“Hello” Fred Astaire – Born 10 May 1899

Fred Astaire (born Frederick Austerlitz; May 10, 1899 – June 22, 1987) was an American film and Broadway stage dancer, choreographer, singer, musician and actor. His stage, film and television careers totalled 76 years, during which he made 31 musical films, award winning television specials and numerous recordings. He was named the fifth Greatest Male Star of All Time by the American Film Institute. Astaire is particularly associated with Ginger Rogers, with whom he made ten films.

According to Hollywood folklore, a screen test report on Astaire for RKO Radio Pictures is reported to have read: “Can’t sing. Can’t act. Balding. Can dance a little”.   Astaire later insisted however that the report had actually read: “Can’t act. Slightly bald. Also dances“.