Net Worth Ranker
What Was Fred Astaire’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on June 22, 1987, Fred Astaire, the multifaceted American dancer, choreographer, musician, singer, and actor, had a net worth of $10 million. Adjusted for inflation, that equates to approximately $30 million in today’s dollars. Astaire’s financial stability stemmed from a career that spanned over 70 years, marked by diverse contributions to the entertainment industry.
Career Highlights and Earnings
Fred Astaire’s career encompassed 31 musical films, several award-winning television specials, and numerous recordings. While specific details of individual contract amounts and album sales figures are not publicly available, his extensive work across these platforms undoubtedly contributed significantly to his accumulated wealth. Astaire’s collaboration with Ginger Rogers in ten Hollywood musicals, including “The Gay Divorcee” (1934) and “Top Hat” (1935), cemented his status as a leading figure in the genre. While the precise financial arrangements for these films remain undisclosed, their box office success suggests substantial earnings for both stars.
Beyond his work with Ginger Rogers, Astaire’s involvement in productions like “Broadway Melody of 1940” with Eleanor Powell, and films such as “Holiday Inn” (1942) with Bing Crosby, expanded his appeal and earning potential. Details regarding his compensation for these roles, including base salary and any profit-sharing agreements, are not publicly accessible. However, given his prominence at the time, it is reasonable to assume that he commanded significant fees.
Astaire’s transition into television added another dimension to his career and income. His 1958 television special, “An Evening with Fred Astaire,” won nine Emmy Awards, underscoring his continued relevance and popularity. The financial details of his television ventures, including appearance fees and production royalties, have not been released. However, the success of these specials likely translated into considerable financial gains.
In 1975, Astaire received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “The Towering Inferno,” further showcasing his versatility and contributing to his reputation as a seasoned performer. While his salary for this role is not known, the recognition and subsequent opportunities would have undoubtedly influenced his financial standing.
Business Ventures and Real Estate
In 1947, Fred Astaire established Fred Astaire Dance Studios, a chain of ballroom dance studios located throughout the United States and Canada. The specific financial details of this venture, including initial investment, franchise fees, and overall profitability, are not readily available. However, the company’s longevity indicates a degree of success and ongoing revenue generation.
In 1961, Fred Astaire constructed a 6,100-square-foot hilltop mansion in Beverly Hills, California. While the exact cost of construction is unknown, the property’s value has appreciated significantly over time. In 1987, at the time of his death, the house’s estimated value was in excess of $10 million. The property remains occupied by his widow to this day. This home, located in a prime area of Beverly Hills, would have represented a significant portion of his net worth, with similar nearby properties fetching high prices, even today.
Awards and Recognition
Fred Astaire’s accolades include an Honorary Academy Award in 1950, three Primetime Emmy Awards, a BAFTA Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Grammy Award. While these awards did not directly translate into monetary compensation, they enhanced his reputation and contributed to his earning power throughout his career. His induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1972, and the Television Hall of Fame in 1989 further solidified his legacy and likely bolstered his financial prospects.
In 1978, Astaire received the Kennedy Center Honors, and in 1980, he was awarded the AFI Life Achievement Award. These prestigious honors recognized his significant contributions to the arts and entertainment and served as a testament to his enduring appeal.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Frederick Austerlitz, born on May 10, 1899, in Omaha, Nebraska, embarked on his performance journey alongside his sister Adele. Although specific financial details from his early performances are unavailable, the siblings began their career, their family relocating to New York City after Freidrich, their father, lost his job. The decision to move was predicated on the potential of involving the two children in show business.
Fred and Adele enrolled in the Alvieni Master School of the Theatre. The act, initially named “Juvenile Artists Presenting an Electric Musical Toe-Dancing Novelty,” led to a talent contract involving travel and performances across the country. Details of the early contract compensation remain undocumented.
Their Broadway debut occurred in 1917 in “Over the Top.” Subsequently, they graced stages in London, appearing in acts such as “The Bunch and Judy” in 1922, “Lady, Be Good” in 1924, and “Funny Face” in 1927. Though these appearances marked significant milestones, specific earnings from these performances are not publicly recorded.
Musical Films
Astaire starred in 31 musical films. “Top Hat” (1935), “Shall We Dance” (1937), and “A Damsel in Distress” (1937). Others include “You’ll Never Get Rich” (1941), “You Were Never Lovelier” (with Rita Hayworth, 1942), and “Holiday Inn” (with Bing Crosby, 1942). His film “The Skies The Limit” came out in 1943, while “Yolanda and the Thief” and “Zigfield Follies” both premiered in 1945. 1946 saw the premier of “Blue Skies,” while “Easter Parade” came out in 1948. “Three Little Words” and “Let’s Dance” both came out in 1950, and “Royal Wedding” in 1951. 1952 saw the premier of “The Belle of New York,” and 1953 was the year “The Band Wagon” came out. Finally, he did “Daddy Long Legs” in 1955, “Funny Face” in 1957, “Silk Stockings” in 1957, and “Finian’s Rainbow” in 1968. These films were a significant source of income, though specific earnings are unavailable.
Television Specials
Astaire’s four television specials aired in 1958, 1959, 1960, and 1968. His 1958 special “An Evening with Fred Astaire” won nine Emmy Awards. The specific earnings related to these television productions are unknown.
Later Film Roles
In 1978 Astaire appeared in the film, “A Family Upside Down.” In 1979 he appeared in the series “Battlestar Galactica” and the television film “The Man in the Santa Claus Suit.” In 1975, he received an Academy Award nomination for “The Towering Inferno.” The specific financial compensation for these roles is also unavailable.
Autobiography and Albums
In 1959, Astaire published his autobiography “Steps in Time.” Though the exact sales figures and royalties are unknown, the book added to his revenue stream. In 1975, Astaire recorded three albums: “Attitude Dancing,” “They Can’t Take These Away From Me,” and “A Couple of Song and Dance Men.” Specific sales figures and royalties from these albums are not publicly available. His 1952 musical album “The Astaire Story” won a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999.
Personal Life
Fred Astaire’s personal life also provides some context to his financial situation. Fred married Phyllis Livingston Potter in 1933. She died in 1954. He then married Robyn Smith in 1980. Details surrounding settlements or inheritance connected to his marriages are not available.
