Adele Astaire, who was born on September 10, 1896, began her rise to international celebrity as a dancer, actress, and occasional singer. Her career started on the vaudeville stages of Berlin and London and she soon became one of the most popular and highly paid stars in early twentieth century Europe and the United States. After her successful career as a dancer, Astaire married Lord Charles Cavendish and became an aristocrat and a notable figure in British high society. Read on to learn more about Adele Astaire’s life and influence on dance and culture.
Early Life
Adele Marie Austerlitz was born on September 10, 1896 in Omaha, Nebraska to Austrian immigrant father, Franz Austerlitz and English-born mother, Clara Austerlitz (neé Denlo). She had an elder brother, Fred, who was born two years before her. When she was just four years old, the family relocated to New York City and changed the last name to Astaire.
Dancing Career
Adele and her brother Fred first began dancing together at the age of five and it soon became clear that they had a natural talent for the activity. However, it was after Adele completed her education from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts when she and her brother created the Astaire Vaudeville act. The duo went on to gain international attention for their performances and went on to perform at prestigious theatres such as the Folies Bergère and the London Palladium. Adele was known for her fresh and unique style of dancing, including her signature fast-paced split-level kicks, something she was completely known for.
Adele soon became one of the highest earning vaudeville stars of the 1920s. In 1921, she and Fred began appearing in Broadway musicals, beginning with George and Ira Gershwin’s Lady Be Good. Adele went on to star in a total of four shows between 1925 and 1931; The Bunch and Judy, Tell Me More!, Funny Face, and Monkey Doodle Doo.
Famous Roles
Adele and her brother also appeared in a handful of major feature films. Her most notable movies are Dancing Lady (1933) and Roberta (1935). In the former, Astaire played the role of Florette, a female dance partner to Clark Gable’s character. In Roberta, she appeared alongside Fred Astaire for the last time as princess Jeanette, a dance instructor.
Adele also appeared in television programs during the 1950s and 1960s, including the classic game show “What’s My Line?” As her career progressed, Adele developed a natural talent for singing and was known to sing with Fred during some of their routines. She even released an album of songs titled, Adele Astaire Sings, which featured music by renowned British composers.
Marriage to Lord Cavendish
In 1933 Adele retired from show business and married her long-term partner, Lord Charles Cavendish, a younger son of the 9th Duke of Devonshire. As a result, she became titled as the “Honorable Mrs. Charles Cavendish”. They had two sons, Charles and Edmund, who were born in 1934 and 1938, respectively.
Legacy
Adele is considered to be one of the greatest female dancers of the early 20th century. Her legacy includes sophisticated, athletic, and splashy dances that earned her legions of fans. Her acting contributions include a unique melding of comedy and dance that was not only innovative but stood the test of time and is still incredibly popular.
In addition, Adele is also credited with being an early influence on the music and pop culture of the 20s and 30s. The songs she sang, such as “Let’s Have Another Cup Of Tea,” have become timeless classics and are still heard today. Furthermore, Adele was a fashion icon of her time, popularizing the fashions of the Roaring Twenties.
Adele Astaire was more than just a celebrity to the public; she was a legend among those who had seen and admired her talent. Her impressive career as a dancer, actress and occasional singer played a major role in the cultural evolution of dance and music from the 1920s to the present day. In addition, her marriage to Lord Charles Cavendish enabled her to expand her influence and enter a more aristocratic circle. Adele will always be remembered for her sparkly style, fiery dancing, and her unique performance style that featured the blend of comedy and dance.
