Fred Astaire — dancer with roots in the Russian Empire
Fred Astaire is universally regarded as the greatest dancer in film history. His partnerships with Ginger Rogers produced ten of Hollywood's most beloved musicals, and his solo work in Royal Wedding, The Band Wagon, and Funny Face cemented a legacy that has never been equalled.
Tracing the roots — Linz (parents Rus/Jew)
His father Fritz Austerlitz was born in Linz, Austria, to a family of Jewish origin with roots in the Russian Empire. Fred grew up with an awareness of this Central European Jewish immigrant background — his father's drive to give his children opportunities he never had propelled Fred and his sister Adele into show business.
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Linz (parents Rus/Jew). At the time, this region lay within the Russian Empire, which spanned from Poland to the Pacific.
A career defined by ambition
"I have no desire to prove anything by dancing. I just dance."