astaire, fred 1899-1987, american dancer and actor, known for his graceful, sophisticated dance style and for his musical comedy films. born fred austerlitz in omaha, nebraska, astaire appeared in vaudeville at the age of seven with his sister adele. from 1917 to 1932 they were a noted broadway dancing team, appearing in such musicals as over the top 1917, lady be good 1925, and funny face 1927. after adele astaire retired from the stage, fred astaire began a career in films. his first film was dancing lady 1933. his films with the dancer ginger rogers, beginning with flying down to rio 1933, include roberta 1935, top hat 1935, shall we dance 1937, and the barkleys of broadway 1949. astaire and rogers developed an elegant dance style, noted for its technical excellence and intimacy. astaires other films include easter parade 1948, with judy garland daddy long legs 1955, with leslie caron funny face 1957, with audrey hepburn and silk stockings 1957, with cyd charisse.