Fred Astaire Brief Biography

Fred Astaire (born Frederick Austerlitz; May 10, 1899 - June 22, 1987) was an American film and Broadway stage dancer, choreographer, singer, musician and actor. His stage and subsequent film career spanned a total of 76 years, during which he made 31 musical films. He was named the fifth Greatest Male Star of All Time by the American Film Institute. He is particularly associated with Ginger Rogers, with whom he made ten films.

Gene Kelly, another major innovator in filmed dance, said that "the history of dance on film begins with Astaire". Beyond film and television, many classical dancers and choreographers, Rudolf Nureyev, Sammy Davis, Jr., Michael Jackson, Gregory Hines, Mikhail Baryshnikov, George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins among them, also acknowledged his importance and influence.

Fred Astaire News

• Paul McCartney to release new as-yet-untitled album in February
• Kenny Ortega to direct new remake of 'Dirty Dancing' movie
• 'American Idol' eliminates Pia Toscano and determines Top 8 finalists