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Fred Astaire Biography

Birth Name:

Frederick Austerlitz Jr.

Birth Place:

Omaha, Nebraska, United States

Profession

Actor, dancer, singer

Fast Facts

At age 7, he began touring the vaudeville circuit with his sister Adele
They remained dance partners until 1932
Made 10 musicals with Ginger Rogers, starting with 1933's Flying Down to Rio
Nine were made by RKO, but the 10th, The Barkleys of Broadway, was made by MGM and filmed a decade after their last collaboration, 1939's The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle
Published his autobiography, Steps in Time, in 1959
Received the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award in 1981

1978Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama or Comedy Special: winner
1976BAFTA Film Awards-Best Supporting Actor: winner
1975Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: winner
1974Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
1969Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy: nominated
1968Emmy-Outstanding Musical or Variety Program: nominated
1962Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy: nominated
1961Emmy-Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Musical Program or Series: winner
1961Emmy-Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Musical Program or Series: winner
1960Emmy-Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Musical Program: nominated
1960Emmy-Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Musical Program: nominated
1960Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: nominated
1959Emmy-Best Single Performance by an Actor: winner
1959Emmy-Best Single Performance by an Actor: winner
1951Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy: winner