Fred Astaire (born Frederick Austerlitz; May 10, 1899 – June 22, 1987) was an American dancer, actor, singer, choreographer and presenter. He is widely regarded as the "greatest popular-music dancer of all time". He received numerous accolades including an Honorary Academy Award, three Primetime Emmy Awards, a BAFTA Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Grammy Award. He was honored with the Film Society of Lincoln Center tribute in 1973, the Kennedy Center Honors in 1978, and AFI Life Achievement Award in 1980. He was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, American Theater Hall of Fame in 1972, and the Television Hall of Fame in 1989.
Astaire's career in stage, film, and television spanned 76 years. He starred in more than 10 Broadway and West End musicals, made 31 musical films, four television specials, and numerous recordings. As a dancer, he was known for his uncanny sense of rhythm, creativity, and tireless perfectionism. Astaire's most memorable dancing partnership was with Ginger Rogers, whom he co-starred with in 10 Hollywood musicals during the classic age of Hollywood cinema, including Top Hat (1935), Swing Time (1936), and Shall We Dance (1937). Astaire's fame grew in films like Holiday Inn (1942), Easter Parade (1948), The Band Wagon (1953), Funny Face (1957), and Silk Stockings (1957). The American Film Institute named Astaire the fifth-greatest male star of Classic Hollywood cinema in 100 Years... 100 Stars.
Fred Astaire was born Frederick Austerlitz on May 10, 1899 in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Johanna "Ann" (née Geilus; 1878–1975) and Friedrich "Fritz" Emanuel Austerlitz (1868–1923), known in the U.S. as Frederic Austerlitz. Astaire's mother was born in the U.S. to Lutheran German immigrants from East Prussia and Alsace. Astaire's father was born in Linz in Upper Austria, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, to Catholic parents that had converted from Judaism.
Astaire was a Republican and a charter member of the Hollywood Republican Committee.
Always immaculately turned out, Astaire and Cary Grant were called "the best-dressed actor[s] in American movies". Astaire remained a male fashion icon even into his later years, eschewing his trademark top hat, white tie, and tails, which he hated. Instead, he favored a breezy casual style of tailored sport jackets, colored shirts, and slacks—the latter usually held up by the distinctive use of an old tie or silk scarf in place of a belt.
Death
Astaire died of pneumonia on June 22, 1987, at the age of 88. His body was buried at Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Chatsworth, California.
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The next time you need a great dessert to bring to a potluck, try this recipe for Pineapple-Orange Pretzel Squares. This easy dessert features a sweet and salty combination that's always welcome! There's lots of creamy and fruity goodness in every bite!
- 2 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
- 2 sticks butter, melted
- 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, with juice reserved
- 1 (4-serving-size) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- Preheat oven to 375º. Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine pretzels, butter, and 3 tablespoons sugar. Press mixture into baking dish. Bake 10 minutes; let cool.
- In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and remaining 1 cup sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread mixture evenly over pretzel crust.
- In a medium bowl, combine pineapple with juice and pudding mix until thoroughly combined. Gently stir in oranges. Spread over cream cheese layer.
- Cover and chill at least 4 hours, or until firm. Cut into squares and serve.
