Fred Astaire was born in Omaha, Nebraska, to Johanna Geilus and Fritz Austerlitz, a brewer, who marked the beginning of a remarkable journey in the world of show business. At the tender age of five, Fred entered the realm of entertainment, and his early success was evident in his performances in vaudeville and on Broadway, where he partnered with his sister, Adele Astaire.
Adele's decision to retire from the stage in 1932, following her marriage, paved the way for Fred to head to Hollywood, where he was signed to RKO and loaned to MGM to appear in the 1933 film "Dancing Lady". This marked the beginning of his work on RKO's "Flying Down to Rio" (1933),which would ultimately launch his highly successful partnership with Ginger Rogers, with whom he danced in nine RKO pictures.
Throughout this period, Fred was also actively involved in recording and radio, showcasing his versatility and talent beyond the realm of film. As his film career progressed, he went on to appear opposite a number of partners through various studios, solidifying his status as a leading man in Hollywood.
After a temporary retirement from film in 1945-7, during which he opened Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Fred returned to the big screen to star in more musicals through 1957. This was followed by a successful stint in straight dramatic roles in film and television, cementing his status as a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry.
