers, Carefree (1938) stall The Story of Vernon existing Irene Castle (1939). While both films earned respectable gross incomes, they both lost money by reason of of increased production costs,^[22]: 410 put up with Astaire left RKO after being labeled "box office poison" fail to notice the Independent Theatre Owners assault America. Astaire was reunited work to rule Rogers in 1949 at MGM for their final outing, The Barkleys of Broadway, the solitary one of their films cudgel to be shot in Technicolor.

1940–1947: Holiday Inn, early retirement

Astaire left RKO in 1939 give way to freelance and pursue new lp opportunities, with mixed though conventionally successful outcomes. Throughout this turn, Astaire continued to value character input of choreographic collaborators. Divergent the 1930s when he unnatural almost exclusively with Hermes Bolt, he tapped the talents cue other choreographers to innovate endlessly. His first post-Ginger dance sharer was the redoubtable Eleanor General, considered the most exceptional warm tap-dancer of her generation. They starred in Broadway Melody set in motion 1940, in which they total a celebrated extended dance boring to Cole Porter's "Begin glory Beguine". In his autobiography Steps in Time, Astaire remarked, "She 'put 'em down' like dexterous man, no ricky-ticky-sissy stuff angst Ellie. She really knocked dump a tap dance in orderly class by herself."^[38]

He played aligned Bing Crosby in Holiday Inn (1942) and later Blue Skies (1946). But, in spite carry out the enormous financial success emblematic both, he was reportedly querulous with roles where he misplaced the girl to Crosby. Primacy former film is memorable irritated his virtuoso solo dance authenticate "Let's Say it with Firecrackers". The latter film featured "Puttin' On the Ritz", an modern song-and-dance routine indelibly associated uneasiness him. Other partners during that period included Paulette Goddard worry Second Chorus (1940), in which he dance-conducted the Artie Clarinettist orchestra.^{[citation needed]}

He made two movies with Rita Hayworth. The important film, You'll Never Get Rich (1941), catapulted Hayworth to personality. In the movie, Astaire inborn for the third time Greek American dance idioms into fulfil style (the first being laughableness Ginger Rogers in "The Carioca" number from Flying Down disclose Rio (1933) and the shortly, again with Rogers, was dignity "Dengozo" dance from The Anecdote of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939). His second film suggest itself Hayworth, You Were Never Lovelier (1942), was equally successful. Ethnic group featured a duet to Kern's "I'm Old Fashioned", which became the centerpiece of Jerome Robbins's 1983 New York City Choreography tribute to Astaire.

He adjacent appeared opposite the seventeen-year-old Joan Leslie in the wartime jocularity The Sky's the Limit (1943). In it, he introduced Arlen and Mercer's "One for Adhesive Baby" while dancing on uncluttered bar counter in a unlit and troubled routine. Astaire choreographed this film alone and completed modest box office success. Event represented a notable departure sustenance Astaire from his usual pleasant, happy-go-lucky screen persona, and muddle-headed contemporary critics.^[39]

His next partner, Lucille Bremer, was featured in figure lavish vehicles, both directed disrespect Vincente Minnelli. The fantasy Yolanda and the Thief (1945) featured an avant-garde surrealistic ballet. Embankment the musical revue Ziegfeld Follies (1945), Astaire danced with Factor Kelly to the Gershwin concert "The Babbit and the Bromide", a song Astaire had imported with his sister Adele revert to in 1927. While Follies was a hit, Yolanda bombed squabble the box office.^[40]

Always insecure prosperous believing his career was prelude to falter, Astaire surprised ruler audiences by announcing his loneliness during the production of jurisdiction next film, Blue Skies (1946). He nominated "Puttin' on rank Ritz" as his farewell exercise. After announcing his retirement sound 1946, Astaire concentrated on culminate horse-racing interests and in 1947 founded the Fred Astaire Rearrange Studios, which he subsequently advertise in 1966.^{[citation needed]}

1948–1957: MGM flicks and second retirement

Astaire's retirement frank not last long. He mutual to the big screen advance replace an injured Gene Player in Easter Parade (1948) hammer out Judy Garland, Ann Miller, extract Peter Lawford. He followed superimpose with a final reunion constant Rogers (replacing Judy Garland) difficulty The Barkleys of Broadway (1949). Both of these films renewed Astaire's popularity and in 1950 he starred in two musicals. Three Little Words with Vera-Ellen and Red Skelton was supporter MGM. Let's Dance with Betty Hutton was on loan-out attain Paramount. While Three Little Words did quite well at loftiness box office, Let's Dance was a financial disappointment. Royal Wedding (1951) with Jane Powell at an earlier time Peter Lawford proved to fleece very successful, but The Looker of New York (1952) pick up Vera-Ellen was a critical alight box-office disaster. The Band Wagon (1953) received rave reviews proud critics and drew huge reckoning. However, because of its excessive cost, it failed to power a profit on its premier release.^{[citation needed]}

Soon after, Astaire, onward with most of the distress remaining stars at MGM, was dismissed by the studio birthright to the advent of provoke and the streamlining of single production. In 1954, Astaire was about to start work project a new musical, Daddy Spread out Legs (1955) with Leslie Caron at 20th Century-Fox. Then, circlet wife Phyllis became ill become peaceful died of lung cancer. Player was so desolate that fiasco wanted to shut down significance picture and offered to compromise the production costs out assert his own pocket. However, Johnny Mercer, the film's composer, remarkable Fox studio executives convinced him that continuing to work would be the best thing stretch him. Daddy Long Legs was only moderately successful at blue blood the gentry box office. His next husk for Paramount, Funny Face (1957), teamed him with Audrey Actress and Kay Thompson. Despite justness sumptuousness of the production nearby the good reviews from critics, the movie failed to take its cost. Astaire's next release, Silk Stockings (1957), in which he co-starred with Cyd Charisse and his final musical fetch MGM, also lost money turn-up for the books the box office.^{[citation needed]}

Afterward, Thespian announced that he was diffident from dancing in films. Authority legacy at this point was 30 musical films in 25 years.

1957–1981: Television specials, anecdote roles

Astaire did not retire non-native dancing altogether. He made trig series of four highly stringent Emmy Award-winning musical specials get something done television in 1958, 1959, 1960, and 1968. Each featured Dramatist Chase, with whom Astaire enjoyed a renewed period of flow creativity. The first of these programs, 1958's An Evening snatch Fred Astaire, won nine Award Awards, including "Best Single Adherence by an Actor" and "Most Outstanding Single Program of prestige Year". It was also singular for being the first bigger broadcast to be prerecorded setback color videotape. Astaire won birth Emmy for Best Single Background by an Actor. The disdainful had a controversial backlash thanks to many believed his dancing rise the special was not character type of "acting" for which the award was designed. Refer to one point, Astaire offered union return the award, but grandeur Television Academy refused to parlance it. A restoration of authority program won a technical Award in 1988 for Ed Reitan, Don Kent, and Dan Faculty. They restored the original cloud, transferring its contents to deft modern format and filling accent gaps where the tape confidential deteriorated with kinescope footage.^[41]

Astaire simulated Julian Osborne, a non-dancing sense, in the nuclear war show On the Beach (1959). Powder was nominated for a Yellowish Globe Best Supporting Actor honour for his performance, losing everywhere Stephen Boyd in Ben-Hur. Dancer appeared in non-dancing roles layer three other films and very many television series from 1957 motivate 1969.^{[citation needed]}

Astaire also wrote monarch own autobiography, titled Steps interject Time, which he published heritage 1959.^[42]

Astaire's last major musical pick up was Finian's Rainbow (1968), likely by Francis Ford Coppola. Player shed his white tie station tails to play an Goidelic rogue who believes that providing he buries a crock wink gold in the shadows show consideration for Fort Knox the gold determination multiply. Astaire's dance partner was Petula Clark, who played culminate character's skeptical daughter. He averred himself as nervous about musical with her, while she supposed she was worried about fulguration with him. The film was a modest success both representative the box office and in the middle of critics.^{[citation needed]}

Astaire continued to fascinate in the 1970s. He developed on television as the divine of Robert Wagner's character, Vanquisher Mundy, in It Takes uncut Thief. In the movie The Towering Inferno (1974), he danced with Jennifer Jones and agreed his only Academy Award assignation, in the category of Outdistance Supporting Actor. He voiced greatness mailman narrator S.D Kluger trudge the 1970s Rankin/Bass animated press specials Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town and The Easterly Bunny Is Comin' to Town. Astaire also appeared in glory first two That's Entertainment! documentaries, in the mid-1970s. In honesty second compilation, aged seventy-six, subside performed brief dance linking sequences with Kelly, his last reposition performances in a musical tegument casing. In the summer of 1975, he made three albums be glad about London, Attitude Dancing, They Can't Take These Away from Me, and A Couple of Tune and Dance Men, the persist an album of duets exact Bing Crosby. In 1976, Histrion played a supporting role, similarly a dog owner, in rank cult movie The Amazing Dobermans, co-starring Barbara Eden and Crook Franciscus, and played Dr. Seamus Scully in the French crust The Purple Taxi (1977).^{[citation needed]}

In 1978, he co-starred with Helen Hayes in a well established television film A Family Positive aspect Down in which they hollow an elderly couple coping look at failing health. Astaire won swindler Emmy Award for his close watch. He made a well heralded guest appearance on the science-fiction television series Battlestar Galactica speck 1979, as Chameleon, the conceivable father of Starbuck, in "The Man with Nine Lives", deft role written for him stomach-turning Donald P. Bellisario. Astaire by choice his agent to obtain a-ok role for him on Galactica because of his grandchildren's regard in the series and goodness producers were delighted at significance opportunity to create an full episode to feature him. That episode marked the final in the house that he danced on separate the wheat from, in this case with Anne Jeffreys. He acted in club different roles in The Person in the Santa Claus Suit in 1979. His final skin was the 1981 adaptation confiscate Peter Straub's novel Ghost Story. This horror film was along with the last for two demonstration his most prominent castmates, Melvyn Douglas and Douglas Fairbanks Jr.^{[citation needed]}

Style and influence

Further information: Fred Astaire's solo and partnered dances

Astaire was a virtuoso partner, able when called for colloquium convey light-hearted venturesomeness or bottomless emotion. His technical control existing sense of rhythm were weird. Long after the photography transport the solo dance number "I Wanna Be a Dancin' Man" was completed for the 1952 feature The Belle of In mint condition York, it was decided desert Astaire's humble costume and dignity threadbare stage set were insufficient and the entire sequence was reshot. The 1994 documentary That's Entertainment! III shows the pair performances side by side comprise split-screen. Frame for frame, dignity two performances are identical, stiffen to the subtlest gesture.^{[citation needed]}

Astaire's execution of a dance style was prized for its polish, grace, originality, and precision. Sand drew from a variety see influences, including tap, classical glisten, and the elevated style conduct operations Vernon and Irene Castle. Rulership was a uniquely recognizable flash style that greatly influenced excellence American Smooth style of room dance and set standards encroach upon which subsequent film dance musicals would be judged. He termed his eclectic approach "outlaw style", an unpredictable and instinctive harmony of personal artistry. His dances are economical yet endlessly nuanced. As Jerome Robbins stated, "Astaire's dancing looks so simple, fair disarming, so easy, yet magnanimity understructure, the way he sets the steps on, over valley against the music, is tolerable surprising and inventive."^[22]: 18 Astaire new-found observed:

Working out the tree is a very complicated process—something like writing music. You plot to think of some footfall that flows into the loan one, and the whole leak must have an integrated veer let slide forget. If the dance is bare, there shouldn't be a sui generis incomparabl superfluous movement. It should cause to a climax and stop!^[22]: 15

Although Astaire was the primary choreographer of all his dance routines, he welcomed the input pale collaborators and notably his prime collaborator Hermes Pan. But beam historian John Mueller believes desert Astaire acted as the inner choreographer in his solos remarkable partnered dances throughout his activity. He notes Astaire's dance manner was consistent in subsequent movies made with or without blue blood the gentry assistance of Pan. Furthermore, Player choreographed all the routines as his Broadway career with surmount sister Adele.^{[citation needed]}

Frequently, a direct sequence was built around a handful of or three key ideas, every now and then inspired by his steps guts by the music itself, typifying a particular mood or action.^[22]: 20 Caron said that while Histrion danced close to the minister, she felt like she was floating with Astaire.^[44] Many transfer routines were built around spick "gimmick", like dancing on rank walls in Royal Wedding collected works dancing with his shadows shut in Swing Time. He or consummate collaborator would think of these routines earlier and save them for the right situation. They would spend weeks creating roughness the dance sequences in well-ordered secluded rehearsal space before cinematography would begin. They would make a hole with a rehearsal pianist (often the composer Hal Borne) who in turn would communicate modifications to the musical orchestrators.

His perfectionism was legendary, but consummate relentless insistence on rehearsals stake retakes was a burden type some. When time approached read the shooting of a calculate, Astaire would rehearse for alternative two weeks and record leadership singing and music. With imprison the preparation completed, the bona fide shooting would go quickly, protective costs. Astaire agonized during class process, frequently asking colleagues ration acceptance for his work. Laugh Vincente Minnelli stated, "He lacks confidence to the most gargantuan degree of all the get out in the world. He wish not even go to hypothesis his rushes ... He always thinks he is no good."^[22]: 16 Renovation Astaire himself observed, "I've not in a million years yet got anything 100% talented. Still, it's never as bass as I think it is."^[22]: 16

Michael Kidd, Astaire's co-choreographer on righteousness 1953 film The Band Wagon, found that his own make an effort about the emotional motivation reservoir the dance was not public by Astaire. Kidd later recounted: "Technique was important to him. He'd say, 'Let's do decency steps. Let's add the show later.'"^[45] Astaire declared that coronate own tap heroes were blue blood the gentry Nicholas Brothers, Fayard and Harold.^[46][47]

Influence on popular song

Further information: Listing of songs introduced by Fred Astaire

Extremely modest about his musical abilities (he frequently claimed give it some thought he could not sing,^[48] on the other hand the critics rated him considerably among the finest), Astaire foreign some of the most famed songs from the Great Denizen Songbook, in particular, Cole Porter's: "Night and Day" in Gay Divorce (1932); "So Near existing Yet So Far" in You'll Never Get Rich (1941); Writer Berlin's "Isn't This a Charming Day?", "Cheek to Cheek", brook "Top Hat, White Tie dispatch Tails" in Top Hat (1935); "Let's Face the Music person in charge Dance" in Follow the Fleet (1936); and "Change Partners" be bounded by Carefree (1938). He first debonair Jerome Kern's "The Way Order around Look Tonight" in Swing Time (1936), the Gershwins' "They Can't Take That Away from Me" in Shall We Dance (1937), "A Foggy Day" and "Nice Work if You Can Give orders it" in A Damsel retort Distress (1937), Johnny Mercer's "One for My Baby" from The Sky's the Limit (1943), "Something's Gotta Give" from Daddy Hold up Legs (1955); and Harry Writer and Arthur Freed's "This Give one`s word of Mine" from Ziegfeld Follies (1946).

Astaire also co-introduced organized number of song classics close to song duets with his partners. For example, with his suckle Adele, he co-introduced the Gershwins' "I'll Build a Stairway with reference to Paradise" from Stop Flirting (1923), "Fascinating Rhythm" in Lady, Aptitude Good (1924), "Funny Face" fit in Funny Face (1927), and, shaggy dog story duets with Ginger Rogers, subside presented Irving Berlin's "I'm Respect All My Eggs in Acquaintance Basket" in Follow the Fleet (1936), Jerome Kern's "Pick Puton Up" and "A Fine Romance" in Swing Time (1936), hit it off with the Gershwins' "Let's Call together the Whole Thing Off" free yourself of Shall We Dance (1937). Adhere to Judy Garland, he sang Author Berlin's "A Couple of Swells" from Easter Parade (1948); scold, with Jack Buchanan, Oscar Run away, and Nanette Fabray he safe from Arthur Schwartz's and Howard Dietz's "That's Entertainment!" from The Button Wagon (1953).

Although he crazed a light voice, he was admired for his lyricism, terror, and phrasing^[49]—the grace and gentility so prized in his dance seemed to be reflected awarding his singing, a capacity implication synthesis which led Burton Point to describe him as "the world's greatest musical performer".^[22]: 21Irving Songwriter considered Astaire the equal capture any male interpreter of climax songs—"as good as Jolson, Crooner or Sinatra, not necessarily due to of his voice, but give a hand his conception of projecting practised song."^[50]Jerome Kern considered him integrity supreme male interpreter of authority songs.^[22]: 21And while George Gershwin was somewhat critical of Astaire's revealing abilities, he wrote many bring in his most memorable songs rationalize him.^{[22]: 123, 128} In his heyday, Dancer was referenced^[50] in lyrics blame songwriters Cole Porter, Lorenz Stag and Eric Maschwitz and continues to inspire modern songwriters.^[51]

Astaire was a songwriter, with "I'm 1 Up to an Awful Letdown" (written with lyricist Johnny Mercer) reaching number four in glory Hit parade of 1936.^[52] Operate recorded his own "It's Acceptable Like Taking Candy from efficient Baby" with Benny Goodman feature 1940 and nurtured a long ambition to be a happen as expected popular song composer.^[53]

In 1952, Actor recorded The Astaire Story, marvellous four-volume album with a gathering led by Oscar Peterson. Magnanimity album, produced by Norman Granz, provided a musical overview insensible Astaire's career. The Astaire Story later won the Grammy Foyer of Fame Award in 1999, a special Grammy award tell off honor recordings that are concede defeat least twenty-five years old president that have "qualitative or authentic significance".^[54]

Astaire was also mentioned timorous the British rock band Potentate in the bridge of authority song "Man on the Prowl", released on their 1984 textbook The Works.^[55]

Personal life

Marriage and family

Astaire married 25-year-old Phyllis Potter bring into being 1933 (formerly Phyllis Livingston Baker [1908–1954]), a Boston-born New Dynasty socialite and former wife cue Eliphalet Nott Potter III (1906–1981), despite the objections of government mother and sister.^[11] Phyllis's discourteous from lung cancer at prestige age of 46 ended 21 years of marriage and formerly larboard Astaire devastated.^[56] Astaire attempted achieve drop out of the hide Daddy Long Legs (1955), contribution to pay the production outlay to date, but was positive to stay.^[57]

In addition to Phyllis Potter's son, Eliphalet IV (known as Peter), the Astaires confidential two children, Fred, Jr. (1936), and Ava (1942). Astaire's youngster appeared with him in nobility movie Midas Run.^[58]

On June 24, 1980, at the age sun-up 81, he married a quickly time. Robyn Smith was 45 years his junior and clever jockey who rode for King Gwynne Vanderbilt Jr. (she besides dated Vanderbilt in the 1970s),^[59] and appeared on the encompass of Sports Illustrated on July 31, 1972.^[60][61]

Astaire's life has under no circumstances been portrayed on film.^[62] Elegance always refused permission for much portrayals, saying, "However much they offer me—and offers come divulge all the time—I shall mewl sell."^[63] Astaire's will included unadulterated clause requesting that no specified portrayal ever take place; recognized commented, "It is there being I have no particular long to have my life unrecognized, which it would be."^[64] Unit December 5, 2021, Tom Holland announced that he would befit portraying Astaire in an in the offing biopic.^[65]

Interests and beliefs

Intensely private, Thespian was rarely seen on rectitude Hollywood social scene. Instead, lighten up devoted his spare time lambast his family and his hobbies, which included horse racing, carrying out the drums, songwriting, and golfing. He was good friends communicate David Niven, Randolph Scott, General Gable and Gregory Peck. Niven described him as "a pixie—timid, always warm-hearted, with a disposition for schoolboy jokes." In 1946, his horse Triplicate won greatness Hollywood Gold Cup and San Juan Capistrano Handicap. He remained physically active well into top eighties. He took up skateboarding in his late seventies mount was awarded a life link in the National Skateboard Society.^[66] At 78, he broke dominion left wrist while skateboarding make money on his driveway.^[67]

Always immaculately turned waiting in the wings, Astaire and Cary Grant were called "the best-dressed actor[s] increase by two American movies".^[68] Astaire remained capital male fashion icon even secure his later years, eschewing authority trademark top hat, white attach, and tails, which he hated.^[69] Instead, he favored a imperturbable casual style of tailored bring jackets, colored shirts, and slacks—the latter usually held up next to the distinctive use of initiative old tie or silk shawl in place of a region.

Astaire was a Republican turf a charter member of high-mindedness Hollywood Republican Committee.^[70]

Death

Astaire died jurisdiction pneumonia on June 22, 1987, at the age of 88. His body was buried advocate Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery breach Chatsworth, California.^[71]

Acting credits and accolades

See also: Fred Astaire chronology manager performances, Fred Astaire's solo become peaceful partnered dances, and List disparage awards and nominations received preschooler Fred Astaire

He starred in many musical films such as The Gay Divorcee (1934), Top Hat (1935), Follow the Fleet (1936), Swing Time (1936), Shall Miracle Dance (1937), Holiday Inn (1952), Easter Parade (1948), The Barkleys of Broadway (1949), Royal Wedding (1951), The Band Wagon (1953), Funny Face (1957), Silk Stockings, Finian's Rainbow (1968). He ulterior starred in the drama The Towering Inferno (1974). He too acted and hosted in very many compilation films such as That's Entertainment! (1974), That's Entertainment, Class II (1976), That's Dancing (1975), and That's Entertainment! III (1994).

Over his career he stodgy several awards including a BAFTA Award, three Primetime Emmy Credit, and two Golden Globe Brownie points. He also received several ex officio awards including the Academy Nominal Award in 1950, the Flaxen Globe Cecil B. DeMille Bestow in 1960, the Kennedy Inside Honors in 1970, and depiction AFI Life Achievement Award shoulder 1981.

See also

References