Daily BirthdaysFred Astaire
Fred Astaire (May 5, 1899 - June 22, 1987), born Fred Austerlitz, was an American film and Broadway ballroom dancer and actor. He is particularly associated with Ginger Rogers, with whom he made many films.
'Astaire' was a name taken by him and his sister Adele for their vaudeville act when they were about 5 years old. It is said to have come from an uncle surnamed 'L'Astaire'.
Famously, a studio screen test report on Astaire read simply: "Can't sing. Can't act. Slightly balding. Can dance a little." In the opinion of millions of fans of his popular films, Astaire could actually dance quite a bit.
Fred Astaire died in 1987 from pneumonia and was interred in the Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Chatsworth, California.
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Fred Astaire Facts
| Birth Name | Frederick Austerlitz Jr. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Birthday | May 10, 1899 |
| Sign | Taurus |
| Birthplace | Omaha, Nebraska, USA |
| Date of death | June 22, 1987 (Los Angeles, California, USA, age 88) |
| Height | 5' 9" (1m75) |
| Awards | 1975 Golden Globe Awards: Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Motion Picture (for The Towering Inferno) |
| 1961 Golden Globe Awards: Cecil B. DeMille Award | |
| 1951 Golden Globe Awards: Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical (for Three Little Words) |