Was Fred Astaire Gay? Fred Astaire was one of the most famous actors and performers in the history of Hollywood. He gained international renown for his exceptional dancing skills, breathtaking appearance, and mesmerizing performances. What was the sexuality of Fred Astaire? Was he heterosexual or gay?
Public Domain Mark 1.0 applies to the image of Fred Astaire by Wikimedia Commons.
His followers and biographers have long struggled to resolve this question. Despite numerous rumors and hypotheses, researchers do not know the cause of this issue.
This article will discuss Fred Astaire’s sexuality along with supporting evidence and hypotheses. Continue reading to discover whether Fred Astaire was homosexual or heterosexual.
Fred Astaire Quick Info!
| Name | Fred Astaire |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Frederick Austerlitz |
| Birth date | May 10, 1899 |
| Birth place | Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Death date | June 22, 1987 |
| Death place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Dancer, actor, singer |
| Spouses | Phyllis Potter (1933-1954), Robyn Smith (1980-1987) |
How Sexual-label Rumors Surrounding Fred Astaire?
There have long been rumors and speculations about Fred Astaire’s personal life, given his fame and success. Numerous individuals have questioned his sexuality, and numerous explanations have been provided.
According to one theory, Astaire was homosexual or at the very least bisexual and maintained relationships with men throughout his entire existence. This theory is supported by his close relationships with several openly homosexual men, his feminine personality, and his decision to work with male dancers.
Fred Astaire was heterosexual, according to an opposing viewpoint. Numerous writings suggest that he had affairs with a number of his leading ladies and co-stars and that he was regarded as a “womanizer.” Some claim that he cherished his first wife, Phyllis Potter, and was devastated by her 1954 passing.
Who was Fred Astaire?
Fred Astaire was a dancer, actor, vocalist, choreographer, and host from the United States. He is widely regarded as the “greatest dancer in popular music history.” He received an Honorary Academy Award, three Primetime Emmy Awards, a BAFTA Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Grammy Award, among other honors.
In 1973, he received a tribute from the Film Society of Lincoln Center, in 1978 he received the Kennedy Center Honors, and in 1980 he received the AFI Life Achievement Award. The Hollywood Walk of Fame inducted him in 1960, the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1972, and the Television Hall of Fame in 1989.
The 76-year stage, film, and television career of Fred Astaire. He has appeared in over ten Broadway and West End musicals, 31 musical films, four television specials, and numerous recordings. As a performer, he was renowned for his uncanny cadence, originality, and dedication to excellence.
Was Fred Astaire Gay?
In addition to these anecdotes and speculations, no accurate explanation of Fred Astaire’s sexuality has been demonstrated. There are no confirmed records of his sexual interactions with men or women outside of his marriages, and he never identified himself as homosexual, bisexual, or heterosexual.
Many individuals who knew him well, including his family and associates, have denied claims that he is homosexual or bisexual. Additionally, multiple evidence sources suggest that Astaire may have had same-gender interactions or interests.
For instance, he was rumored to have had intimate relationships with openly gay males such as choreographer Jack Cole and fashion designer Orry-Kelly.
Moreover, he frequently collaborated with male choreographers such as Roland Petit and Hermes Pan and frequently praised their work in interviews.
Several of his performances, such as his famous duet with Gene Kelly in the film Ziegfeld Follies, have also been interpreted as having homosexual themes.
Fred Astaire’s marriages to Phyllis Potter and Robyn Smith, as well as the fact that he was the biological father of two children, indicate that he was heterosexual.
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Fred Astaire’s Personal Life!
In the beginning of his career, he and his sister Adele performed in vaudeville. Later, he became a star of Broadway and Hollywood shows. He was best known for working with Ginger Rogers. In the 1930s, they made 10 movies together.
Astaire married Phyllis Potter, a New York lady, in 1933, and they had two children, Fred Jr. and Ava. He loved his wife very much, and when she died of lung cancer in 1954, it broke his heart. In 1980, he remarried a rider and actor named Robyn Smith, who was 45 years younger than him. At the age of 88, he died of pneumonia in 1987.
Astaire was a quiet guy who tried to stay out of the spotlight. He was also very busy physically and liked to play golf, tennis, ride horses, and skateboard. He broke his wrist when he was 78 years old. He had always been a Republican and had changed from being Jewish to Catholic.
Conclusion
The sexual orientation of Fred Astaire is still the subject of debate and conjecture. Specific evidence suggests that he may have had same-gender relationships or attraction, although there is insufficient evidence to support this conclusion. It is also conceivable that he was straight but had close relationships with homosexual men because he preferred to work with men as a choreographer. It may never be known what Fred Astaire’s sexual orientation was. Stay tuned with Crossover99 for more LGBTQ-related News and Updates.
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