Fred Astaire, born Frederick Austerlitz was an American choreographer, dancer, singer, actor, and presenter from Omaha, Nebraska. He was the son of Johanna “Ann” Geilus and Friedrich “Fritz” Emanuel Austerlitz and was born on May 10, 1899. Astaire is regarded as “the greatest popular-music dancer of all time. He was inducted into several praising bodies such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the American Theatre Hall of Fame, and the Television Hall of Fame.
Wanting to launch their children’s show business career, Astaire’s parents moved to New York and had them train at the Alvieni Master School of the Theatre and Academy of Cultural Arts. Astaire and his sister debuted in New Jersey, and a local paper wrote, “The Astaires are the greatest child act in vaudeville.” By 1917, Astaire was in Broadway. The siblings quickly rose in popularity and garnered much praise and acclaim from critics and fans alike.
Astaire had a 76-year-long career in show business that spanned theatre, film, and television. He made over 30 musical films, a handful of television specials, more than 10 Broadway musicals, and numerous recordings. Astaire is credited with revolutionizing dance on film and is famous for his creativity, unique rhythm, and unparalleled perfectionism. He died on June 22, 1987, after succumbing to complications from pneumonia.
The influence Astaire had on film and dance reverberates to the present day. His uncanny style was praised for its originality, elegance, and precision. He may have been one of the greatest dancers of his time, but many people considered his movements flamboyant, and a lot of people thought he was a homosexual. Was Fred Astaire gay? Or were people just making unfounded assumptions? Let’s look at the famed performer’s personal life to find the answers.
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Fred Astaire’s Relationships
Little is known about Fred Astaire’s relationships and personal life. He was rarely seen on the Hollywood social scene and preferred to stay at home to focus on his hobbies and personal interests. Most of his private life remains unknown as well as details about his relationships. Here are some of the women who are known to have been in a relationship with Astaire:
Fred Astaire and Phyllis Potter (1933-1954)
Astaire met Boston-born New York socialite Phyllis Potter in 1931 and reportedly pursued her for two years. Potter had been married to Eliphalet Nott Potter III and had a son with him. Potter and Astaire were married in 1933 despite Astaire’s mother and sister objecting to the union. The couple bore two children, Fred Jr. in 1936, and Ava in 1942.
There is not a lot of information known about the couple’s relationship, but Astaire was known to be a family man. Many believed their marriage to be a happy one, and the couple managed to avoid scandal in their time together.
Unfortunately, Potter died from lung cancer at the age of 46 in 1954, ending their 21-year marriage. Astaire was distraught and many believe he fell into a depressive state. In his grief, Astaire attempted to drop out of the film “Daddy Long Legs,” one of his most important films, but he was convinced to stay.
Fred Astaire and Barrie Chase (1957-1961)
Barrie Chase was also a renowned performer from New York. She and Astaire often performed together, and the pair appeared as dancing partners frequently in the late 50s and throughout the 60s.
Outside of the studio, Astaire and Chase were frequently seen on night outs, often attending premiers and shows together. They were rumored to be dating, but neither Astaire nor Chase confirmed or denied their relationship. Even without confirmation, paparazzi and their co-stars believed the pair were in a relationship.
Fred Astaire and Robyn Smith (1980-1987)
Astaire managed to re-marry at the age of 81. His wife was Robyn Smith, a former jockey from San Francisco. She was a successful rider, becoming the first female jockey to win a race in 1973. She met Astaire on January 1, 1973.
Smith married Astaire on June 24, 1980, seven years after they first met. Smith was 35 and Astaire was 81. They were only married for less than seven years and bore no child during their time together. Astaire’s children refused to make a statement regarding their father’s marriage to their new stepmother.
After the dancer’s death, Smith became involved in several legal battles concerning her late husband’s image. She prevented the showing of a film clip of Astaire during a tribute to Ginger Rogers. In 1997, Smith agreed to use Astaire’s image in a mop and vacuum commercial despite Ava’s objections. A year later, Smith lost a case regarding the public domain use of one of Astaire’s old clips.
Fred Astaire’s Refusal To Be Portrayed On Film
With a distinct and fruitful career, many would expect a biopic or a film showcasing Astaire’s life, but Astaire refused to give permission. He was heard stating that no amount of money or reward shall convince him to agree to an actor to play him in a film.
In fact, in his last will and testament, Astaire included a clause requesting that no such portrayal shall take place. When asked about this clause, he stated: “It is there because I have no particular desire to have my life misinterpreted, which it would be.”
In 2021, Tom Holland announced he would be starring in an upcoming biopic about the late actor.
Astaire’s Colorful Career
Astaire received multitudes of awards and nominations throughout his decades-long career. He won an Academy Honorary Award in 1949, Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 1975, three Golden Globe Awards in 1950, 1960, and 1974, and three Primetime Emmy Awards in 1959, 1961, and 1978.
Was Fred Astaire Gay?
No, Fred Astaire was not gay. Though many believe Fred Astaire to be gay or bisexual thanks to his unique style of dancing, interesting fashion choices, and uncanny behavior while performing, Astaire never made a statement confirming nor denying homosexuality. There are no accounts of Astaire commenting on his sexuality and gender orientation.
Featured Image: “Fred Astaire”, by Studio publicity still, licensed under CC0 1.0 DEED