Fred Astaire was born in Omaha, Nebraska, to Johanna (Geilus) and FritzAusterlitz, a brewer. Fred entered show business at age 5. He wassuccessful both in vaudeville and on Broadway in partnership with hissister,Adele Astaire. After Adele retiredto marry in 1932, Astaire headed to Hollywood. Signed to RKO, he wasloaned to MGM to appear inDancing Lady (1933) before startingwork on RKO'sFlying Down to Rio (1933). Inthe latter film, he began his highly successful partnership withGinger Rogers, with whom he danced in 9RKO pictures. During these years, he was also active in recording andradio. On film, Astaire later appeared opposite a number of partnersthrough various studios. After a temporary retirement in 1945-7, duringwhich he opened Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Astaire returned to film tostar in more musicals through 1957. He subsequently performed a numberof straight dramatic roles in film and TV.