Writing about Fred Astaire is a delightful challenge, simply because there’s so much to explore about this iconic dancer. Should one focus on a single film, a particular dance, a specific partner, or perhaps his entire life and lasting influence? Instead of narrowing it down to just one aspect, and having previously discussed his collaborations with Ginger Rogers, it seems fitting to celebrate Fred Astaire by ranking his best female film partners. This list will delve into the top 10 actresses who graced the silver screen alongside Astaire, showcasing their talent, chemistry, and contribution to cinematic dance history. This ranking specifically excludes group dances (like those with George Burns and Gracie Allen in A Damsel in Distress or Jack Buchanan, Nanette Fabray, and Oscar Levant in The Band Wagon), focuses solely on female partners (despite Astaire often citing Bing Crosby or Gene Kelly as favorite partners to be diplomatic), and concentrates on film appearances, omitting his TV specials with Barrie Chase and others. Let’s dive into a discussion and appreciation of these incredible women and their places in dance history with Fred Astaire.
10. Virginia Dale & Marjorie Reynolds (Holiday Inn)
Kicking off the list, we have a tie with Virginia Dale and Marjorie Reynolds from Holiday Inn. It felt almost unjust to favor one over the other, as both share a comparable amount of screen time and dance sequences with Fred Astaire in this classic film. What makes this pairing particularly memorable is the recognition of these talented B-actresses alongside stars like Bing Crosby and Astaire. These women were undeniably skilled dancers in their own right. “You’re Easy to Dance With” is a testament to their collective talent, a truly snappy and enjoyable number. However, Reynolds shines in her individual routines with Astaire, notably in a comedic scene where Astaire’s character is intoxicated, leading to hilarious misunderstandings, a period costume dance playfully disrupted by Bing Crosby’s character, and the timelessly beautiful “Be Careful, It’s My Heart.” Interestingly, this last routine is often mistakenly attributed to Astaire and Ginger Rogers, a testament to its romantic and elegant style reminiscent of their iconic pairings.
Virginia Dale and Marjorie Reynolds flanking Bing Crosby in a promotional still for Holiday Inn, showcasing the film’s trio of stars.
A comical scene from Holiday Inn featuring Fred Astaire in a drunken dance routine with Marjorie Reynolds, highlighting their playful on-screen chemistry.
9. Jane Powell (Royal Wedding)
Jane Powell secures the ninth spot for her delightful partnership with Fred Astaire in Royal Wedding. Even though they portray siblings in the film, there’s an undeniable chemistry between Astaire and Powell, albeit of a different, more playful nature. Their scenes together are simply fun to watch, almost making one wish the movie would sidestep the introduction of other love interests and focus solely on their dynamic. However, the narrative path does lead to the iconic ceiling dance by Astaire, spurred by Sarah Churchill’s character, so perhaps it all works out for the best. A standout number is undoubtedly “How Could I Believe You When You Said You Loved Me When I Know You’ve Been a Liar All Your Life?”. This routine perfectly encapsulates their enjoyable partnership – it’s humorous, exaggerated, and never loses momentum. With Powell and Astaire, dull moments are simply non-existent.
Jane Powell and Fred Astaire in Royal Wedding, showcasing their sibling roles with playful on-screen charm and dance chemistry.
8. Eleanor Powell (Broadway Melody of 1940)
Eleanor Powell claims the eighth position. As Fred Astaire himself noted in his autobiography Steps in Time, Powell danced with unmatched force and precision: “she put ’em down like a man, no ricky-ticky-sissy stuff with Ellie. She really knocked out a tap dance in a class by herself.” While her powerful tap style is undeniably impressive, it also somewhat limited Powell in terms of romantic dance expression alongside Astaire. There’s immense appreciation for Powell’s talent and skill, but the typical romantic connection found in Astaire’s other partnerships is less pronounced here. It’s a different dynamic, not inferior, just distinct. Their “Begin the Beguine” number is a prime example – technically brilliant, rapid, and visually stunning. The mutual respect between Powell and Astaire is palpable, evident in every step and movement they share on screen.
Eleanor Powell and Fred Astaire in Broadway Melody of 1940, demonstrating their powerful tap dance partnership with incredible skill and precision.
7. Leslie Caron (Daddy Long Legs)
Leslie Caron takes the seventh spot for Daddy Long Legs. Astaire openly admired the film’s screenplay for addressing the age difference between the lead characters, rather than ignoring it, a progressive approach for its time. While age gaps in films can sometimes raise eyebrows, it’s essential to appreciate the narrative and performances within their context. Daddy Long Legs is a genuinely charming story about a wealthy American benefactor who anonymously sponsors a young French orphan to provide her with better opportunities in the United States. The romance develops gradually, unfolding delicately and tentatively, mirroring the characters’ own hesitations. Although some critics found Caron’s performance in “Something’s Gotta Give” somewhat stiff, this perspective is debatable. Another highlight is “The Sluefoot,” a vibrant and energetic routine at a college dance, where Astaire effortlessly proves he can still out-dance performers of any generation. Daddy Long Legs was one of many coming-of-age roles for Caron early in her career, and she delivers a memorable performance.
Leslie Caron and Fred Astaire in Daddy Long Legs, depicting a tender moment from their dance partnership in this charming musical film.
6. Audrey Hepburn (Funny Face)
Audrey Hepburn is sixth on the list for Funny Face. Similar to Leslie Caron, Hepburn’s pairing with Astaire has faced scrutiny due to their age difference. However, such criticisms seem unfounded. When you unite two incredibly charming individuals in a stylish and sophisticated musical like Funny Face, the result is pure cinematic magic. Despite any reservations, their on-screen partnership is undeniably captivating. Beyond the chic Parisian setting, the stunning costumes, and the film’s overall visual appeal, Hepburn and Astaire portray a genuinely sweet and relatable couple navigating their differences to find common ground. Their enchanting “He Loves and She Loves” dance is a highlight, brimming with romance and elegance. Moreover, Hepburn’s solo number, “Basal Metabolism,” remains remarkably fresh, quirky, and utterly delightful even today, showcasing her individual talent and charisma.
Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire in Funny Face, pictured in a stylish scene highlighting their charming partnership in this iconic musical film set in Paris.
5. Vera-Ellen (Three Little Words, The Belle of New York)
Securing the fifth position is the sensational Vera-Ellen. Her dance prowess, encompassing both balletic grace and jazzy tap, was truly exceptional. It’s surprising that for many outside of classic film circles, her primary association is solely with White Christmas, given her extensive and impressive career. Vera-Ellen’s contributions to Fred Astaire’s filmography in Three Little Words and The Belle of New York are often underrated, with Three Little Words being a particular standout. Despite being dubbed for her singing (even though she sang professionally before Hollywood), her dance talent was undeniable. She also shared a playful rapport with Fred, vividly displayed in numbers like “Thinking of You” and “Mr. and Mrs. Hoofer at Home.”
Vera-Ellen, a dynamic dance partner of Fred Astaire, showcasing her versatility and grace in a promotional image, likely from Three Little Words.
4. Judy Garland (Easter Parade)
Judy Garland lands in fourth place for Easter Parade. One could write extensively on the numerous unrealized projects intended for Astaire and Garland, two titans of talent. However, we can be grateful for the one film they did create together. Judy and Fred were a stroke of genius as a pairing, captivating to watch. She encouraged Astaire to embrace a more comedic side, resulting in the delightfully hammy “A Couple of Swells.” Garland also brought a beautiful comedic touch to their early dance scenes as their characters worked to establish their new stage act. And, of course, nobody could deliver a torch song with the emotional depth of Judy Garland, as evidenced by “Better Luck Next Time.”
Judy Garland and Fred Astaire in Easter Parade, captured in a vibrant still from their memorable dance partnership in this classic musical film.
3. Rita Hayworth (You’ll Never Get Rich, You Were Never Lovelier)
In third place is the radiant Rita Hayworth. Much of the literature surrounding Fred Astaire suggests that Hayworth, with her fiery red hair and captivating presence, was his personal favorite dance partner. It’s easy to understand why; they exuded a wonderful rapport, both radiating warmth, charm, and sophistication. While their first film together, You’ll Never Get Rich, is less favored, You Were Never Lovelier is truly adored. Watching them together makes one lament that they weren’t paired more frequently. Hayworth was an exceptionally talented dancer, often underestimated. Numbers like “Shorty George” and “I’m Old-Fashioned” showcase her incredible skill and grace, proving she was far more than just a glamorous movie star.
Rita Hayworth and Fred Astaire in You Were Never Lovelier, a publicity shot emphasizing their elegant and captivating dance partnership on screen.
2. Cyd Charisse (The Band Wagon, Silk Stockings)
Cyd Charisse claims the second spot. Astaire aptly described her as “beautiful dynamite.” The Band Wagon perhaps best highlights Charisse’s dance versatility. She could be soft, dreamy, and balletic in “Dancing in the Dark,” and then transform into a figure of sharp, cool sophistication in the “Girl Hunt Ballet.” She was simply a knockout dancer. The only factor preventing Cyd from taking the top position is, arguably, her acting, which was somewhat less versatile compared to others. She lacked the comedic flair of Garland or the overt charisma of Hayworth. However, when it came to dancing, particularly with Astaire, Charisse was in a league of her own. Watching them perform “All of You,” “Fated to be Mated,” or any of their routines is pure cinematic joy.
Cyd Charisse and Fred Astaire in The Band Wagon, a promotional image capturing their ‘beautiful dynamite’ partnership and incredible dance chemistry.
1. Ginger Rogers (Various Films)
Unsurprisingly, topping the list is Ginger Rogers. While defying expectations can be tempting, Ginger unequivocally deserves the number one spot. Among all of Fred Astaire’s partners, she was the most accomplished actress, excelling in both comedic and dramatic roles, which translated flawlessly into their dance partnerships. Simply observe her in “Pick Yourself Up” – her character’s initial surprise at Fred’s dance ability quickly evolves into seamless synchronization. She conveys a character discovering a spark with Fred, becoming more confident and playful, masking any prior annoyance with a nonchalant “this old dance? It’s nothing” demeanor, while the audience knows it’s truly extraordinary. She becomes engrossed in the moment, momentarily forgetting any prior grievances. For years after their iconic 1930s films, no one could quite fill Ginger’s dance shoes alongside Astaire. Individually, they were talented and charming. Together, they became magnetic, irresistible, and breathtaking to watch. No other partnership rivals the depth of emotion and artistry in their dances, whether it’s the heartbreak of “Never Gonna Dance,” the sheer joy of “I’ll Be Hard to Handle,” the silliness of “Putting All My Eggs in One Basket,” or the romantic sophistication of “Let’s Face the Music and Dance.” If you could only watch one Fred Astaire film, make it one with Ginger Rogers.
Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire in Roberta, an iconic image showcasing their unparalleled dance partnership and on-screen magic that defines the golden era of Hollywood musicals.
