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Fred Astaire
References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Images & Videos
Black and white portrait of Fred Astaire, 1936, wearing a suit, tie, and boutonniere, looking slightly to the side with a slight smile.
How Fred Astaire Became a Dancer
Lobby card for Flying Down to Rio shows Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire, and Gene Raymond smiling in 1930s attire, with colorful stars and large title text across the top left. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers sit on a sofa in formal attire, with Rogers raising her hand, in a scene from the 1934 film The Gay Divorcee. Fred Astaire stands at center stage in a tuxedo and top hat, holding a cane, surrounded by dancers in matching attire in a scene from the 1935 film Top Hat. Scene from the film Swing Time Ginger Rogers in a flowing gown and Fred Astaire in a military uniform dance together in a ballroom scene from the 1939 film The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle. Fred Astaire in a tuxedo and Rita Hayworth in a dark gown dance together outdoors in a scene from the 1941 musical film You'll Never Get Rich. Judy Garland and Fred Astaire dance energetically together on stage in a scene from the 1948 film Easter Parade, with an audience seated in the background. Kay Thompson, Fred Astaire, and Audrey Hepburn stand in a lively pose on an outdoor terrace with cafe tables in a scene from the film Funny Face.
At a Glance
Fred Astaire stands at center stage in a tuxedo and top hat, holding a cane, surrounded by dancers in matching attire in a scene from the 1935 film Top Hat.
Fred Astaire summary
Quizzes
Empty movie theater and blank screen (theatre, motion pictures, cinema).
Oscar-Worthy Movie Trivia
USA 2006 - 78th Annual Academy Awards. Closeup of giant Oscar statue at the entrance of the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Hompepage blog 2009, arts and entertainment, film movie hollywood
Pop Culture Quiz
Kathakali dancer performing on stage in Kerala, India. (dancing, performing arts)
Another Dance Quiz
Related Questions

Fred Astaire: References & Edit History

Additional Reading

Bob Thomas, Astaire: The Man, the Dancer (1984); John Mueller, Astaire Dancing: The Musical Films (1985, reissued 1991); Larry Billman, Fred Astaire (1997).

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Invalidated site: Reel Classics - Fred Astaire. Sep 15, 2026
Anniversary information added. Jun 18, 2026
Anniversary information added. May 06, 2026
Add new Web site: Fresh Air Archive - Tribute to Fred Astaire: Fred Astaire the Singer. Aug 26, 2025
Add new Web site: The Kennedy Center - Digital Stage - Kennedy Center Honors Legend: Fred Astaire (In-Depth Interview). Feb 15, 2025
Add new Web site: Television Academy - Fred Astaire: Hall of Fame Tribute. Dec 20, 2024
Add new Web site: LiveAbout - Biography of Fred Astaire, Legendary Dancer and Movie Star. Sep 17, 2024
Add new Web site: Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Biography of Mr. Fred Astaire. Jul 23, 2024
Media added. Apr 09, 2024
First paragraph modernization. Feb 14, 2024
Add new Web site: Hollywood Walk of Fame - Biography of Fred Astaire. Mar 17, 2022
Noted that he was among the first to receive a Kennedy Center Honor. Jan 29, 2020
Article revised and updated. Jan 23, 2017
Added photographs. Jun 03, 2015
Add new Web site: All About Jazz - Biography of Fred Astaire. Oct 18, 2013
Add new Web site: American National Biography Online - Biography of Fred Astaire. Oct 18, 2013
Add new Web site: Matinee Classics - Biography of Kevin Costner. Oct 18, 2013
Add new Web site: AllMovie - Fred Astaire. Oct 18, 2013
Add new Web site: Turner Classic Movies - Fred Astaire. Jan 28, 2013
Add new Web site: AllMusic - Fred Astaire. Jan 28, 2013
Add new Web site: United States History - Fred Astaire. Jan 28, 2013
Added photograph. Feb 28, 2011
Added photograph. Jul 21, 2009
Added new Web site: Fred Astaire - Dance on Air. Aug 29, 2006
Added new Web site: Reel Classics - Fred Astaire. Aug 29, 2006
Article revised. Nov 09, 2001
Article added to new online database. Jul 20, 1998
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