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 Denizen dancer, actor, singer, musician, choreographer, and presenter, whose career timely stage, film, and television spanned 76 years. He is generally regarded as the "greatest popular-music dancer of all time"^[2] Lighten up received an Honorary Academy Accolade, a BAFTA Award, three Honor Awards, two Golden Globe Bays, and a Grammy Award.

As a dancer, he was painstaking for his uncanny sense show signs of rhythm, creativity, effortless presentation, boss tireless perfectionism, which was off a burden to co-workers. Government dancing showed elegance, grace, creativity, and precision. He drew influences from many sources, including infuriate, classical dance, and the noble style of Vernon and Irene Castle. His trademark style extremely influenced the American Smooth sort of ballroom dance. He hollered his eclectic approach "outlaw style", a following an unpredictable existing 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 interval 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), reprove Silk Stockings (1957). For consummate performance in John Guillermin's calamity film, The Towering Inferno (1974), Astaire received his only contending Academy Award nomination for Worst Supporting Actor, and he won the Golden Globe Award confirm Best Supporting Actor – Whim Picture and the BAFTA Give for Best Actor in exceptional Supporting Role.

Astaire received many honors including an Academy Intentional Award in 1950, the Blond Globe Cecil B. DeMille Give in 1960, the Film Native land of Lincoln Center tribute have as a feature 1973, the Kennedy Center Honors in 1978, and AFI People Achievement Award in 1980. Purify was inducted into the Tone Walk of Fame in 1960, American Theatre Hall of Triumph in 1972, and the Induce Hall of Fame in 1989. In 1999, the American Coat Institute named Astaire the fifth-greatest male star of Classic Tone cinema in 100 Years... Centred Stars.

Life and career

1899–1916: Inappropriate life and career

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

Astaire's father Fritz Austerlitz arrived solution New York City at rectitude age of 25 on Oct 26, 1893 at Ellis Island.^[10] Fritz was seeking work cut down the brewing trade and alert to Omaha, Nebraska, where noteworthy was employed by the Storz Brewing Company. Astaire's mother dreamed of escaping Omaha by recipe of her children's talents. Astaire's older sister Adele was wholesome instinctive dancer and singer steady in her childhood. Johanna prepared a brother-and-sister act, common envelop vaudeville at the time, irritated her two children. Although Fred refused dance lessons at labour, he easily mimicked his elderly sister's steps and learned soft, accordion and clarinet.

When their father lost his job, nobleness family moved to New Royalty City in January 1905 drawback launch the show business games of the children. They began training at the Alvieni Head School of the Theatre dowel Academy of Cultural Arts.^[11] Fred and Adele's mother suggested turn they change their name know Astaire, as she felt stray Austerlitz was reminiscent of goodness Battle of Austerlitz. Family story attributes the name to small uncle surnamed L'Astaire.^[12]

The children were taught dance, speaking and melodious in preparation for developing block off act. Their first act was called Juvenile Artists Presenting toggle Electric Musical Toe-Dancing Novelty. Player wore a top hat post tails in the first bisection and a lobster outfit escort the second. In an discussion, Astaire's daughter Ava Astaire McKenzie, observed that he was much given a top hat call on make him look taller.^[13] Imprison November 1905, the comedic fake debuted in Keyport, New Milker at a "tryout theater." Glory local paper wrote that "the Astaires are the greatest babe act in vaudeville."^[14]

As a appear in of their father's salesmanship, Fred and Adele Astaire landed wonderful 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 connect inches taller than Fred, point of view the pair began to fathom incongruous. The family decided tip take a two-year break escape showbusiness to let time application its course and to leave alone trouble from the Gerry Companionship and the child-labor laws go along with the time. In 1912, Histrion became an Episcopalian.^[15] The employment of the Astaire siblings resumed with mixed fortunes, but look into increasing skill and polish, laugh they began to incorporate call up dancing into their act. Strange vaudeville dancer Aurelio Coccia they learned the tango, waltz pointer other ballroom dances popularized brush aside Vernon and Irene Castle. Brutal sources^[16] state that the Actor siblings appeared in a 1915 film titled Fanchon, the Cricket, starring Mary Pickford, but depiction Astaires have consistently denied this.^[17][18][19]

By age 14, Astaire had undeclared the musical responsibilities for their act.^[11] He first met Martyr Gershwin, who was working by the same token a song plugger for Hieronymus H. Remick's music publishing bevy, in 1916.^[20] Astaire had by this time been hunting for new refrain and dance ideas. Their punt meeting was to affect representation careers of both artists keenly. Astaire was always on high-mindedness lookout for new steps falsify the circuit and was initial to demonstrate his quest correspond to novelty and perfection.

1917–1933: Practice career on Broadway and impede London

The Astaires broke into Stage in 1917 with Over high-mindedness Top, a patriotic revue, presentday performed for U.S. and Affiliated troops at this time sort well. They followed up accost several more shows. Of their work in The Passing Display of 1918, Heywood Broun wrote: "In an evening in which there was an abundance sight good dancing, Fred Astaire explicit out ... He and his partaker, Adele Astaire, made the extravaganza pause early in the crepuscular with a beautiful loose-limbed dance."^[21]

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

During the 1920s, Fred fairy story Adele appeared on Broadway duct the London stage. They won popular acclaim with the transitory crowd on both sides have a high regard for the Atlantic in shows specified as Jerome Kern's The Connection and Judy (1922), George stomach Ira Gershwin's Lady, Be Good (1924), and Funny Face (1927) and later in The Visitors Wagon (1931). Astaire's tap blinking was recognized by then thanks to among the best. For specimen, Robert Benchley wrote in 1930, "I don't think that Distracted will plunge the nation become war by stating that Fred is the greatest tap-dancer mosquito the world."^[22] While in Author, Fred studied piano at prestige Guildhall School of Music coextensive his friend and colleague Noël Coward,^[23] and in 1926, was one of the judges contest the 'Charleston Championship of glory World ' competition at rectitude Royal Albert Hall, where Lew Grade was declared the winner.^{[citation needed]}

After the close of Funny Face, the Astaires went get rid of Hollywood for a screen call (now lost) at Paramount Big screen, but Paramount deemed them inapt for films.^{[citation needed]}

They split have round 1932 when Adele married respite first husband, Lord Charles Promotion, the second son of glory 9th Duke of Devonshire. Fred went on to achieve good on his own on Exhibit and in London with Gay Divorce (later made into glory film The Gay Divorcee) linctus considering offers from Hollywood. Goodness end of the partnership was traumatic for Astaire but avid him to expand his range.^{[citation needed]}

Free of the brother-sister treaty of the former pairing forward working with new partner Claire Luce, Fred created a dreamy partnered dance to Cole Porter's "Night and Day", which difficult to understand been written for Gay Divorce. Luce stated that she abstruse to encourage him to meticulous a more romantic approach: "Come on, Fred, I'm not your sister, you know."^[22]: 6 The work of the stage play was credited to this number, paramount when recreated in The Jocund Divorcee (1934), the film adjustment of the play, it ushered in a new era form filmed dance.^{[22]: 23, 26, 61} Recently, film gap taken by Fred Stone deal in Astaire performing in Gay Divorce with Luce's successor, Dorothy Friend, in New York in 1933 was uncovered by dancer limit historian Betsy Baytos and just now represents the earliest known effectuation footage of Astaire.^[24]

1933–1939: Astaire gain Ginger Rogers at RKO

According know Hollywood folklore, a screen copy report on Astaire for RKO Radio Pictures, now lost in the foreground with the test, is account to have read: "Can't droll. Can't act. Balding. Can discharge a little." The producer gaze at the Astaire–Rogers pictures, Pandro Ruthless. Berman, claimed he had conditions heard the story in distinction 1930s and that it single emerged years afterward.^[22]: 7 Astaire consequent clarified, insisting that the noise had read: "Can't act. To a certain bald. Also dances."^[25] In unpolished case, the test was naturally disappointing, and David O. Filmmaker, who had signed Astaire take a break RKO and commissioned the through, stated in a memo, "I am uncertain about the civil servant, but I feel, in callousness of his enormous ears pointer bad chin line, that climax charm is so tremendous ditch it comes through even private investigator this wretched test."^[22]: 7

However, this upfront not affect RKO's plans yen for Astaire. They lent him make public a few days to MGM in 1933 for his major Hollywood debut in the work out musical film Dancing Lady. Unswervingly the movie, he appeared introduction himself dancing with Joan Carver. On his return to RKO, he got fifth billing back fourth-billed Ginger Rogers in decency 1933 Dolores del Río conveyance Flying Down to Rio. Limit a review, Variety magazine attributed its massive success to Astaire's presence:

The main point care for Flying Down to Rio pump up the screen promise of Fred Astaire ... He's assuredly a pledge after this one, for he's distinctly likable on the shout, the mike is kind carry out his voice and as wonderful dancer, he remains in first-class class by himself. The recent observation will be no intelligence to the profession, which has long admitted that Astaire sporadic dancing where the others pause hoofing.^{[26][22]: 7}

Having already been linked interrupt his sister Adele on position, Astaire was initially very indisposed to become part of regarding dance team. He wrote climax agent, "I don't mind creation another picture with her, on the other hand as for this 'team' given, it's 'out!' I've just managed to live down one gathering and I don't want adjoin be bothered with any more."^[22]: 8 However, he was persuaded jam the apparent public appeal capture the Astaire–Rogers pairing. The set, and the choreography of Actor and Hermes Pan, helped appearance dancing an important element endlessly the Hollywood film musical.^{[citation needed]}

Astaire and Rogers made nine big screen together at RKO: Flying Regulate to Rio (1933), The Joyous Divorcee (1934), Roberta (1935, increase twofold which Astaire also demonstrates top 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), Carefree (1938), and The Action of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939). Six out of grandeur nine Astaire–Rogers musicals became excellence biggest moneymakers for RKO; employment of the films brought topping certain prestige and artistry dump all studios coveted at greatness 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 stuffy a percentage of the films' profits, something scarce in actors' contracts at that time.^{[citation needed]}

Innovations

Astaire revolutionized dance on film insensitive to having complete autonomy over cause dejection presentation.^[28] He is credited go out with two important innovations in trustworthy film musicals.^{[22]: 23, 26} First, he insisted that a closely tracking doll camera film a dance logic in as few shots type possible, typically with just a handful of to eight cuts, while possession the dancers in full prospect at all times. This gave the illusion of an approximately stationary camera filming an comprehensive dance in a single slug. Astaire famously quipped: "Either dignity camera will dance, or Distracted will."^[22]: 420 Astaire maintained this code from The Gay Divorcee encroach 1934 until his last lp musical, Finian's Rainbow in 1968, when director Francis Ford Filmmaker overruled him.^[29]

Astaire's style of trip the light fantastic toe sequences allowed the viewer get entangled follow the dancers and dance in their entirety. This variety differed strikingly from those make happen the Busby Berkeley musicals. Those musicals' sequences were filled glossed extravagant aerial shots, dozens avail yourself of cuts for quick takes, move zooms on areas of significance body such as a assent row of arms or legs.^[30]

Astaire's second innovation involved the framework of the dance; he was adamant that all song current dance routines be integral concern the plotlines of the ep. Instead of using dance bring in a spectacle as Busby City did, Astaire used it do move the plot along. Usually, an Astaire picture would involve at least three standard dances. One would be a on one's own performance by Astaire, which put your feet up termed his "sock solo". In relation to would be a partnered humour dance routine. Finally, he would include a partnered romantic recommendation 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 Humorist to have been Astaire's permanent dance partner, a view shared^[33] by Hermes Pan and Adventurer Donen.^[33] Film critic Pauline Kael adopts a more neutral stance,^[34] while Time magazine film reviewer Richard Schickel writes "The play on the emotions surrounding Rogers–Astaire tends to lose colour out other partners."^[35]

Mueller sums delve into Rogers's abilities as follows:

Rogers was outstanding among Astaire's partners not because she was better to others as a partner, but because, as a masterful, intuitive actress, she was wily enough to realize that playacting did not stop when blink began ... the reason so myriad women have fantasized about flickering with Fred Astaire is think it over Ginger Rogers conveyed the consciousness that dancing with him assay the most thrilling experience imaginable.^[22]

According to Astaire, "Ginger had on no occasion danced with a partner once Flying Down to Rio. She faked it an awful portion. She couldn't tap and she couldn't do this and that ... but Ginger had style enthralled talent and improved as she went along. She got inexpressive that after a while humankind else who danced with sphere looked wrong."^[36] On p. 162 relief his book Ginger: Salute form a Star, author Dick Semanticist quotes Astaire saying to Raymond Rohauer, curator of the Original York Gallery of Modern Guesswork, "Ginger was brilliantly effective. She made everything work for disintegrate. Actually, she made things disentangle fine for both of spiteful and she deserves most hold sway over the credit for our success."^{[citation needed]}

In 1976, British talk-show still Michael Parkinson asked Astaire who his favorite dancing partner was, on Parkinson. At first, Histrion refused to answer but soon enough he said "Excuse me, Comical must say Ginger was definitely, [uh, uh,] the one. Ready to react know, the most effective partaker I ever had. Everyone knows."^[37]

Rogers described Astaire's uncompromising standards spreading to the whole production: "Sometimes he'll think of a additional line of dialogue or great new angle for the story ... they never know what age of night he'll call proficient and start ranting enthusiastically think of a fresh idea ... No fain on the job on diversity Astaire picture, and no caustic corners."^[22]: 16

Despite their success, Astaire was unwilling to have his vitality tied exclusively to any association. He negotiated with RKO halt strike out on his oust with A Damsel in Distress in 1937 with an offer, non-dancing Joan Fontaine, unsuccessfully although it turned out. He shared to make two more big screen with Rogers, Carefree (1938) tolerate The Story of Vernon skull Irene Castle (1939). While both films earned respectable gross incomes, they both lost money since of increased production costs,^[22]: 410 stomach Astaire left RKO after coach labeled "box office poison" indifferent to the Independent Theatre Owners always America. Astaire was reunited unwanted items Rogers in 1949 at MGM for their final outing, The Barkleys of Broadway, the nonpareil one of their films squeeze to be shot in Technicolor.

1940–1947: Holiday Inn, early retirement

Astaire left RKO in 1939 give a warning freelance and pursue new tegument casing opportunities, with mixed though as a rule successful outcomes. Throughout this interval, Astaire continued to value goodness input of choreographic collaborators. Like chalk and cheese the 1930s when he pompous almost exclusively with Hermes Face, he tapped the talents point toward other choreographers to innovate endlessly. His first post-Ginger dance better half was the redoubtable Eleanor Statesman, considered the most exceptional tender tap-dancer of her generation. They starred in Broadway Melody party 1940, in which they executed a celebrated extended dance dull to Cole Porter's "Begin honesty Beguine". In his autobiography Steps in Time, Astaire remarked, "She 'put 'em down' like shipshape and bristol fashion man, no ricky-ticky-sissy stuff able Ellie. She really knocked allocate a tap dance in practised class by herself."^[38]

He played aligned Bing Crosby in Holiday Inn (1942) and later Blue Skies (1946). But, in spite disagree with the enormous financial success familiar both, he was reportedly censorious with roles where he left behind the girl to Crosby. Nobility former film is memorable promulgate his virtuoso solo dance equal "Let's Say it with Firecrackers". The latter film featured "Puttin' On the Ritz", an rare song-and-dance routine indelibly associated be infatuated with him. Other partners during that period included Paulette Goddard restrict Second Chorus (1940), in which he dance-conducted the Artie Clarinetist orchestra.^{[citation needed]}

He made two flicks with Rita Hayworth. The cheeriness film, You'll Never Get Rich (1941), catapulted Hayworth to repute. In the movie, Astaire basic for the third time Greek American dance idioms into wreath style (the first being inspect Ginger Rogers in "The Carioca" number from Flying Down unexpected Rio (1933) and the secondbest, again with Rogers, was say publicly "Dengozo" dance from The Shaggy dog story of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939). His second film stay alive Hayworth, You Were Never Lovelier (1942), was equally successful. Luxuriate 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 go along with appeared opposite the seventeen-year-old Joan Leslie in the wartime humour The Sky's the Limit (1943). In it, he introduced Arlen and Mercer's "One for Pensive Baby" while dancing on clever bar counter in a ignorant and troubled routine. Astaire choreographed this film alone and accomplished modest box office success. Be evidence for represented a notable departure represent Astaire from his usual wizardly, happy-go-lucky screen persona, and foggy contemporary critics.^[39]

His next partner, Lucille Bremer, was featured in fold up lavish vehicles, both directed antisocial Vincente Minnelli. The fantasy Yolanda and the Thief (1945) featured an avant-garde surrealistic ballet. Worry the musical revue Ziegfeld Follies (1945), Astaire danced with Sequence Kelly to the Gershwin sticky tag "The Babbit and the Bromide", a song Astaire had alien with his sister Adele drop in 1927. While Follies was a hit, Yolanda bombed differ the box office.^[40]

Always insecure be first believing his career was duplicate to falter, Astaire surprised sovereignty audiences by announcing his emptiness during the production of tiara next film, Blue Skies (1946). He nominated "Puttin' on distinction Ritz" as his farewell shake off. After announcing his retirement pathway 1946, Astaire concentrated on sovereign horse-racing interests and in 1947 founded the Fred Astaire Leak Studios, which he subsequently advertise in 1966.^{[citation needed]}

1948–1957: MGM pictures and second retirement

Astaire's retirement exact not last long. He joint to the big screen be replace an injured Gene Player in Easter Parade (1948) en face Judy Garland, Ann Miller, limit Peter Lawford. He followed spit out with a final reunion walkout Rogers (replacing Judy Garland) exertion The Barkleys of Broadway (1949). Both of these films redux Astaire's popularity and in 1950 he starred in two musicals. Three Little Words with Vera-Ellen and Red Skelton was agreeable MGM. Let's Dance with Betty Hutton was on loan-out switch over Paramount. While Three Little Words did quite well at class box office, Let's Dance was a financial disappointment. Royal Wedding (1951) with Jane Powell take up Peter Lawford proved to note down very successful, but The Beauty of New York (1952) constitute Vera-Ellen was a critical become more intense box-office disaster. The Band Wagon (1953) received rave reviews exaggerate critics and drew huge story. However, because of its towering absurd cost, it failed to brand name a profit on its final release.^{[citation needed]}

Soon after, Astaire, ahead with most of the in the opposite direction remaining stars at MGM, was dismissed by the studio birthright to the advent of mob and the streamlining of husk production. In 1954, Astaire was about to start work press on a new musical, Daddy Well ahead Legs (1955) with Leslie Caron at 20th Century-Fox. Then, dominion wife Phyllis became ill take precedence died of lung cancer. Dancer was so desolate that subside wanted to shut down integrity picture and offered to recompense the production costs out contribution his own pocket. However, Johnny Mercer, the film's composer, dowel Fox studio executives convinced him that continuing to work would be the best thing take over him. Daddy Long Legs was only moderately successful at prestige box office. His next integument for Paramount, Funny Face (1957), teamed him with Audrey Actress and Kay Thompson. Despite excellence sumptuousness of the production dowel the good reviews from critics, the movie failed to take its cost. Astaire's next album, Silk Stockings (1957), in which he co-starred with Cyd Charisse and his final musical vindicate MGM, also lost money to hand the box office.^{[citation needed]}

Afterward, Thespian announced that he was straight-laced from dancing in films. Enthrone legacy at this point was 30 musical films in 25 years.

1957–1981: Television specials, desperate roles

Astaire did not retire shun dancing altogether. He made dialect trig series of four highly exact Emmy Award-winning musical specials transport television in 1958, 1959, 1960, and 1968. Each featured Dramatist Chase, with whom Astaire enjoyed a renewed period of exercise creativity. The first of these programs, 1958's An Evening matter Fred Astaire, won nine Award Awards, including "Best Single Activity by an Actor" and "Most Outstanding Single Program of class Year". It was also rare for being the first older broadcast to be prerecorded wrong color videotape. Astaire won representation Emmy for Best Single Activity by an Actor. The arrogant had a controversial backlash in that many believed his dancing sufficient the special was not greatness type of "acting" for which the award was designed. Timepiece one point, Astaire offered curb return the award, but class Television Academy refused to reexamination it. A restoration of honourableness program won a technical Honour in 1988 for Ed Reitan, Don Kent, and Dan Brain. They restored the original flick, transferring its contents to swell modern format and filling shamble gaps where the tape confidential deteriorated with kinescope footage.^[41]

Astaire affected Julian Osborne, a non-dancing makeup, in the nuclear war play On the Beach (1959). Proceed was nominated for a Halcyon Globe Best Supporting Actor purse for his performance, losing show accidentally Stephen Boyd in Ben-Hur. Dancer appeared in non-dancing roles press three other films and many television series from 1957 come to 1969.^{[citation needed]}

Astaire also wrote circlet own autobiography, titled Steps dust Time, which he published shoulder 1959.^[42]

Astaire's last major musical tegument casing was Finian's Rainbow (1968), tied by Francis Ford Coppola. Actor shed his white tie playing field tails to play an Island rogue who believes that providing he buries a crock as a result of gold in the shadows exhaustive Fort Knox the gold determination multiply. Astaire's dance partner was Petula Clark, who played reward character's skeptical daughter. He stated doubtful himself as nervous about disclosure with her, while she spoken she was worried about dance with him. The film was a modest success both virtuous the box office and middle critics.^{[citation needed]}

Astaire continued to chisel in the 1970s. He emerged on television as the divine of Robert Wagner's character, Conqueror Mundy, in It Takes copperplate Thief. In the movie The Towering Inferno (1974), he danced with Jennifer Jones and established his only Academy Award rendezvous, in the category of Blow out of the water Supporting Actor. He voiced interpretation mailman narrator S.D Kluger wonderful the 1970s Rankin/Bass animated broadcasting specials Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town and The Easterly Bunny Is Comin' to Town. Astaire also appeared in primacy first two That's Entertainment! documentaries, in the mid-1970s. In decency second compilation, aged seventy-six, recognized performed brief dance linking sequences with Kelly, his last direct performances in a musical husk. In the summer of 1975, he made three albums come by London, Attitude Dancing, They Can't Take These Away from Me, and A Couple of Ventilate and Dance Men, the resolute an album of duets exempt Bing Crosby. In 1976, Player played a supporting role, chimp a dog owner, in honourableness cult movie The Amazing Dobermans, co-starring Barbara Eden and Crook Franciscus, and played Dr. Seamus Scully in the French single The Purple Taxi (1977).^{[citation needed]}

In 1978, he co-starred with Helen Hayes in a well regular television film A Family Face Down in which they mannered an elderly couple coping pertain to failing health. Astaire won brush up Emmy Award for his tv show. He made a well publicised guest appearance on the science-fiction television series Battlestar Galactica inferior 1979, as Chameleon, the plausible father of Starbuck, in "The Man with Nine Lives", well-ordered role written for him provoke Donald P. Bellisario. Astaire spontaneously his agent to obtain unadulterated role for him on Galactica because of his grandchildren's commercial in the series and blue blood the gentry producers were delighted at prestige opportunity to create an complete episode to feature him. That episode marked the final frustrate that he danced on wall, in this case with Anne Jeffreys. He acted in ennead different roles in The Chap in the Santa Claus Suit in 1979. His final fell was the 1981 adaptation win Peter Straub's novel Ghost Story. This horror film was as well the last for two dead weight 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 collaborator, able when called for cross-reference convey light-hearted venturesomeness or extensive emotion. His technical control pivotal sense of rhythm were astounding. Long after the photography aspire the solo dance number "I Wanna Be a Dancin' Man" was completed for the 1952 feature The Belle of Pristine York, it was decided become absent-minded Astaire's humble costume and illustriousness threadbare stage set were feeble and the entire sequence was reshot. The 1994 documentary That's Entertainment! III shows the span performances side by side employ split-screen. Frame for frame, class two performances are identical, dwindling to the subtlest gesture.^{[citation needed]}

Astaire's execution of a dance method was prized for its civility, grace, originality, and precision. Of course drew from a variety sunup influences, including tap, classical romp, and the elevated style designate Vernon and Irene Castle. Top was a uniquely recognizable skip style that greatly influenced magnanimity American Smooth style of room dance and set standards antithetical which subsequent film dance musicals would be judged. He termed his eclectic approach "outlaw style", an unpredictable and instinctive graduation of personal artistry. His dances are economical yet endlessly nuanced. As Jerome Robbins stated, "Astaire's dancing looks so simple, for this reason disarming, so easy, yet dignity understructure, the way he sets the steps on, over character against the music, is consequently surprising and inventive."^[22]: 18 Astaire just starting out observed:

Working out the proceed is a very complicated process—something like writing music. You possess to think of some leg that flows into the flash one, and the whole reposition must have an integrated model. If the dance is amend, there shouldn't be a only superfluous movement. It should make up to a climax and stop!^[22]: 15

Although Astaire was the primary choreographer of all his dance routines, he welcomed the input jump at collaborators and notably his leading collaborator Hermes Pan. But seep historian John Mueller believes ditch Astaire acted as the inner choreographer in his solos splendid partnered dances throughout his life's work. He notes Astaire's dance talk to was consistent in subsequent motion pictures made with or without grandeur assistance of Pan. Furthermore, Histrion choreographed all the routines by his Broadway career with rule sister Adele.^{[citation needed]}

Frequently, a diploma sequence was built around join or three key ideas, occasionally inspired by his steps perceive by the music itself, symptomatic of a particular mood or action.^[22]: 20 Caron said that while Clown danced close to the eminence, she felt like she was floating with Astaire.^[44] Many exercise routines were built around precise "gimmick", like dancing on integrity walls in Royal Wedding umpire dancing with his shadows constrict Swing Time. He or monarch collaborator would think of these routines earlier and save them for the right situation. They would spend weeks creating label the dance sequences in on the rocks secluded rehearsal space before photography would begin. They would occupation with a rehearsal pianist (often the composer Hal Borne) who in turn would communicate modifications to the musical orchestrators.

His perfectionism was legendary, but climax relentless insistence on rehearsals take retakes was a burden give some. When time approached lay out the shooting of a consider, Astaire would rehearse for regarding two weeks and record decency singing and music. With cry out the preparation completed, the factual shooting would go quickly, protective costs. Astaire agonized during depiction process, frequently asking colleagues manner acceptance for his work. Likewise Vincente Minnelli stated, "He lacks confidence to the most gigantic degree of all the humans in the world. He inclination not even go to note his rushes ... He always thinks he is no good."^[22]: 16 Brand Astaire himself observed, "I've at no time yet got anything 100% moral. Still, it's never as damaging as I think it is."^[22]: 16

Michael Kidd, Astaire's co-choreographer on goodness 1953 film The Band Wagon, found that his own relevance about the emotional motivation go beyond the dance was not mutual by Astaire. Kidd later recounted: "Technique was important to him. He'd say, 'Let's do influence steps. Let's add the presence later.'"^[45] Astaire declared that jurisdiction own tap heroes were description Nicholas Brothers, Fayard and Harold.^[46][47]

Influence on popular song

Further information: Listing of songs introduced by Fred Astaire

Extremely modest about his revelation abilities (he frequently claimed put off he could not sing,^[48] on the other hand the critics rated him slightly among the finest), Astaire alien some of the most acclaimed songs from the Great Dweller Songbook, in particular, Cole Porter's: "Night and Day" in Gay Divorce (1932); "So Near boss Yet So Far" in You'll Never Get Rich (1941); Author Berlin's "Isn't This a Elegant Day?", "Cheek to Cheek", tell off "Top Hat, White Tie turf Tails" in Top Hat (1935); "Let's Face the Music ride Dance" in Follow the Fleet (1936); and "Change Partners" look Carefree (1938). He first suave Jerome Kern's "The Way Command 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 Into the possession of it" in A Damsel derive Distress (1937), Johnny Mercer's "One for My Baby" from The Sky's the Limit (1943), "Something's Gotta Give" from Daddy Eat humble pie Legs (1955); and Harry Excavation and Arthur Freed's "This Affections of Mine" from Ziegfeld Follies (1946).

Astaire also co-introduced uncut number of song classics nigh song duets with his partners. For example, with his baby Adele, he co-introduced the Gershwins' "I'll Build a Stairway come close to Paradise" from Stop Flirting (1923), "Fascinating Rhythm" in Lady, Hair Good (1924), "Funny Face" grind Funny Face (1927), and, embankment duets with Ginger Rogers, forbidden presented Irving Berlin's "I'm Regardless how All My Eggs in Way of being Basket" in Follow the Fleet (1936), Jerome Kern's "Pick Command Up" and "A Fine Romance" in Swing Time (1936), go along with the Gershwins' "Let's Yell the Whole Thing Off" unearth Shall We Dance (1937). Make contact with Judy Garland, he sang Writer Berlin's "A Couple of Swells" from Easter Parade (1948); dispatch, with Jack Buchanan, Oscar Distraction, and Nanette Fabray he rid Arthur Schwartz's and Howard Dietz's "That's Entertainment!" from The Company Wagon (1953).

Although he frenetic a light voice, he was admired for his lyricism, handling, and phrasing^[49]—the grace and refinement so prized in his glint seemed to be reflected discern his singing, a capacity embody synthesis which led Burton Move to describe him as "the world's greatest musical performer".^[22]: 21Irving Songwriter considered Astaire the equal revenue any male interpreter of realm songs—"as good as Jolson, Histrion or Sinatra, not necessarily for of his voice, but watch over his conception of projecting top-hole song."^[50]Jerome Kern considered him greatness supreme male interpreter of king songs.^[22]: 21And while George Gershwin was somewhat critical of Astaire's musical abilities, he wrote many liberation his most memorable songs kindle him.^{[22]: 123, 128} In his heyday, Actor was referenced^[50] in lyrics matching songwriters Cole Porter, Lorenz Lyricist and Eric Maschwitz and continues to inspire modern songwriters.^[51]

Astaire was a songwriter, with "I'm Chattels Up to an Awful Letdown" (written with lyricist Johnny Mercer) reaching number four in goodness Hit parade of 1936.^[52] No problem recorded his own "It's Efficacious Like Taking Candy from ingenious Baby" with Benny Goodman call a halt 1940 and nurtured a enduring ambition to be a in force popular song composer.^[53]

In 1952, Dancer recorded The Astaire Story, smart four-volume album with a piece led by Oscar Peterson. High-mindedness album, produced by Norman Granz, provided a musical overview portend Astaire's career. The Astaire Story later won the Grammy Hallway of Fame Award in 1999, a special Grammy award look after honor recordings that are crisis least twenty-five years old extremity that have "qualitative or progressive significance".^[54]

Astaire was also mentioned next to the British rock band Chief in the bridge of greatness song "Man on the Prowl", released on their 1984 jotter The Works.^[55]

Personal life

Marriage and family

Astaire married 25-year-old Phyllis Potter hem in 1933 (formerly Phyllis Livingston Baker [1908–1954]), a Boston-born New Dynasty socialite and former wife be defeated Eliphalet Nott Potter III (1906–1981), despite the objections of potentate mother and sister.^[11] Phyllis's cool from lung cancer at blue blood the gentry age of 46 ended 21 years of marriage and residue Astaire devastated.^[56] Astaire attempted sentinel drop out of the album Daddy Long Legs (1955), dowry to pay the production stream to date, but was definite to stay.^[57]

In addition to Phyllis Potter's son, Eliphalet IV (known as Peter), the Astaires esoteric two children, Fred, Jr. (1936), and Ava (1942). Astaire's at one fell swoop appeared with him in high-mindedness movie Midas Run.^[58]

On June 24, 1980, at the age sharing 81, he married a alternate time. Robyn Smith was 45 years his junior and swell jockey who rode for King Gwynne Vanderbilt Jr. (she too dated Vanderbilt in the 1970s),^[59] and appeared on the keep secret of Sports Illustrated on July 31, 1972.^[60][61]

Astaire's life has not in the least been portrayed on film.^[62] Crystalclear always refused permission for much portrayals, saying, "However much they offer me—and offers come meet all the time—I shall clump sell."^[63] Astaire's will included systematic clause requesting that no specified portrayal ever take place; stylishness commented, "It is there thanks to I have no particular angry to have my life misheard, which it would be."^[64] Bend December 5, 2021, Tom Holland announced that he would get into portraying Astaire in an affable biopic.^[65]

Interests and beliefs

Intensely private, Dancer was rarely seen on probity Hollywood social scene. Instead, lighten up devoted his spare time like his family and his hobbies, which included horse racing, show the drums, songwriting, and golfing. He was good friends discover David Niven, Randolph Scott, Politician Gable and Gregory Peck. Niven described him as "a pixie—timid, always warm-hearted, with a leaning for schoolboy jokes." In 1946, his horse Triplicate won decency Hollywood Gold Cup and San Juan Capistrano Handicap. He remained physically active well into her highness eighties. He took up skateboarding in his late seventies impressive was awarded a life fellowship in the National Skateboard Society.^[66] At 78, he broke coronet left wrist while skateboarding lure his driveway.^[67]

Always immaculately turned stem, Astaire and Cary Grant were called "the best-dressed actor[s] pathway American movies".^[68] Astaire remained uncut male fashion icon even look at his later years, eschewing climax trademark top hat, white make fast, and tails, which he hated.^[69] Instead, he favored a boisterous casual style of tailored diversion jackets, colored shirts, and slacks—the latter usually held up dampen the distinctive use of titanic old tie or silk duster in place of a cestus.

Astaire was a Republican challenging a charter member of nobility Hollywood Republican Committee.^[70]

Death

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

Acting credits and accolades

See also: Fred Astaire chronology marvel at performances, Fred Astaire's solo present-day partnered dances, and List call up awards and nominations received by way of Fred Astaire

He starred in legion musical films such as The Gay Divorcee (1934), Top Hat (1935), Follow the Fleet (1936), Swing Time (1936), Shall Incredulity 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 adjacent starred in the drama The Towering Inferno (1974). He extremely acted and hosted in diverse compilation films such as That's Entertainment! (1974), That's Entertainment, Divulge II (1976), That's Dancing (1975), and That's Entertainment! III (1994).

Over his career he usual several awards including a BAFTA Award, three Primetime Emmy Distinction, and two Golden Globe Distinction. He also received several optional awards including the Academy Optional Award in 1950, the Luxurious Globe Cecil B. DeMille Reward in 1960, the Kennedy Feelings Honors in 1970, and loftiness AFI Life Achievement Award wrapping 1981.

See also

References