Fred Astaire (May 10, 1899 – June 22, 1987) was an American film and Broadway stage dancer, choreographer, singer and actor whose theater, film and, later, television career spanned a total of 76 years, during which time he helped to define the genre of musical films. In the 1930s, his legendary pairing with Ginger Rogers at the zenith of Hollywood extravaganza movie-making become an iconic symbol of style, grace, and charm that set a standard for dance that is still admired and emulated today.