Unexpectedly Astaire: Hidden Gems in Fred’s Filmography
Fred Astaire is synonymous with elegance, grace, and the golden age of Hollywood musicals. Best known for his seamless dance routines and charming on-screen presence, Astaire's filmography is packed with timeless classics like Top Hat (1935) and Swing Time (1936). However, amidst his glittering career, Astaire took on several unexpected roles that showcase his versatility as an actor. These roles span a variety of genres and demonstrate Astaire's ability to transcend his dancing persona. This blog post explores some of the most surprising credits in Fred Astaire's filmography.
1. The Towering Inferno (1974)
One of the most surprising entries in Fred Astaire's filmography is his role in the disaster film The Towering Inferno. Directed by John Guillermin and produced by Irwin Allen, the film was a star-studded affair featuring the likes of Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway, and infamously OJ Simpson. Astaire played the role of Harlee Claiborne, a charming conman who finds himself amidst a catastrophic fire in a high-rise building.
Astaire's performance was widely praised, and he received his only Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for this role. His portrayal of Claiborne added a touch of warmth and humanity to the film, providing a counterbalance to the intense action and drama. Astaire's presence in such a genre was unexpected but demonstrated his acting chops beyond the musical realm.
2. Dr. Kildare (1965)
Astaire made a memorable guest appearance on the popular medical drama series Dr. Kildare. The show, which aired from 1961 to 1966, starred Richard Chamberlain as the titular character, a young intern at a large metropolitan hospital. In a 1965 episode titled "Shining Image," Astaire played the role of Alec Considine, a charismatic and well-loved musician who is also a patient at the hospital.
Astaire's character brings a touch of glamour and a lesson in resilience to the storyline, as Considine faces a challenging medical diagnosis. This guest appearance allowed Astaire to showcase his dramatic abilities in a television format, broadening his appeal and demonstrating his versatility as an actor.
3. Battlestar Galactica (1979)
In a move that surprised many fans, Fred Astaire appeared in the science fiction TV series Battlestar Galactica. The show, which originally aired from 1978 to 1979, was set in a distant star system and followed the last remnants of humanity as they flee from the evil Cylons. Astaire guest-starred in the episode titled "The Man with Nine Lives," where he played the role of Chameleon, a charming con artist who claims to be Starbuck's (Dirk Benedict) long-lost father. It seems his ability to portray a con artist was consistently effective not only due to his talent, but due to the contrast between his personal public persona and his on screen roles.
Astaire's performance added a unique twist to the series, and his chemistry with the cast, particularly Benedict, was well-received. This role was a significant departure from his usual film characters, showcasing his ability to adapt to different genres and settings. His participation in a science fiction series demonstrated his willingness to explore new frontiers, especially so late in his acting career.
4. On the Beach (1959)
On the Beach, directed by Stanley Kramer, is a post-apocalyptic drama based on the novel by Nevil Shute. The film features a star-studded cast, including Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner, and Anthony Perkins. In his first non musical performance, Fred Astaire took on the dramatic role of Julian Osborne, a scientist and race car enthusiast facing the end of the world after a nuclear war.
Astaire's portrayal of Osborne was poignant and deeply moving. The character grapples with the futility of human existence in the face of impending doom, providing a stark contrast to the light-hearted roles for which Astaire was known. His performance in On the Beach showcased his dramatic range and ability to convey complex emotions, earning him critical acclaim.
5. The Purple Taxi (1977)
The Purple Taxi (Un Taxi Mauve) is a French-Irish drama directed by Yves Boisset. The film is based on the novel by Michel Déon and features an international cast, including Charlotte Rampling, Peter Ustinov, and Philippe Noiret. Fred Astaire played the role of Taubelman, an elderly American expatriate living in rural Ireland.
Astaire's character is a retired Jewish gangster who befriends an eclectic group of expatriates and locals. His performance is both nuanced and understated, bringing a sense of gravitas and depth to the film. The Purple Taxi was Astaire’s only international film and also probably his most controversial at the time due to the film containing explicit scenes of the other actors.
6. Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970)
In this beloved stop-motion animated Christmas special produced by Rankin/Bass, Fred Astaire lent his voice to the character of S.D. Kluger, the mailman and narrator of the story. Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town tells the origin story of Santa Claus, exploring how Kris Kringle became the jolly gift-giver that visits all the children of the world on Christmas Eve night.
Astaire's warm and engaging narration added a magical touch to the special, making it a holiday favorite for generations. His distinctive voice and storytelling ability brought the character of S.D. Kluger to life, creating an enduring legacy in the world of animated Christmas specials. The character even bears a striking resemblance to Astaire. This role showcased Astaire's talent for voice acting and his ability to connect with audiences of all ages.
Following the success of Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, Fred Astaire returned to voice S.D. Kluger in another Rankin/Bass holiday special, The Easter Bunny is Comin’ to Town. This animated special tells the story of the Easter Bunny and the origins of Easter traditions.
Fred Astaire's filmography is a testament to his extraordinary talent and versatility. While he is best known for his contributions to the world of musicals and dance, his unexpected roles in films and television demonstrate his ability to transcend genres and captivate audiences in diverse ways. From dramatic performances in The Towering Inferno and On the Beach to surprising guest appearances in Dr. Kildare and Battlestar Galactica, Astaire continually pushed the boundaries of his craft.
His voice work in beloved holiday specials like Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town and The Easter Bunny is Comin’ to Town further showcased his range and ability to connect with audiences of all ages. Fred Astaire's unexpected credits reveal a multifaceted talent who was always willing to explore new opportunities and challenge himself as an artist.
