Fred Astaire Accepts the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1981

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@MariaFielder-k3z]

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

[@denisespurlock]

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

[@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.

[@jeffreysalter917]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@apollonia6656]

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

[@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!

[@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?

[@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.

[@lenhummel5614]

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

[@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.

[@jeffreysalter3650]

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

[@sleeper600]

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

[@YokoshimaSTAR]

Still elegant and a gentleman.

[@bowler8]

what a wonderful man, deeply missed

[@danielalexanderkandou9610]

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

[@MrTrickster8000]

May God rest your soul Mr Astaire 🙏🕊️🕊️

[@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.

[@patricemoran7469]

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

[@JM4EDR]

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

[@alwayssinatra583]

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

[@fredpickett6219]

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

[@Tharrild]

A wonderful soul

[@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.

[@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

[@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'.

[@fay-amieaspen6046]

The very best. Thank you Mr Astaire!

[@michaelmckinney7240]

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

[@cindyparkhurst7651]

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

[@elissaschornstein9399]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@marknan5352]

A class act.

[@cynthiataylor2279]

Astaire is the master, no one better. Perfection!

[@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.

[@αλεξανδροςραπτης-λ5ζ]

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

[@katharinedalton839]

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

[@nygblue24]

4:10 Audrey Hepburn looks amazing!

[@vastusassasin1070]

She always looks amazing.

[@TheLucidNightDreamer]

Aww

[@MssEyre]

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

[@ShawnaGraham50]

A very rare gem indeed!

[@EdwinDearborn]

What are gracious gentleman.

[@susannebass1883]

His name will live forever ❤❤❤❤❤

[@thunderbolt2145]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@okaka-sanfilmeedition8971]

Incredible Mr Astaire ❤️

[@PNTTVReacts]

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

[@meryflorida7160]

Im very proud of have all his films !!!

[@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.(!)

[@rajendrabiswas]

Amazing actor dancer saw him in my childhood tv

[@ingriddubbel8468]

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

[@petupi]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@karenjanicehollick1545]

All these great artists gone sadly missed !

[@justforyouenjoy]

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

[@alanwitton5039]

A great entertainer and a great man

[@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...

[@lindasayler4566]

A great guy

[@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 ❤️♥️

[@howardkoor2796]

What a class act!

[@tessi8280]

How nice to see this!!!

[@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.!!!!

[@valentinamaggie1253]

I love you and we miss you Fred!

[@2dasimmons]

Wow! 76 YEARS I SHOW BUSINESS. INCREDIBLE!!

[@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!

[@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

[@yingpiccola]

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

[@fender1000100]

These were real stars, now today we have a generation of talentless media hyped fakes like Justin bibber and the kardashians.

[@The911sierra]

+PROJECT DX I do not watch them... talentless, computer generated voices, a generation of 'selfie takers!! so arrogant and porr work ethic...

[@rwhirsch]

to be fair though....i've seen some pretty good twerking videos on youtube.

[@claudialofiego]

Fred Astaire ❤️❤️❤️

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@anniechristien]

The class and the heavenly feet of Mr.Astaire.

[@MyLovelyDeadFriends]

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

[@Elena-gd5qu]

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

[@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.

[@joehop1505]

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

[@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.

[@margh1004]

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

[@luigimaurizio7302]

LEGEND.

[@tuxguys]

Iconic. Good for him.

[@raydaisiesstudios]

I love you fred!!

[@nataliatsiova6276]

BEST!!!!!!

[@Agr8song]

amazing man!!! brilliant mind...

[@lindanicola]

Bless him in heaven

[@roblewis3565]

Fred Astaire is the greatest dancer I've ever seen. He is probably the greatest dancer ever, if you believe the likes of Balanchine, Robbins and Noel Coward.

[@rossharmonics]

This can never be repeated enough. You can't even speak of there being a second. He is in such a class by himself. Since the first time I saw one of his films as a boy in 1957, no matter how many times I see the same routine, I am riveted. I'd also like to mention that people sometimes criticize Ginger as not being as good as some of his other partners. However, no two dancers were ever so perfectly in tune with each other...;at least on film. We never got to see Adele.

[@RobinHood-hk5dk]

ballet legend rudolf nureyev called Fred 'the greatest dancer America has ever produced'

[@patricemoran7469]

@@RobinHood-hk5dk as well as Michail Barishnakov...who considered him totally in a class by himself@

[@VintageBeauty1313]

at one time, everybody knew who this man was, how great he was, what he did! now there is only a few people do!

[@Legend90210]

amazing man

[@pamelaarias8905]

THE KING 👑👑👑👑👑👑👑

[@chemarobles3444]

Gran talento, y arriba Cajeme!!