Born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1899 with the name Frederick Austerlitz, he created a stage act with with his sister, Adele. In the 1930's they were noted for their enthusiasm and style. Who was he?

The legendary dancer and actor was indeed born Frederick Austerlitz in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1899 (Review). He and his older sister, Adele, were pushed into show business by their mother and formed a successful vaudeville act as children. After changing their surname to Astaire, the sibling duo became major stars on Broadway and in London during the 1920s, celebrated for their sophisticated style and energetic, polished dancing.

The brother-sister act dissolved in 1932 when Adele retired from the stage to get married. A solo Fred Astaire then moved to Hollywood to try his luck in motion pictures. It was there that he was paired with Ginger Rogers, creating one of the most iconic partnerships in cinema history. Throughout the 1930s, their musicals, such as "Top Hat" and "Swing Time," captivated audiences and defined the golden age of the movie musical.

A notorious perfectionist, Astaire revolutionized how dance was filmed, insisting on long takes that kept the dancers' full bodies in the frame to preserve the integrity of the performance. His seemingly effortless grace, combined with his signature top hat and tails, made him an enduring symbol of elegance and entertainment until his death in 1987.