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Fred Astaire Biography

Birth Name:Frederic Austerlitz

Birth Place:Omaha, Nebraska, United States

Profession Soundtrack, Actor, Producer, Music department

Fast Facts

Ranked No․ 5 on the American Film Institute's "100 Years․․․ 100 Stars" list for Male legends
Was inducted into the National Museum of Dance's Mr․ & Mrs․ Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Hall of Fame in 1987
Was the very first recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors in 1978
Moved to New York City after his father lost his job and began training at the Alviene Master School of the Theatre and Academy of Cultural Arts in 1905
Quote: "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․"
Quote: "[on Cyd Charisse] "When you dance with her you stay danced․""
Often appears alongside Ginger Rogers as his dance partner
Frequently wears a top hat and tails in his film sequences
Due his famous dancing ability, his legs were insured for $1 million
Would wear a necktie around his waist instead of a belt
On his first screen test, he was evaluated as someone who "can't act․ Can't sing․ Balding, Can dance a little․"

Awards

1934Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (December): winner
1935Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (May): winner
1935Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (November): winner
1936Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (November): winner
1936Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (April): winner
1937Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (June): winner
1938Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (November): winner
1938Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
1939Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (June): winner
1940Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (April): winner
1946Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
1948Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (August): winner
1949Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (July): winner
1950Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (November): winner
1951Golden Globe-Best Actor - Comedy or Musical: winner
1958Golden Laurel-Top Male Musical Performance: nominated
1960Golden Globe-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
1960Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Musical Program or Series: nominated
1961Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Musical Program or Series: winner
1962Golden Globe-Best Actor - Comedy or Musical: nominated
1969Golden Globe-Best Actor - Comedy or Musical: nominated
1975Oscar-Best Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
1975Golden Globe-Best Supporting Actor - Motion Picture: winner
1975Gold Medal-Favorite Movie: nominated
1976BAFTA Film Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
1978Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama or Comedy Special: winner