Fred Astaire Accepts the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1981

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Hollywood legend Fred Astaire accepts the 9th AFI Life Achievement Award in 1981.
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[@barbaraleary8300]

Fred Astaire was the most elegant and humble gentleman ever to grace the screen. He will be remembered always for his great dancing .He was a true icon.

[@frankgyure3154]

This "speech" shows the absolute humility of this great artist. It was NOT ALL ABOUT HIM. He did his best..gave his best..and that was all.

[@tiffsaver]

I was blessed enough to have actually met this great man on the street when I was a kid of eighteen, and we talked. His charm, his incredible humility, I'll never forget as long as I live. When I was actually conversing with him, I was scared to death, I didn't know what to say. I said to myself: "One day when I'm older, I'l be able to appreciate this moment." Well, I'm 62 now, and I appreciate that lovely moment as much as I thought I would. What a wonderful man.

[@denisespurlock]

The best dancer in the world. Rest in Peace, Fred!

[@namj8145]

A favorite Astaire story...just 5 years before this event, he broke his arm, falling in his driveway. Not uncommon for any other 76 year old man. But he was riding his grandson's skateboard up and down his drive, and fell off. ....My idol.

[@jamessmithe5490]

His sister used to call him "moaning Minnie" because she felt it was good enough and he always wanted to do it one more time. A perfectionist. Which is why no one has surpassed him, ever.

[@63DW89A]

@James Smithe And Fred called Adele "Goodtime Charlie"! Affectionate little tweaks at each other just like any brother-sister! Adele was the extroverted party lover, while Fred was the reserved introverted type to hang back a bit at parties. Opposite personalities that meshed perfectly in the complementary male-female dynamics of a brother and sister! Probably would have destroyed a sister act or a brother act!

[@lenhummel5614]

Fred & Gene. Never to be surpassed. Gifted artists with tremendous talent AND self-discipline❗

[@johnphillips4268]

What a charming man. If that doesn't describe who Fred Astaire was? Well, nothing does. Charming in his dance, in his singing, and in his acting. Just pure charm in every way.

[@marymichael1211]

That's a good point . . . Adding charm to all of the other qualities, which carried the films in between the dancing and was in the singing and acting.

[@singergal57]

He was simply the best. And what a wonderfully humble man.

[@rossharmonics]

He is even a more wonderful person in reality than half the wonderful characters he portrayed rolled into a single person.

[@jeanjones1846]

Fred Astaire (born Frederick Austerlitz; May 10, 1899 - June 22, 1987) American dancer, singer, actor, choreographer, and television presenter. Considered the most influential dancer in the history of film. His stage and subsequent film and TV careers spanned a tota76 yrs total ... Class and Talent , Oh how we miss him.

[@jeffreysalter917]

He makes you feel good. Just a wonderful man. A gift to us all.

[@apollonia6656]

THE adorable genius, one and only Mr Astaire. Bless him.

[@PlanetYokoshima]

Still elegant and a gentleman.

[@Forever82803]

poor fred! he coudn't dance anymore for the show, getting old is so unfair, now that he is in heaven I hope he can dance again!

[@bilkomax]

that's a wonderful sentiment

[@CTS1661]

You should check out the video of him dancing at the 1970 Oscars. 71 in it!

[@ingriddubbel8468]

He could dance check out 1970 Oscars.

[@jackanthony976]

@@ingriddubbel8468 That was 10 years before.

[@patricemoran7469]

More like poor us...who could ever get enough of Fred Astaire?

[@jeffreysalter3650]

Only 2 like this in show business history. Elegance, grace, class and above all humility. They are Fred Astaire and Cary Grant.

[@TheMaisie80]

Fred Astaire was the Gentleman of Dance. So Elegant yet so fit.What a great dancer he was..

[@patricemoran7469]

Fred had a unique way of moving... Bob Fosse... as well as other contemporary choreographers...tried to emulate him. Recently came across a you-tube video Where the wonderful late Gregory Hynes discusses Fred's influence on dance. adored him

[@katharinedalton839]

Fred not only had the fanciest footwork around, he also used his arms and hands with such grace. From the top of his top hat to the tips of his tap shoes, he was grace personified.

[@angels_in_velvet]

Fred Astaire was one of a kind. He is the only actor that when he died I fell to the floor in my living room in tears. I cried for days. I still do. He is my first celebrity crush. Actually my first crush on anyone. I wanted to be Ginger Rogers so badly. Mostly because she was talented and beautiful but also because she got to dance with Fred. They don't make them like this any more. Rest in Peace Fred. I hope you get to dance with your fellow actress lady partners in Heaven.

[@patricemoran7469]

One of a kind....brilliant entertainer. Extraordinary catalog of dance on film. But most of all Class Personified.

[@sleeper600]

What a beautiful moment and acceptance speech. They don't make them like that anymore. Great Fred Astaire!

[@danielalexanderkandou9610]

Mr. Fred Astaire you're truly Wonderful, I'm really love your Performance👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@patricemoran7469]

Many of us remember falling in love with Fred Astaire as children. My sisters and I would watch his films with Ginger over and over again on 'Million Dollar Movies'. I can actually vaguely remember seeing 'The Band Wagon' with my mother in a local movie theater. RIP Fred... knowing that you were a one-of-a-kind Unique performer who will never be forgotten...as long as classic films survive.

[@davidjamespiano]

To think this incredible man was self conscious of the size of his hands that he often put em in pockets and cupped them to make em seem small on screen is comforting to know that even a flawlessly raw talented performer like him has insecurities but you’d never know it when watching him dance. Effortless!! What a gift to the world.

[@JM4EDR]

Such a modest, shy man. A true genius and a true legend. He's always alive to me.

[@Tharrild]

A wonderful soul

[@Poetic_Justice1962]

I don't hesitate to say that he was the greatest.

[@bowler8]

what a wonderful man, deeply missed

[@NovaJake360]

What Astaire did for the film world, not just dancing, was incredible and priceless.

[@katharinedalton839]

A lot of people don't know that he was a fine pianist and drummer, as well as a great golfer. With such impeccable rhythm and coordination, it makes perfect sense that he'd shine in other areas as well. Too bad he didn't get the chance to tap while playing a grand piano and beating a drum with his feet. I have perfect confidence he could have done it, and brilliantly!

[@jamesjube90]

Of course he did do tap with an upright and around a set of drums in a couple of his movies - but all at once, nope - could have been real crazy though

[@michaelmckinney7240]

Fred Astaire made this world a richer and more interesting place by his incomparable talent and his genuine humanity.

[@MrImiller07]

Astaire introduced more American popular standards written by George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Johnny Mercer and Dietz and Schwartz than any other artist. Sinatra was in awe of his talents. His work is timeless. Hepburn, Powell and Chase clearly have genuine affection for him.

[@alwayssinatra583]

Never tire of watching his movies over and over again. Elegant and perfection always. The master is simply the best 💕

[@williamratcliffe7794]

I remember reading where Astaire was very critical of himself. He would see himself dancing on the screen, and always wished he did it another way, or hoped he could have done better. Fred, every move you made was graceful and had meaning. You took us in for an hour and a half, and entertained us, even when at the age of 69 when he made one of my favorite films, 'Finian's Rainbow', you did your absolute best, and on screen, it showed. Wished I have met you, to say 'thank you for the wonderful legacy of films you made, and allowing some of us to forget our troubles, for just a little while'.

[@katharinedalton839]

How refreshing that such a huge talent could have such a modest ego. Fred, you were one class act!

[@fredpickett6219]

One Of The best Entertainers We ever had thanks for posting this.

[@elissaschornstein9399]

What a delightful Gentleman. Mr. Fred Astaire. Thank you for your wonderful dancing

[@fay-amieaspen6046]

The very best. Thank you Mr Astaire!

[@nygblue24]

4:10 Audrey Hepburn looks amazing!

[@vastusassasin1070]

She always looks amazing.

[@TheLucidNightDreamer]

Aww

[@cindyparkhurst7651]

Absolutely a brillant man. Danced like heaven. You are awesome Mr Astaire. Xxxxx

[@davidwhyberd7612]

He was one of those great artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson whom I watch and listen too regularly. He was just incredible. His tap routines are still exciting to watch to this day. When he danced with Ginger Rogers they were were works of art and so beautiful, that it makes me emotional. This was an age of class, good manners and sophistication.

[@ShawnaGraham50]

A very rare gem indeed!

[@MrImiller07]

Astaire is quoted as saying, "I just tried to knock the audience off their feet every chance that I got". He selected projects carefully and worked on his terms, making sure that he had ample time to rehearse, working with the best musical directors, Vincente Minnelli, Stanley Donen and choreographers, Hermes Pan and Michael Kidd and the best partners, Cyd Charisse, Barrie Chase, Eleanor Powell. He was able to sustain himself as a dancer until 1968, and left an indellible legacy.

[@pattyb325]

He was fantastic and always will be. I saw my first Fred Astaire movie when I was 6 years old, and fell in love with him forever.

[@user-pk1yh1wf2p]

the man who defied gravity with endless grace,what a class!!!

[@MssEyre]

Fred was the best!!! there wont be another Fred Astaire.

[@cynthiataylor2279]

Astaire is the master, no one better. Perfection!

[@MrImiller07]

Astaire was one of the most deserving of the American Film Institute life achievement awards, however, it's unfortunate that he couldn't have received the honor in 1970, the year that he danced at the Oscars, or in 74, when he filmed That's Entertainment, and he wasn't as fragile. Astaire was also never particularly comfortable as a public speaker, which he addresses here in self deprecating comments. Cagney, who was honored by the AFI six years earlier, was in good physical shape and spoke movingly and entertainingly about his career and his appreciation of art and dance.

[@thunderbolt2145]

Greatest American male dancer bar none. I remember watching this as a kid.

[@PNTTVReacts]

I saw Andrey Hepburn in the audience and freaked out! It's mind-blowing that probably 80% that room is dead.

[@okaka-sanfilmeedition8971]

Incredible Mr Astaire ❤️

[@jamesjube90]

The most significant talent in Hollywood movie history - in my opinion - he is the magic, the talent and work - a star that still shines the brightest

[@EdwinDearborn]

What are gracious gentleman.

[@user-ud6en1yz4r]

No one like him then or now ,legend , what a talent.

[@eddysecco8415]

Fred Astaire had a gift on loan from God. He returned his gift and we are all the richer for it. God bless and thank you Mr. Astaire.

[@michaelhungate7506]

He sure seemed to be such a nice guy. I've seen many interviews with him and every one he is super classy and really nice and humble. "They" just don't make stars like that anymore.

[@meryflorida7160]

Im very proud of have all his films !!!

[@ingriddubbel8468]

Someone wrote in the comments "poor Fred" He is Fred Astaire!! Why pity him? He has influenced every dancer since 1930.

[@howardkoor2796]

What a class act!

[@karenjanicehollick1545]

All these great artists gone sadly missed !

[@2dasimmons]

Wow! 76 YEARS I SHOW BUSINESS. INCREDIBLE!!

[@alanwitton5039]

A great entertainer and a great man

[@ange9663]

Fred Astaire just the greatest forever, my favourite everything, its lovely this was emceed by his great friend David Niven. Both very much missed ❤️♥️

[@lexx.stormm]

What an amazing soul. He really made a name for himself. I’m so happy I have the privilege to dance at one of his many franchised dance studios

[@petupi]

Simply, the best!. I´m very proud persons as Fred Astaire had the oportunity that this life was a wonderful experience.

[@VintageBeauty1313]

Anyone else tearing up? I AM!!

[@hilarylaw8415]

Oh my God, yes. Buckets of tears.

[@johnphillips4268]

Will we ever have another man like Fred Astair again? No, I think not, and I am tearing up to.!!!!

[@007sMoneyPenny]

Fred Astaire: ONE of God's Masterpiece. I will never forget YOU! I feel sad that musicals from that time aren't popular anymore. I may just live in the wrong century - what a pity!

[@lenhummel5614]

Fred Astaire is simply IMMORTAL as a dancer & singer and great entertainer. Great choreographer also. Just LOADED with talent and style. Fred. Gene. Sinatra. And Danny Kaye. - all tied for First Place.(!)

[@kindoftwistedlogic]

One of the greatest star hollywood has ever seen. A man with such talent, class, awesomeness should live forever...

[@katharinedalton839]

And he will. Thank the good Lord for motion pictures!

[@tessi8280]

How nice to see this!!!

[@rajendrabiswas]

Amazing actor dancer saw him in my childhood tv

[@justforyouenjoy]

I love Fred - I watched his movies when I was little

[@claudialofiego]

Fred Astaire ❤️❤️❤️

[@yingpiccola]

Watching this, I’m touched to tear...😢

[@valentinamaggie1253]

I love you and we miss you Fred!

[@michaelkalinski5061]

What was the most distinctive quality in this gentleman? To me, he was the most elegant man on the planet. Many recognized him as the best dancer ever lived. I would add: the most elegant dancer! Maybe that's the reason millions peoples returning to watch him dancing decades after his death.

[@susannebass1883]

His name will live forever ❤❤❤❤❤

[@fstopcornea]

Totally The Man, as My Wife would say, she loves him, says no one can dance or sing or have such Grace & Style as Fred Astaire, he was Pure Class !

[@katharinedalton839]

Yes, pure class, indeed. Fred never walked anywhere in his prime; he glided. Just watching him coming down a corridor or entering a room was so inspiring. He may not have been conventionally handsome, but when he moved, he was the most attractive man in showbiz, as far as I'm concerned!😍

[@marymichael1211]

Yes, his essence was grace.

[@independentfilmchannel1476]

The greatness of Mr Astaire's talent illustrates just how lacking this current time is in certain areas. That anyone would even attempt to compare John Travolta to him is laughable. Nobody, not even Gene Kelly, could match the incomparable Fred.

[@memphisflashfan1]

A comparison of John Travolta to Fred Astaire made me laugh. Mikhael Baryshnikov said about Mr. Astaire, “No dancer can watch Fred Astaire and not know that we all should have been in another business." There are other similar remarks by Baryshnikov about Astaire which similarly revealed the high esteem he and other classical dancers and choreographers held him in.

[@StevenTorrey]

His films with Ginger Rogers are all available on DVD; they are as charming now, as enjoyable now as they were when they came out so many years ago. I first became acquainted with his movies when the Hartford Athenaeum had a retrospective of his films sometime in the early 1970s; Dorothy--my ex--and I were guests of Lorraine and Bob--so to them I owe my appreciation for Fred Astaire..and so much more... "Top Hat" and "Gay Divorcee" are just excellent...

[@anniechristien]

The class and the heavenly feet of Mr.Astaire.

[@MrTrickster8000]

May God rest your soul Mr Astaire 🙏🕊️🕊️

[@MyLovelyDeadFriends]

Love you, Fred.

[@joehop1505]

Fred!!! You the man.....

[@margh1004]

You are a shining star sir we lived you then and we still live you even more godbless fred so sadly missed 😘😘😘😘😉😇😇😇💐🌠🌌🌟⭐✨🌜🌎

[@marknan5352]

A class act.

[@nataliatsiova6276]

BEST!!!!!!

[@raydaisiesstudios]

I love you fred!!

[@kimbradley9595]

They were the actors and actresses of all time they have no clue today the Kardashians really give me a break the old actors and actresses with the best they are the greatest Fred Astaire no one can meet that

[@luigimaurizio7302]

LEGEND.

[@tuxguys]

Iconic. Good for him.

[@Elena-gd5qu]

Великие люди всегда очень скромны.. Great personalities are always very modest!))

[@Agr8song]

amazing man!!! brilliant mind...

[@NatureFillsMe]

Guess there won't be more like Fred Ataire. That grace, you don't see it anywhere. We won't forget you Fred. BTW Audrey Hepburn looks gorgeous as always in the video.

[@mr.deedsgoestotown6155]

Only a select few in this class of entertainer. All from the same era. It seems that the times they lived through had something to do with producing such extraordinary talent. It's a safe bet that there won't be another time which will give us the wealth of talent we see here. Glad to have experienced this talent first hand even if on the periphery.

[@pamelaarias8905]

THE KING 👑👑👑👑👑👑👑

[@pauljung3534]

"Fred Astaire.. an unparalleled lifelong romance, with dance!!" "A dance of life fulfilled.. it is passion & grace, elevated over time & space." "For what is life - unless you break a leg - with impact, with heart, with sway." "An opus on life. Dance it out, to the full." "Astaire.. way to Heaven." ~ Paul Jung

[@lindanicola]

Bless him in heaven

[@Legend90210]

amazing man

[@mujerenelespacio]

Fred Astaire un ángel I LOVE YOU

[@Pdjohnners]

Beautiful speech

[@lindasayler4566]

A great guy

[@MarkS1356]

All class