Fred Astaire Family Tree: The Story Behind Hollywood's Dancing Master

Frederick Austerlitz (1899–1987), known as Fred Astaire, born 10 May 1899 in Omaha, Nebraska, USA, and died 22 June 1987 in Los Angeles, was Hollywood's most-celebrated dancer — 10 musicals with Ginger Rogers (1933-1949) including Top Hat (1935), Swing Time (1936), Shall We Dance (1937); Easter Parade (1948), The Band Wagon (1953), Silk Stockings (1957); Honorary Academy Award (1950), AFI Life Achievement Award (1981).

The Family's Roots: An Austrian-American Family

Father was an Austrian immigrant.

His Parents

Father: Fritz "Frederick" Emanuel Austerlitz (1868–1923) — Austrian immigrant; brewer.

Mother: Johanna "Ann" Geilus Austerlitz (1878–1975).

His Sister

Adele Austerlitz Cavendish (1896–1981) — dancing partner in vaudeville/Broadway 1905-1932; married Lord Charles Cavendish (Duke of Devonshire's son).

His Wives

Phyllis Livingston Potter (m. 12 July 1933, until her death 13 September 1954) — New York socialite; lung cancer.

Robyn Smith (m. 24 June 1980, until his death 1987) — jockey (44 years younger).

His Children (with Phyllis)

Fred Astaire Jr., born 21 January 1936 — son; charter pilot.

Ava Astaire, born 28 March 1942 — daughter.

His Stepson (Phyllis's from first marriage)

Eliphalet Nott Potter III (Peter).

The Astaire Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Fritz Austerlitz (1868–1923).

Mother: Johanna Ann Geilus Austerlitz (1878–1975).

Sister: Adele Astaire Cavendish (1896–1981).

Wives: Phyllis Potter (1933-54, died); Robyn Smith (1980-death).

Children: Fred Jr. (b. 21 January 1936); Ava (b. 28 March 1942).

Fred Astaire:

  • Born 10 May 1899, Omaha
  • Vaudeville with sister Adele from age 5
  • Broadway 1917-1932
  • RKO contract 1933; Flying Down to Rio (1933) paired him with Ginger Rogers
  • 10 films with Ginger Rogers
  • Honorary Academy Award: 1950
  • AFI Life Achievement: 1981
  • Died: 22 June 1987, LA — pneumonia at 88

What the Astaire Family Story Teaches Us

An Austrian-immigrant brewer father. A sister-dancer who became a Duke's daughter-in-law. Two marriages — first died of lung cancer after 21 years; second in his 80s to a 36-year-old jockey. Two children. A career that defined Hollywood musical dance.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Astaire story carries the same lesson. Some careers pair with a sister for 27 years, then with Ginger Rogers for 10 films.

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