Fred Astaire was born in Omaha; Nebraska; to Johanna (Geilus) and Fritz Austerlitz; a brewer. Fred entered show business at age 5. He was successful both in vaudeville and on Broadway in partnership with his sister; Adele Astaire. After Adele retired to marry in 1932; Astaire headed to Hollywood. Signed to RKO; he was loaned to MGM to appear in Dancing Lady (1933) before starting work on RKO's Flying Down to Rio (1933). In the latter film; he began his highly successful partnership with Ginger Rogers; with whom he danced in 9 RKO pictures. During these years; he was also active in recording and radio. On film; Astaire later appeared opposite a number of partners through various studios. After a temporary retirement in 1945-7; during which he opened Fred Astaire Dance Studios; Astaire returned to film to star in more musicals through 1957. He subsequently performed a number of straight dramatic roles in film and TV.

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