What was Fred Astaire's Net Worth?
Fred Astaire was an American dancer, choreographer, musician, singer, and actor who had a net worth of $10 million at the time of his death, equivalent to around $30 million today. With a career spanning over 70 years, Astaire appeared in 31 musical films and numerous award-winning TV specials and recordings. He was named the 5th Greatest Male Star of All Time by the American Film Institute.
Astaire shared the stage and screen with stars like Joan Crawford, Judy Garland, and Audrey Hepburn. Notably, he frequently partnered and starred romantically with Ginger Rogers, co-starring in 10 Hollywood musicals. Gene Kelly credited Astaire, saying that "the history of dance on film begins with Astaire." Astaire won an Honorary Academy Award in 1950, three Golden Globe Awards, and three Primetime Emmy Awards. In 1960, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6756 Hollywood Blvd. Fred Astaire passed away from pneumonia on June 22, 1987, in Los Angeles, California, and is buried in Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery.
Early Life
Fred Astaire, originally Frederick Austerlitz, was born on May 10, 1899, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Friedrich Austerlitz and Johanna Geilus. His mother formed a musical duo with him and his sister Adele. Though uninterested in dance initially, Fred learned to play the piano, clarinet, and accordion. After Friedrich lost his job in 1905, the family moved to New York City to pursue a show business career for Fred and Adele. They studied at the Alvieni Master School of the Theatre and adopted the last name "Astaire." Their debut act, "Juvenile Artists Presenting an Electric Musical Toe-Dancing Novelty," led to a talent contract. After a break to avoid child labor law issues, they resumed performing, incorporating tap dancing, waltzing, and tango into their act.
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Show Business
Fred and Adele's Broadway debut was in "Over the Top" in 1917. They also performed in London, with notable acts including "The Bunch and Judy" in 1922, "Lady, Be Good" in 1924, and "Funny Face" in 1927. A Hollywood screen test in 1932 didn't result in a contract, and the duo retired when Adele married.
Fred's solo career took off in 1933 with "The Dancing Lady." He starred in multiple films with Ginger Rogers, including "The Gay Divorce" and "Flying Down to Rio." Their eight subsequent collaborations included "Top Hat," "Swing Time," and "The Barkleys of Broadway." He also teamed up with Eleanor Powell in "Broadway Melody of 1940."
Awards
Fred Astaire received many awards, including an Honorary Academy Award, three Primetime Emmy Awards, a BAFTA Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Grammy Award. He was honored by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the AFI, and was inducted into multiple Halls of Fame. In 1999, the American Film Institute named him the fifth greatest male star of Hollywood cinema.
Musicals
Fred Astaire starred in many iconic musicals on Broadway and London's West End, as well as 31 musical films. Notable movies include "Top Hat" (1935), "Shall We Dance" (1937), "You'll Never Get Rich" (1941), "Holiday Inn" (1942), "Easter Parade" (1948), "Royal Wedding" (1951), and his final musical, "Finian's Rainbow" (1968).
(Photo by Eddie Sanderson/Getty Images).
Television
Fred Astaire starred in four television specials in 1958, 1959, 1960, and 1968. His 1958 special "An Evening with Fred Astaire" won nine Emmy Awards. He also made appearances in various TV series and voiced characters in animated films.
Film
Fred Astaire secured a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award nomination and a British Academy Film Award for his role in "The Towering Inferno" (1975). Other notable films include "The Amazing Dobermans" (1976), "The Purple Taxi" (1977), and "Ghost Story" (1981).
Writing & Dance Studios
In 1947, Astaire founded "Fred Astaire Dance Studios," which has locations across the United States and Canada. He also authored an autobiography, "Steps in Time," in 1959.
Albums
Fred Astaire recorded albums including "Attitude Dancing" and "They Can't Take These Away From Me" in 1975. His 1952 album "The Astaire Story" won a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999.
Personal Life & Real Estate
Fred Astaire married Phyllis Livingston Potter in 1933, who died in 1954. In 1980, he married Robyn Smith. He had two children. Fred built a 6,100-square-foot hilltop mansion in Beverly Hills in 1961, where he lived until his death and where his widow still resides. The house is valued at over $10 million.
