Born Frederick Austerlitz in Omaha, NE. At the age of seven he started touring the vaudeville circuit with his sister Adele as a dancing partner. According to some sources, they appeared in 1915 in Mary Pickford's film FANCHON THE CRICKET. In 1917 they made their Broadway dancing debut in the musical 'Over the Top,' followed by their first big success, 'The Passing Show of 1918,' after which they became perennial favorites with Broadway and London audiences. After more stage hits, including 'Lady Be Good' (1924), 'Smiles' (1930), and 'The Band Wagon' (1931), the partnership was dissolved following Adele's marriage to Lord Charles Cavendish. Astaire was given a Hollywood screen test, resulting in the famous verdict: "Can't act. Slightly bald. Can dance a little." Nevertheless he got a small part opposite Joan Crawford in DANCING LADY (1933). Shortly afterward, Astaire was paired with newcomer Ginger Rogers, a partnership that was to last through ten films and produced some of the most magical moments in screen musical history. When Miss Rogers turned to dramatic roles, Astaire continued to dominate the musical film scene with such partners as Lucille Bremer, Rita Hayworth, Elanor Powell, and Cyd Charisse. In 1946, with Gene Kelly fast becoming his heir apparent, Astaire announced his retirement, but two years later he replaced the injured Kelly as Judy Garland's partner in EASTER PARADE. His comeback was triumphant. Almost single-handedly, Fred Astaire restyled the song-and-dance film, leaving his graceful mark on all musical movies to come. His own films always included solo dance numbers in which he skillfully improvised in his free, easygoing style, charming audiences with his relaxed exuberance and sophistication. He also introduced many hit songs, written especially for his pleasant, if untrained, singing voice. He later proved to be a capable actor in his first dramatic role in ON THE BEACH (1959). He subsequently abandoned song-and-dance parts for straight acting and was nominated for an Oscar® as Best Supporting Actor for his performance in THE TOWERING INFERNO (1974). Astaire received a special Academy Award in 1949 for his contribution to films. In 1981 he was honored with the American Film Institute Life Achievement Award. Autobiography: Steps in Time (1960).  Special Award 1949: "For his unique artistry and his contributions to the technique of musical pictures." Winner presented a Statuette.  Nominated for Supporting Actor 1974: THE TOWERING INFERNO 1 nomination, 1 Special Award