Fred Astaire: Children, Fortune, Religion & Michael Jackson

When you picture the man who made dancing look like floating, that top hat and tails probably come to mind. But Fred Astaire was more than an icon—he was a father of two, a man of quiet faith, and his fortune remains a source of fascination.

Full name: Frederick Austerlitz · Born: May 10, 1899, Omaha, Nebraska · Died: June 22, 1987, Los Angeles, California · Occupation: Dancer, actor, singer, choreographer · Biological children: 2 (Fred Astaire Jr., Ava Astaire) · Spouse: Phyllis Potter (1933–1954), Robyn Smith (1980–1987)

Seven facts capture the essentials of Fred Astaire’s life: born in 1899, died in 1987, occupation dancer and actor, two marriages, two children, famous partnership with Ginger Rogers, and multiple major awards.

Did Fred Astaire have any biological children?

Who are Fred Astaire’s children?

Fred Astaire had two biological children with his first wife, Phyllis Potter. Fred Astaire Jr. was born in 1936, and Ava Astaire was born in 1942 (German Wikipedia (German-language encyclopedia)). Both children were raised primarily in the New York area, away from the Hollywood spotlight.

Where are Fred Astaire’s children today?

As of the 2020s, Fred Astaire Jr. lived in California, where he pursued a career in business. Ava Astaire became a writer and producer, and she spent much of her adult life in Europe (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)). Astaire also acted as a stepfather to Phyllis’s son from a previous marriage, Eliphalet Nott Potter IV, known as Peter (NNDB (biographical database)).

The implication: Astaire deliberately separated his public persona from his family responsibilities, a choice that shielded his children from the pressures of fame.

What did Michael Jackson say about Fred Astaire?

Did Michael Jackson meet Fred Astaire?

Michael Jackson publicly called Fred Astaire “the greatest dancer who ever lived” in a 1988 interview, crediting him as a major influence on his own dance style (YouTube (video platform)). A social media post claims Jackson wrote in his autobiography Moonwalk that Astaire was the greatest dancer of all time (X (social media platform)). The two reportedly met at least once, though no verified account of the meeting exists in public records.

What other artists admired Fred Astaire?

Beyond Jackson, many performers revered Astaire. Ginger Rogers, his most famous dance partner, said of him: “He was a perfectionist, but he never made me feel inferior. He was a gentleman.” (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)). The question “What artist refused to work with Michael Jackson?” has no verifiable connection to Astaire—it appears to be a separate rumor with no direct link (Britannica Kids (educational resource)).

What this means: Jackson’s admiration is well-documented, but the rumored refusal incident is a red herring that distracts from Astaire’s actual legacy.

Who inherited Fred Astaire’s fortune?

What was Fred Astaire’s net worth at death?

Fred Astaire’s estate was reportedly estimated at approximately $10 million at the time of his death, according to a biographical source (Grokipedia (fan wiki)). However, exact figures vary across sources, and no official probate records have been published to confirm a precise number.

How was Fred Astaire’s estate divided?

His will primarily left assets to his second wife, Robyn Smith, and his two children, Fred Jr. and Ava. Astaire also left gifts to his longtime assistant and to several charitable foundations (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)). The division meant that Smith, a former jockey who married Astaire in 1980, received a significant portion, while the children from his first marriage also inherited substantial shares.

The trade-off: Because Astaire married late in life to a much younger woman, the estate distribution became a point of media speculation, but no legal disputes were ever reported.

What was Fred Astaire’s religion?

Fred Astaire was raised in a Catholic household—his father was of Jewish origin raised Catholic, and his mother came from a Lutheran German family (NNDB (biographical database)). He was formally confirmed as an Episcopalian in 1912 (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).

I don’t go to church. I have my own beliefs.

— Fred Astaire, 1970s interview (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))

The pattern: Astaire’s religious journey mirrors that of many artists who drift from formal religion but retain a personal spiritual framework.

Was Fred Astaire a nice person in real life?

What did colleagues say about Fred Astaire’s personality?

Many co-stars and crew members described Astaire as a perfectionist—demanding of himself and others—but also polite and professional. Ginger Rogers praised his patience and respect on set, saying he never made her feel inferior (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)). A biography notes that his public image of grace was matched by a private demeanor of quiet intensity (Britannica Kids (educational resource)).

Did Fred Astaire have any controversies?

There are no major scandals or accusations of unkind behavior documented in credible biographies. The most critical observation is that he could be aloof and focused on work, but never malicious. His legacy is one of artistic dedication, not personal drama.

Why this matters: In an era of Hollywood scandals, Astaire’s clean reputation stands out—but it also means fans have little to gossip about, which may explain the persistent curiosity about his private life.

Timeline

• 1899 – Born Frederick Austerlitz in Omaha, Nebraska (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).
• 1905 – Begins dancing in vaudeville with sister Adele (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).
• 1917 – Broadway debut in Over the Top (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).
• 1933 – First film with Ginger Rogers, Flying Down to Rio (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).
• 1939 – Last film with Rogers, The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).
• 1954 – Death of first wife Phyllis Potter (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).
• 1980 – Marries Robyn Smith (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).
• 1987 – Dies of pneumonia in Los Angeles, age 88 (Britannica Kids (educational resource)).

Clarity: What we know and what remains uncertain

Quotes about Fred Astaire

Fred Astaire is the greatest dancer who ever lived. He influenced me more than anybody.

— Michael Jackson, 1988 interview (YouTube (video platform))

He was a perfectionist, but he never made me feel inferior. He was a gentleman.

— Ginger Rogers, on working with Astaire (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))

I don’t go to church. I have my own beliefs.

— Fred Astaire, 1970s interview (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))

For fans of classic Hollywood, the takeaway is clear: Fred Astaire’s legacy is not just in his steps but in the man behind them—a private perfectionist who left a lasting imprint on dance and film. Whether you’re curious about his children, his fortune, or his faith, the real story is quieter than the rumors—and far more interesting.

Frequently asked questions