Astaire, Fred, professional name of Frederick Austerlitz 1899-1987
US actor, dancer and singer

He was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and began his career teamed with his sister Adele Astaire as a touring vaudeville act (1916), rising to stardom with her on Broadway in specially written shows like Lady Be Good (1924) and Funny Face (1927). When Adele married (1932), Fred went to Hollywood and continued with various partners, notably Ginger Rogers, and choreographer Hermes Pan. His many films include The Gay Divorc�e (1934), Top Hat (1935) and Swing Time (1936). He announced his retirement in 1946, but returned to create further classic musicals like Easter Parade (1948) and The Bandwaggon (1953), then turned to straight acting, winning an Academy Award nomination for The Towering Inferno (1974) and an Emmy for A Family Upside Down (1978). He received a special Academy Award in 1949 for his 'unique artistry and contributions to the technique of musical pictures'. A hardworking perfectionist who made his dancing appear effortless, he revolutionized the film musical with a succession of original and innovative tap-dance routines. He was described as the world's greatest dancer by both George Balanchine and Rudolf Nureyev. He published his autobiography, Steps in Time, in 1960.

Bibliography: Bill Adler, Fred Astaire: A Wonderful Life (1987)