Fred Astaire: His Favorite Partner and Lasting Legacy

Ask any movie buff to name Fred Astaire’s dance partner, and Ginger Rogers is the first name that comes to mind. But when the man himself was asked to pick a favorite, his answer wasn’t as straightforward as you might expect.

Born: May 10, 1899 · Died: June 22, 1987 · Profession: Dancer, actor, singer, choreographer · Known for: Musical films with Ginger Rogers and others

Six key facts about Fred Astaire at a glance, one pattern: the man built a career on partnership but left plenty of ambiguity about his personal preferences.

Who was Fred Astaire’s favorite partner?

One of the most persistent questions about Astaire’s career is which dancer he preferred on screen. According to a Facebook post from Turner Classic Movies, Astaire wrote in his autobiography that he considered Rita Hayworth his favorite dancing partner (Turner Classic Movies Facebook). Yet the evidence is thin: the same claim appears on several fan and studio pages, but with no original interview source (Fred Astaire Dance Studios).

A more reliable clue comes from a 1973 interview in which Astaire described Barrie Chase as “the best partner” (Wikipedia). That same source notes that interviewers repeatedly pressed Astaire on the question, and he often gave cheeky answers — once naming Bing Crosby just to sidestep the debate. So the favorite-partner question remains unsettled.

What did Fred Astaire say about Rita Hayworth?

• Reportedly, in his autobiography he called Hayworth his favorite (low-confidence claim per TCM Facebook)
• He danced with Hayworth in You Were Never Lovelier (1942) and The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939)
• The most dependable on-record answer appears to be Barrie Chase, not Hayworth

The implication: the audience’s love affair with Ginger Rogers may have overshadowed Astaire’s own nuanced preferences.

What did Michael Jackson say about Fred Astaire?

Michael Jackson frequently cited Fred Astaire as a major influence on his dancing and music videos. In interviews, Jackson called Astaire a “genius” and said he studied his moves obsessively (Fred Astaire Dance Studios). Astaire, in turn, praised Jackson’s talent, calling him “a wonderful dancer” and predicting his lasting impact.

Did Michael Jackson consider Fred Astaire an inspiration?

• Yes — Jackson said Astaire was “the greatest dancer who ever lived”
• He incorporated Astaire’s precise footwork and elegant turns into his own style
• The comparison between the two performers is common in dance criticism (Fred Astaire Dance Studios)

The takeaway: Astaire’s legacy extends far beyond the golden age of Hollywood, directly shaping the King of Pop’s iconic moves.

Why did Ginger Rogers stop dancing with Fred Astaire?

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers made nine films together between 1933 and 1939, creating some of cinema’s most memorable dance sequences. But after The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, they went their separate ways professionally. Rogers reportedly wanted to pursue other roles and felt typecast as Astaire’s partner (Wikipedia). The two remained friends but never danced on screen again.

Did Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers get along?

• They had a warm professional relationship but no romantic involvement (unclear, per Fred Astaire Dance Studios)
• Rogers’ decision to leave was amicable and driven by career ambition

The pattern: Rogers wanted a broader range of dramatic roles, and Hollywood obliged — she went on to win an Oscar for Kitty Foyle (1940).

Did Fred Astaire have any biological children?

Yes, Fred Astaire had two biological children. He married Phyllis Potter in 1933, and they had a son, Fred Astaire Jr., born in 1936, and a daughter, Ava Astaire, born in 1942 (Wikipedia). Both children lived relatively private lives away from the Hollywood spotlight.

How many children did Fred Astaire have?

• Two biological children: Fred Astaire Jr. (born 1936) and Ava Astaire (born 1942)
• Phyllis Potter died in 1954; Astaire later married Robyn Smith in 1980

The implication: despite his public persona as a carefree dancer, Astaire maintained a devoted family life behind the scenes.

What was Fred Astaire’s cause of death?

Fred Astaire died of pneumonia on June 22, 1987, at age 88. He had been hospitalized after a fall at his home in Los Angeles (Wikipedia). His death marked the end of an era in American entertainment.

When did Fred Astaire die?

• Date: June 22, 1987
• Age: 88
• Cause: pneumonia following a fall

The legacy: Astaire’s graceful movements on screen contrasted with a final chapter that was more humble, but his impact on dance and film remains unmatched.

For film historians and dance fans, the Astaire story is a reminder that on-screen chemistry doesn’t always equal personal preference. The man who made dancing look effortless left behind a web of contradictory statements — and a legacy that continues to inspire. For modern performers, the choice is clear: study Astaire’s precision and grace, or risk being forgotten.