Fred Astaire
Fred Astaire: A Life of Dance, Film, and Enduring Legacy
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Fred Astaire was born Frederick Austerlitz on May 10, 1899, in Omaha, Nebraska. He is commonly known as "The Great" or simply "Fred."
#### Birth and Death Dates
May 10, 1899 – June 22, 1987
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
American; Dancer, Singer, Actor, Choreographer
#### Early Life and Background
Born to German immigrant parents, John and Johanna Austerlitz, Fred was the third of three children. His family moved frequently during his childhood, eventually settling in Omaha, where he began taking dance lessons at a young age. Astaire's early exposure to dance would shape his future career. He also developed an interest in music, learning to play the piano and trumpet.
#### Major Accomplishments
Astaire's achievements are numerous and varied:
Academy Award winner: Fred won one honorary Oscar for his "transcendent artistry" in 1950.
Record-breaking film careers: He holds the record for most consecutive dance numbers in a single film (13) with _Top Hat_ (1935).
Influence on modern dance and film: Astaire's innovative choreography, elegant style, and effortless dance technique continue to inspire generations of dancers and filmmakers.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Some of Astaire's most notable films include:
_Flying Down to Rio_ (1933): His first major film appearance, marking the beginning of his partnership with Ginger Rogers.
_Top Hat_ (1935): A classic romantic comedy featuring some of Astaire's most iconic dance numbers.
_Swing Time_ (1936): Another Rodgers and Hart musical that cemented Astaire's status as a leading man.
#### Impact and Legacy
Fred Astaire's impact on the world of entertainment is immeasurable. His contributions to the art of dance, music, and film have left an indelible mark:
Trailblazer for dancers: Astaire paved the way for future generations of dancers, showcasing the art form as a central element in film.
Influence on popular culture: His style, wit, and charm continue to inspire artists across various mediums.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Astaire's enduring popularity stems from his:
Timeless appeal: Despite the passage of decades, Fred Astaire remains a beloved figure in popular culture.
Versatility: He effortlessly transitioned between dance, singing, and acting, defying categorization.
Quotes by Fred Astaire
Fred Astaire's insights on:
What counts more than luck is determination and perseverance. If the talent is there, it will come through. Don’t be too impatient. Stick at it. That’s my advice. You have to plug away, keep thinking up new ideas. If one doesn’t work, try another.
The unpadded shoulders, the three-buttoned long and boxy coat, the too-short, thin pants, and the thin ties with striped buttoned shirts in dark colors-well, I suppose this may go very well with some personalities but it’s not for me. To me, all such look like TV producers. Maybe they want to.
I have never had anything that I can remember in the business – and that includes all the movies and the stage shows and everything – that I didn’t enjoy. I didn’t like some of the small-time vaudeville, because we weren’t going on and getting better. Aside from that, I didn’t dislike anything.
I don’t remember anybody ever pointing me out as a dancing prodigy, but I played a not bad second base.
It’s nice that all the composers have said that nobody interprets a lyric like Fred Astaire. But when it comes to selling records I was never worth anything particularly except as a collector’s item.
Oh, there’s no such thing as my favorite performance. I can’t sit here today and look back, and say: “Top Hat was better than Easter Parade or any of the others”. I just don’t look back, period. When I finish with a project, I say: “All right, that’s that. What’s next?”
This search for what you want is like tracking something that doesn’t want to be tracked. It takes time to get a dance right, to create something memorable.
