COP11 Posted May 22, 2010 Posted May 22, 2010 Born on May 10, 1899 in Omaha. Nebraska. He was an American film and Broadway stage dancer, choreographer, singer and actor. His stage and film career lasted for 76 years. When Fred was a child he displayed a love for dancing along with his older sister Adele. So his mother planned a brother/sister act in vaudeville. Their first act was called Juvenile Artists Presenting an Electrical Musical Toe Dancing Novelty. They made their debut in Key Port, New Jersey. They were called the greatest child act in vaudeville ever. They toured for several years and when Adele was taller then Fred they took some time off. They went to Broadway in 1917 and starred in "Over the Top". They went to Hollywood for a screen test at Paramount Pictures, but they were not considered suitable for films, so they returned to Broadway. In 1932 Adele married and the duo split up, but Fred remained on Broadway and started getting offers from Hollywood. So Fred went to Hollywood and made his film debut in 1933's "Dancing Lady". Fred made several movies and starred with Ginger Rogers in 10 films. They became one of the most famous onscreen couples in film history. In the 40's Fred was getting insecure and believed his career was coming to an end. He announced his retirement in 1946 during "Blue Skies" and Puttin' on the Ritz was his farewell dance. After retiring he concentrated on horse racing and founded The Fred Astaire Dance Studios in 1947 which he sold in 1966. But his retirement didn't last very long. He returned in "Easter Parade" after Gene Kelly was injured. He tried to retire again but it didn't last. He returned to films again soon after announcing retirement. His final film was 1981's "Ghost Story". He passed away from pneumonia in Los Angeles on June 22, 1987. He has never been portrayed in films. In his will it was his wish that he was never to be portrayed in films. He didn't want his life to be misinterpreted. The American Film Institute named as the fifth greatest male star of all time. Gene Kelly always said that the history of dance on film begins with Astaire. Quote
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