Fred Astaire

Fred Astaire

1899-05-10 Omaha, Nebraska, USA 106 Credits

Biography

Fred Astaire (May 10, 1899 – June 22, 1987) was an American dancer, singer, actor and choreographer. He is widely regarded as the most influential dancer in the history of film. Born as Frederick Austerlitz in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 10, 1899, to Johanna (Geilus) and Fritz, a brewer, he entered show business at age 5. He was successful in vaudeville and on Broadway as well as in London's West End together with his sister Adele, a partnership that lasted 27 years. After Adele retired to marry in ...

Known For

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Complete Filmography

Gene Kelly - An American in Hollywood

Gene Kelly - An American in Hollywood

2025

as Self (archive footage)

6.4
Acting

Gene Kelly is a legend of the heyday of the Hollywood musical. His name stands for masterpieces such as "Singin' in the Rain" and "An American in Pari...

Sid & Judy

Sid & Judy

2019

as Self (archive footage)

7.4
Acting

Explore the dramatic career and personal struggles of the talented and tragically short-lived entertainer Judy Garland through rare concert footage, n...

La La La

La La La

2018

as Various Roles (archive footage)

7.2
Acting

When the silent cinema learned to speak, the audience was surprised not only by the voices of the actors and the sound effects, but also by a new elem...

Fred Astaire donne le 'la'

Fred Astaire donne le 'la'

2017

as Self (archive footage)

Acting

Success is inevitable for a musical in which Fred Astaire appears - if it was also written by one of the most talented composers of his time. Irving B...

Darcey Bussell: Looking for Fred Astaire

Darcey Bussell: Looking for Fred Astaire

2017

as Self (archive footage)

Acting

Documentary in which Darcey Bussell profiles Hollywood dancer Fred Astaire, marking 30 years since his death.

Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall

Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall

2016

as Self (archive footage)

7.0
Acting

Director Spike Lee chronicles Michael Jackson's early rise to fame.

Perspectives: For the Love of Fred Astaire

2015

as (archive footage)

Acting

Strictly Come Dancing's Len Goodman shows his softer side in Fred Astaire tribute. Includes interviews with Astaire's daughter Ava as well as dance pa...

Bing Crosby: Rediscovered

Bing Crosby: Rediscovered

2014

as Self (archive footage)

7.0
Acting

Bing Crosby was, without a doubt, the most popular and influential multi-media star of the first half of the twentieth century, pulling audiences in w...

Sem Título #1: Dance of Leitfossil

Sem Título #1: Dance of Leitfossil

2014

as Self (archive footage)

10.0
Acting

Experimental Short, Brazil

And the Oscar Goes To...

And the Oscar Goes To...

2014

as Self (archive footage)

7.0
Acting

The story of the gold-plated statuette that became the film industry's most coveted prize, AND THE OSCAR GOES TO... traces the history of the Academy ...

Astaire and Rogers Sing the Great American Songbook

Astaire and Rogers Sing the Great American Songbook

2010

as Self (archive footage)

Acting

Compilation of memorable songs from the Great American Songbook sung by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in their films. Includes songs written by Georg...

Hollywood Singing and Dancing: A Musical History - The 1940s: Stars, Stripes and Singing

Hollywood Singing and Dancing: A Musical History - The 1940s: Stars, Stripes and Singing

2009

as (archive footage)

6.0
Acting

This is a two-hour in-depth exploration into the Hollywood musicals of the 1940s.

1939: Hollywood's Greatest Year

1939: Hollywood's Greatest Year

2009

as Self (archive footage)

7.5
Acting

This documentary focuses on 1939, considered to be Hollywood's greatest year, with film clips and insight into what made the year so special.

Hollywood Singing and Dancing: A Musical History - The 1930s: Dancing Away the Great Depression

Hollywood Singing and Dancing: A Musical History - The 1930s: Dancing Away the Great Depression

2009

as Self (archive)

Acting

A two-hour in-depth exploration into the Hollywood musicals of the 1930s.

Astaire and Rogers: Partners in Rhythm

Astaire and Rogers: Partners in Rhythm

2006

as Various / Self (archive footage)

6.5
Acting

Featuring clips from all 10 films which Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers made together from 1933 to 1949. Includes candid photos and behind-the-scenes tid...

"All -Singing All-Dancing" Before And After

"All -Singing All-Dancing" Before And After

2006

as Archive Footage

Acting

The development of sound and song dance production techniques, and how they come together in 'Holiday Inn'

Reunited at MGM: Astaire and Rogers Together Again

2005

as Self (archive footage)

Acting

A cherished remembrance of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers reunited for the film, "The Barkleys of Broadway."

Easter Parade: On the Avenue

2005

as Self (Archive Footage)

Acting

This documentary tells the story of the making of Irving Berlin's Easter Parade.

Get Aboard! 'The Band Wagon'

Get Aboard! 'The Band Wagon'

2005

as Self (archive footage)

Acting

Documentary on the 1953 musical "The Band Wagon."

Complicated Women

Complicated Women

2003

as Self (archive footage)

6.7
Acting

Looks at the stereotype-breaking films of the period from 1929, when movies entered the sound era, until 1934 when the Hays Code virtually neutered fi...

Cole Porter in Hollywood: Satin and Silk

2003

as Self (archive footage)

Acting

This documentary short subject details the making of the 1957 MGM musical, "Silk Stockings". Hosted by its star Cyd Charisse, the film gives behind-th...

Cole Porter in Hollywood: Begin the Beguine

2003

Acting

An overview of Cole Porter’s musical contributions to the film Broadway Melody of 1940.

Hollywood Musicals of the 40's

Hollywood Musicals of the 40's

2000

as Self (archive footage)

Acting

Highlights from the great musicals of the 1940s. Stars featured include Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Bing Crosby, Doris Day,...

Doris Day: It's Magic

Doris Day: It's Magic

1998

as Self

Acting

When the cameras rolled, Doris Day wore a happy face, never hinting at the pain she endured in her personal life. This documentary brings viewers clos...

A Bing Crosby Christmas

A Bing Crosby Christmas

1998

as Self (archive footage)

Acting

The program on this DVD is basically a retrospective produced in the early 1990s for public television that was originally called «A Bing Crosby Chris...

That's Entertainment! III

That's Entertainment! III

1994

as (archive footage)

7.0
Acting

Some of MGM'S musical stars review the studios history of musicals. From The Hollywood Revue of 1929 to Brigadoon, from the first musical talkies to G...

Audrey Hepburn: Remembered

Audrey Hepburn: Remembered

1993

as Self (archive footage)

7.0
Acting

Audrey Hepburn was one of the movies' best-loved stars, blessed with beauty, talent, an elegant sophistication and an enduring aura of youthful innoce...

The Fred Astaire Songbook

The Fred Astaire Songbook

1991

as Self (archive footage)

Acting

A loving tribute to Astaire the singer, hosted by Audrey Hepburn.

You're the Top: The Cole Porter Story

You're the Top: The Cole Porter Story

1990

as Self (archive footage)

Acting

Biographical portrait of one of Broadway's most brilliant songwriters. Told through the use of archival material and interviews with the rich and famo...

Dance Crazy in Hollywood

Dance Crazy in Hollywood

1990

as Various Roles (archive footage)

6.0
Acting

American dancer and choreographer Hermes Pan recalls his life and work as he relives the glorious history of the Hollywood musical.

Rain Man

Rain Man

1988

as Self (archived footage)

7.8
Acting

When car dealer Charlie Babbitt learns that his estranged father has died, he returns home to Cincinnati, where he discovers that he has a savant olde...

George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey

George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey

1985

as Self

5.6
Acting

Biography of the legendary filmmaker directed by his son.

The Purple Rose of Cairo

The Purple Rose of Cairo

1985

Thanks

7.4

Cecilia is a waitress in New Jersey, living a dreary life during the Great Depression. Her only escape from her mundane reality is the movie theatre. ...

That's Dancing!

That's Dancing!

1985

as Self (archive footage)

7.0
Acting

A documentary film about dancing on the screen, from it's orgins after the invention of the movie camera, over the movie musical from the late 20s, 30...

Going Hollywood: The '30s

Going Hollywood: The '30s

1984

as (archive footage)

10.0
Acting

Robert Preston hosts this documentary that shows what people of the 1930s were watching as they were battling the Depression as well as eventually get...

Showbiz Goes to War

Showbiz Goes to War

1982

as (archive footage)

10.0
Acting

While a few Hollywood celebrities such as James Stewart and Clark Gable saw combat during World War II, the majority used their talents to rally the A...

Ghost Story

Ghost Story

1981

as Ricky Hawthorne

6.1
Acting

Four successful elderly gentlemen, members of the Chowder Society, share a gruesome, 50-year-old secret. When one of Edward Wanderley's twin sons dies...

The Man in the Santa Claus Suit

The Man in the Santa Claus Suit

1979

as Santa Claus

5.2
Acting

The mysterious owner of a costume shop rents a Santa Claus suit to three very different men: a math teacher trying to get the nerve to propose, a home...

A Family Upside Down

A Family Upside Down

1978

as Ted Long

7.0
Acting

An elderly married couple find that as their physical and mental health deteriorates, they find themselves dependent more and more upon their grown ch...

The Purple Taxi

The Purple Taxi

1977

as Dr. Seamus Scully

5.8
Acting

With his mauve taxi, the old philosopher Dr. Seamus Scully runs around the small green roads of the south of Ireland, becoming confident of his patien...

The Easter Bunny Is Comin' to Town

The Easter Bunny Is Comin' to Town

1977

as S.D. Kluger (narrator) (voice)

5.5
Acting

The Mailman decides to stop another deluge of letters by answering questions about the Easter Bunny: Sunny, a baby rabbit found and adopted by Kidvill...

The Amazing Dobermans

The Amazing Dobermans

1976

as Daniel Hughes

5.5
Acting

An ex-con man and his five trained Dobermans help a Treasury Dept. agent stop a racketeer and his gang.

That's Entertainment, Part II

That's Entertainment, Part II

1976

as Self - Co-Host / Narrator

6.9
Acting

Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire present more golden moments from the MGM film library, this time including comedy and drama as well as classic musical num...

Hooray for Hollywood

Hooray for Hollywood

1976

as Self (archive footage)

Acting

A celebration of Hollywood in the 1930s, featuring a compilation of clips from features and newsreels of the era.

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?

1975

as Self (archive footage)

5.7
Acting

Period music, film clips and newsreel footage combined into a visual exploration of the American entertainment industry during the Great Depression.

The Lion Roars Again

1975

as Self

Acting

A chronicle of the 1975 International Press Conclave hosted by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer over two days in May 1975.

The Towering Inferno

The Towering Inferno

1974

as Harlee Claiborne

7.0
Acting

At the opening party of a colossal—but poorly constructed—skyscraper, a massive fire breaks out, threatening to destroy the tower and everyone in it.

That's Entertainment!

That's Entertainment!

1974

as Self - Host / Narrator

7.3
Acting

Various MGM stars from yesterday present their favorite musical moments from the studio's 50 year history.

The Men Who Made the Movies: Vincente Minnelli

The Men Who Made the Movies: Vincente Minnelli

1973

as Self (archive footage)

Acting
Imagine

Imagine

1972

as Self

7.0
Acting

A surreal, half-fiction, half real life footage of a day in the life of John lennon and Yoko Ono, composed to music from John's historic 'Imagine' alb...

S Wonderful, 'S Marvelous, 'S Gershwin

S Wonderful, 'S Marvelous, 'S Gershwin

1972

as Self

5.0
Acting

A musical tribute to brothers George and Ira Gershwin

Hollywood: The Dream Factory

Hollywood: The Dream Factory

1972

as Self (archive footage)

6.0
Acting

A documentary about the glorious history of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and its decline leading to the sale of its back lot and props. By extension th...

Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town

Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town

1970

as S.D. Kluger (voice)

7.1
Acting

A postman, S.D. Kluger, decides to answer some of the most common questions about Santa Claus, and tells us about a baby named Kris who is raised by a...

The Over-the-Hill Gang Rides Again

The Over-the-Hill Gang Rides Again

1970

as The Baltimore Kid

5.0
Acting

Walter Brennan is back as the clever and funny over the hill Texas Ranger Nash Crawford. This time the gang must face corruption in their own home tow...

Midas Run

Midas Run

1969

as John Pedley

4.0
Acting

A veteran secret service officer from Britain hijacks a government shipment of $15 million of gold out of an irritation for never being knighted.

Finian's Rainbow

Finian's Rainbow

1968

as Finian McLonergan

5.9
Acting

An Irish immigrant and his daughter arrive in Kentucky with a magical piece of gold that alters the course of several lives, including those of a stru...

The Fred Astaire Show

The Fred Astaire Show

1968

as Self - Host

7.0
Acting

Ten years after the award winning "An Evening With..." Astaire shows us his "hip" credentials in this paen to the flower power era,larking about with ...

The World Premiere of 'Finian's Rainbow'

The World Premiere of 'Finian's Rainbow'

1968

as Self

Acting

This documentary has interviews with actors and the director as they arrive for the 1968 New York world premiere of "Finian's Rainbow."

Paris When It Sizzles

Paris When It Sizzles

1964

Vocals

6.3

Hollywood producer Alexander Meyerheimer has hired drunken writer Richard Benson to write his latest movie. Benson has been in Paris supposedly workin...

Flashing Spikes

Flashing Spikes

1962

as Narrator

5.3
Acting

An old ballplayer, thrown out of baseball due to a bribery scandal, becomes friends with a young phenom. The younger player is at first tainted by his...

The Notorious Landlady

The Notorious Landlady

1962

as Franklyn Ambruster

6.7
Acting

An American junior diplomat in London rents a house from, and falls in love with, a woman suspected of murder.

Hollywood: The Selznick Years

Hollywood: The Selznick Years

1961

as 'Dancing Lady' (archive footage) (uncredited)

3.3
Acting

Henry Fonda hosts this retrospective on the career and films of iconic filmmaker David O. Selznick, who epitomized the era of the auteur producer in t...

The Pleasure of His Company

The Pleasure of His Company

1961

as Biddeford 'Pogo' Poole

6.2
Acting

Biddeford "Pogo" Poole, an urbane charmer, has been absent for most of the life of his daughter, Jessica, but he pops up again as she prepares to marr...

Astaire Time

Astaire Time

1960

as Self - Host

8.0
Acting

A one-hour live television special starring Fred Astaire.

On the Beach

On the Beach

1959

as Julian Osborn

6.6
Acting

In 1964, atomic war wipes out humanity in the northern hemisphere; one American submarine finds temporary safe haven in Australia, where life-as-usual...

Another Evening with Fred Astaire

Another Evening with Fred Astaire

1959

as Self

Acting

A one-hour live television special starring Fred Astaire.

An Evening with Fred Astaire

An Evening with Fred Astaire

1958

as Self

8.0
Acting

A one-hour live television special starring Fred Astaire.

An Evening with Fred Astaire

An Evening with Fred Astaire

1958

Executive Producer

8.0
Producing

A one-hour live television special starring Fred Astaire.

Silk Stockings

Silk Stockings

1957

as Steve Canfield

6.7
Acting

After three bumbling Soviet agents fail in their mission to retrieve a straying Soviet composer from Paris, the beautiful, ultra-serious Ninotchka is ...

Funny Face

Funny Face

1957

as Dick Avery

7.0
Acting

A shy Greenwich Village book clerk is discovered by a fashion photographer and whisked off to Paris where she becomes a reluctant model.

Funny Face

Funny Face

1957

Choreographer

7.0

A shy Greenwich Village book clerk is discovered by a fashion photographer and whisked off to Paris where she becomes a reluctant model.

Stars of Cabaret

Stars of Cabaret

1956

as Self (archive footage)

Acting

A collection of amateur films made by photographer Roderic Vickers and friends.

Daddy Long Legs

Daddy Long Legs

1955

as Jervis Pendleton III

6.3
Acting

Wealthy American, Jervis Pendleton has a chance encounter at a French orphanage with a cheerful 18-year-old resident, and anonymously pays for her edu...

Daddy Long Legs

Daddy Long Legs

1955

Choreographer

6.3

Wealthy American, Jervis Pendleton has a chance encounter at a French orphanage with a cheerful 18-year-old resident, and anonymously pays for her edu...

The Band Wagon

The Band Wagon

1953

as Tony Hunter

7.1
Acting

A Broadway artiste turns a faded film star's comeback vehicle into an artsy flop.

The Belle of New York

The Belle of New York

1952

as Charlie Hill

5.5
Acting

In squeaky-clean New York at the turn of the century, playboy Charlie Hill falls so much in love that he can walk on air. The object of his affections...

Royal Wedding

Royal Wedding

1951

as Tom Bowen

6.5
Acting

Tom and Ellen are asked to perform as a dance team in England at the time of Princess Elizabeth's wedding. As brother and sister, each develops a Brit...

Let's Dance

Let's Dance

1950

as Donald Elwood

5.5
Acting

Years after the death of her husband, Kitty McNeil takes her son and flees from the home of her wealthy and controlling mother-in-law. Alone and joble...

Three Little Words

Three Little Words

1950

as Bert Kalmar

5.9
Acting

Song-and-dance man Bert Kalmar can't continue his stage career after an injury, so he has to earn his money as a lyricist. By chance, he meets compose...

The Barkleys of Broadway

The Barkleys of Broadway

1949

as Josh Barkley

6.8
Acting

Josh and Dinah Barkley are a successful musical-comedy team, known for their stormy but passionate relationship. Dinah feels overshadowed by Josh and ...

Easter Parade

Easter Parade

1948

as Don Hewes

7.0
Acting

On the day before Easter in 1911, Don Hewes is crushed when his dancing partner (and object of affection) Nadine Hale refuses to start a new contract ...

Easter Parade

Easter Parade

1948

Choreographer

7.0

On the day before Easter in 1911, Don Hewes is crushed when his dancing partner (and object of affection) Nadine Hale refuses to start a new contract ...

Blue Skies

Blue Skies

1946

as Jed Potter

6.1
Acting

Jed Potter looks back on a love triangle conducted over the course of years and between musical numbers. Dancer Jed loves showgirl Mary, who loves com...

Yolanda and the Thief

Yolanda and the Thief

1945

as Johnny Parkson Riggs

5.7
Acting

Johnny Riggs, a con man on the lam, finds himself in a Latin-American country named Patria. There, he overhears a convent-bred rich girl praying to he...

Ziegfeld Follies

Ziegfeld Follies

1945

as Fred Astaire / Raffles / Tai Long / Gentleman

6.1
Acting

The late, great impresario Florenz Ziegfeld looks down from heaven and ordains a new revue in his grand old style.

Twenty Years After

Twenty Years After

1944

as (archive footage)

6.0
Acting

This short celebrates the 20th anniversary of MGM. Segments are shown from several early hits, then from a number of 1944 releases.

The Sky's the Limit

The Sky's the Limit

1943

as Fred Atwell (Fred Burton)

6.2
Acting

Flying Tiger Fred Atwell sneaks away from his famous squadron's personal appearance tour and goes incognito for several days of leave. He quickly fall...

The Sky's the Limit

The Sky's the Limit

1943

Choreographer

6.2

Flying Tiger Fred Atwell sneaks away from his famous squadron's personal appearance tour and goes incognito for several days of leave. He quickly fall...

You Were Never Lovelier

You Were Never Lovelier

1942

as Robert Davis

7.1
Acting

An Argentine heiress thinks a penniless American dancer is her secret admirer.

Holiday Inn

Holiday Inn

1942

as Ted Hanover

7.0
Acting

Lovely Linda Mason has crooner Jim Hardy head over heels, but suave stepper Ted Hanover wants her for his new dance partner after fickle Lila Dixon gi...

Screen Snapshots (Series 22, No. 10)

Screen Snapshots (Series 22, No. 10)

1942

as Self

Acting

The edition of Screen Snapshots celebrates 25 years of production. It looks at the content of edition #1, then a tribute to movie people who have died...

You'll Never Get Rich

You'll Never Get Rich

1941

as Robert Curtis

6.5
Acting

A Broadway choreographer gets drafted and coincidentally ends up in the same army base as the boyfriend of his object of affection.

Second Chorus

Second Chorus

1941

as Danny O'Neill

5.8
Acting

Danny O'Neill and Hank Taylor are rival trumpeters with the Perennials, a college band, and both men are still attending college by failing their exam...

Broadway Melody of 1940

Broadway Melody of 1940

1940

as Johnny Brett

6.7
Acting

Johnny Brett and King Shaw are an unsuccessful dance team in New York. A producer discovers Brett as the new partner for Clare Bennett, but Brett, who...

The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle

The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle

1939

as Vernon Castle

6.9
Acting

In 1911, minor stage comic, Vernon Castle meets the stage-struck Irene Foote. A few misadventures later, they marry and then abandon comedy to attempt...

Carefree

Carefree

1938

as Tony Flagg

6.6
Acting

Dr. Tony Flagg's friend Steven has problems in the relationship with his fiancée Amanda, so he persuades her to visit Tony. After some minor misunders...

A Damsel in Distress

A Damsel in Distress

1937

as Jerry Halliday

6.4
Acting

Lady Alyce Marshmorton must marry soon, and the staff of Tottney Castle have laid bets on who she'll choose, with young Albert wagering on 'Mr. X'. Af...

Shall We Dance

Shall We Dance

1937

as Petrov

7.2
Acting

Ballet star Petrov arranges to cross the Atlantic aboard the same ship as the dancer and musical star he's fallen for but barely knows. By the time th...

Swing Time

Swing Time

1936

as Lucky Garnett

6.8
Acting

Lucky is tricked into missing his own wedding to Margaret and has to make $25,000 so her father will allow him to marry her. He and business partner P...

Follow the Fleet

Follow the Fleet

1936

as Bake Baker

6.8
Acting

When the US Navy fleet docks at San Francisco, sailor Bake Baker tries to rekindle the flame with his old dancing partner, Sherry Martin, while Bake's...

Top Hat

Top Hat

1935

as Jerry Travers

7.3
Acting

Showman Jerry Travers is working for producer Horace Hardwick in London. Jerry demonstrates his new dance steps late one night in Horace's hotel room,...

Roberta

Roberta

1935

as Huck Haines

7.0
Acting

Football player John Kent tags along as Huck Haines and the Wabash Indianians travel to an engagement in Paris, only to lose it immediately. John and ...

Roberta

Roberta

1935

Choreographer

7.0

Football player John Kent tags along as Huck Haines and the Wabash Indianians travel to an engagement in Paris, only to lose it immediately. John and ...

The Gay Divorcee

The Gay Divorcee

1934

as Guy Holden

6.9
Acting

Seeking a divorce from her absentee husband, Mimi Glossop travels to an English seaside resort. There she falls in love with dancer Guy Holden, whom s...

Flying Down to Rio

Flying Down to Rio

1933

as Fred Ayres

6.3
Acting

A dance band leader finds love and success in Brazil.

Dancing Lady

Dancing Lady

1933

as Fred Astaire

6.9
Acting

Janie lives to dance and will dance anywhere, even stripping in a burlesque house. Tod Newton, the rich playboy, discovers her there and helps her get...