Parkinson: Fred Astaire Interview 1976
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- As re-broadcast after Astaire's death (22nd June 1987)
NOTE: I HAVE BEEN OBLIGED TO EDIT OUT THE FILM SEQUENCES TO PROTECT THIS UPLOAD FROM COPYRIGHT CLAIMS - though the numbers are available elsewhere on TH-cam!
Original TX: BBC1 23.40pm Saturday 14th February 1976
Parkinson
Michael Parkinson meets Fred Astaire
'In a rare interview, the legendary dancer, actor and singer, talks about his long career in show-business and shows some favourite film sequences. With Ava Astaire-McKenzie
Musical director HARRY STONEHAM Director STAN APPEL
Producer RICHARD DREWETT'
BBC listing:
genome.ch.bbc.c...
I am 83 now but I never missed any film he made…..It was because of him I went to dancing lessons ..What a nice man and what a dancer…
The thing I love about Fred Astaire is he makes it look so easy, and that he enjoys what he's doing.
"I was born in 1899....." That says it all. What a lovely and tender soul.
Without question, Fred Astaire is the greatest entertainer of the 20th Century. I love his humility.
That's what sheer class looks like. Elegant, well mannered, well spoken, modest, multi talented. Nobody today can come near him......
One of a Very Very few “multi-talented” gentlemen I can remember being amongst the Truest-Talented ones! He is such a class act thru and thru. He is by far, The Best dancer ever. Thank you Fred Astaire.
Only MJ
@@blakeh8582 Only in dancing, not in acting and speaking.
He was a genius in western show dancing, no doubt. And he could also act and sing very well.
But either is western show dancing the only form, nor are people so rare which can act, sing and dance.
E.g. Jackie Chan is a trained opera singer, an actor, a director, a producer, and beside of this all, where he is only successful, he is a really skilled fighter, who created an own genre. And Hrithik Roshan is in the modern bollywood world, what Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly were together, forceful and elegant. He is sucessful as actor and even sings very well,what is against the Bollywood tradition for actors.
AMEN
RIP Fred Astaire (May 10, 1899 - June 22, 1987), aged 87
And
RIP Sir Michael Parkinson (March 28, 1935 - August 16, 2023), aged 88
You both will be remembered as legends.
And this is one of his best interviews. So clearly a fan of Fred.
After the passing of Sir Michael I have been revisiting some of Michaels great interviews.. this is one of my favourites.
Fred: THE BEST soloist & perfectionist & floating-stylist dance partner OF ALL TIME❗💎✔️
Michael: one of the best interviewers EVER❗💎✔️
(see Richard Burton interview also)!
🎉what incredible talent😂
This guy was almost 80 years old and still had the most clearest voice i’ve ever heard in an elder
The voice clears when he starts singing. Before that he seems genuinely uncomfortable--he often puts his hand or fingers over or around his mouth during interviews.
I'm😅@@ronaldlevao8251
He was born in 1899. He lived through the Spanish Flu, WWI, WWII, the invention of the car, the landing of the moon. Wow. Use to dream about being able to dance with him, now I wish I could just have sat down and talk to him.
@@Maggiestar88 I’m genuinely open to it, and will watch it soon!
@@Politicalfan17 I think you'll find it very interesting to say the least.. :)
edit it to 'flu' ;)
That’s right and nobody has even come close to his greatness as far as I am concerned
@@Maggiestar88 what on earth is this conspiratorial stuff?
Greatest male dancer there ever was. A great gentleman with class & style in excess 👍
Embodies the term 'The Natural'.
Greatest dancer period, well him and gene kelly.
He aged beautifully
This is the only interview of Astaire that I have ever seen and I’ve probably seen all his great musicals. Hard to believe that most men have passed. They made such great contributions by filling our lives with wonderful entertainment. Thank you guys for being talented and gracious. ❤
How can you not like him? Both as a performer and also a person.
I love how shy and humble he was.
77 yrs old...amazing. His daughter is stunning
Some people just ooze pure class, and Fred is one of those people.
He is a legend!!!!!!!!
Absolutely!I always dreampt of dancing with him in Ginger Rogers place..awwwww..
I think, everybody can learn that (not to that extent like Astaire) but classical ballet is the key. And manners.
How very true!
It was right about 1976 that I was in a Beverly Hills restaurant with my mom and Mr. Astaire was seated in the booth directly across from us. He had a beautiful young lady on either side of him. Yes, he looked quite happy!
Wow you grew up in style..
Do you happen to remember the name of the restaurant?
Fred is such a nice guy. A good guy. A pleasure to watch him dance. ♥
This kind of talent and class is long gone from Hollywood. He also had a very beautiful daughter, who seemed to have a great relationship with her father.
Will Martell she looks a lot like him, I think...his chin, his eyes!
What a lovely, charming man. As others have commented, Fred was pure class, and very humble. I love to watch his old movies, and the ultimate accolade for his singing is that Gershwin, Cole Porter, and other great composers actually wrote those great standards for him to sing. Wonderful nostalgic memories.
The Greatest
Fred Astaire forever in our hearts and minds as the epitome of what joy dance and music
His entrance was the classiest way i’ve ever seen someone walk onto a talk show 🤩 😍
@@geomanko4142
Agreed.
When he was out and about just walking around, people used to stop and watch him just . . . walk.
And as his career was winding down, Bob Fosse's was just starting and whenever Astaire was on the studio lot, Fosse would follow him at a discreet distance, trying to imitate how he moved.
@@YouzTube99 I love it… thank you.
Modest, charming, funny ... just sad we couldn't have him forever.
I agree: the 'American' mind is quite eloquent and elegant despite the 'Polaner Jelly' commercial lol...seriously.
Outstanding man, probably the best in his art in the 20th century.
Absolutely
One of them no doubt.
Parkinson is a great interviewer. For someone so talented Fred is so humble.
Fred was clearly scared/nervous. You expect "smooth Fred," but instead you got "hesitant Fred." This great man, nervous about being interviewed? Jeez.
This was quite good by Parkinson, he loved Astaire and it was a good interview. Parkinson did less well with people he disliked , like Kenny Williams.
I love his smile, ilove his voice, I love his style, I love his dance, so eloquent, the one and only Fred, thank you sir..
For me this is Parky's greatest interview. I was 18 when this was broadcast. So good to be able to watch it again here on the amazing TH-cam.
What a great, great (gifted) man. I still have a crush on him ~ his unique gallant attitude, we all will see never again. I miss that time with him. I definitely live in the wrong century. Fred Astaire gave us so much - and is still giving us, with his legacy.
Such class, poise and genuineness. No one can compare. Forever remembered.
The epitome of class, style and elegance. The greatest dancer ever in my mind.
Watching him dance lightens my heart.
Not only was Fred a great dancer, a good singing stylist, a good actor and comedian. He also seems to have bene perhaps the best liked person in Hollywood, which it hard to do when you are such a perfectionist.
My eyes started tearing when he started singing Heaven, and when he sang Top Hat I felt his old self came back for a second.... I miss him though I wasn't even born in his time.
The 1st half of the 20th century was a amazing time in America. There were hard times, but the talent that came to entertain all of us,is a gift from God. I never tire of Mr. Fred Astaire and the beautiful, talented women he danced with. He never bragged about how talented he was. R.I.P.
What a charm and elegance, pure class, perfect, talented, modern, genial... and still modest
It isn't every day you interview an art form.
Astaire was magnificent.
Ingrid Dubbel Best description ever!!! Perfect.
This makes TH-cam a wonderful medium. To be able just to watch this is amazing. Without doubt, the world's greatest dancer and entertainer. Interestingly, he comes across as a little shy but this makes him even more loveable. Sheer class. Fabulous.
@Martin Platt
I agree with your choice of the word 'entertainer'. That seemed to be Astaire's ultimate goal; to entertain the audience by offering his very best every time he performed.
So great to see a rare full interview with, for my money, the greatest entertainer that ever lived. And getting into his singing/songwriting that sometimes gets overlooked. Somewhere I read that a major composer admitted off the record that songwriters always said that Sinatra was their favorite singer, because they knew that's where their songs would be most successful and they didn't want to risk offending Frank. But they admitted to each other they preferred Fred singing their songs, because he sang them the way they imagined them. Plus, Fred wrote a song in 1974 called "Life is Beautiful", which lived on as the nightly closing song for Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. And Johnny, Doc and the band wouldn't have kept it on if they thought it was a second rate composition. On top of all this, throw in his mind boggling dances....he's simply the best there will ever be.
Agree with all you say! Didnt know that about Life Is Beautiful and Carson. Tony Bennett sang it on a 1976 album i have somewhere - again, a real mark of respect from one great artist to another.
I so wish this interview hadn't cut out the clips of Fred dancing... would have loved seeing them.
I’ve just googled “class” and it brought me here!
His down-to-earth personality - a good-hearted fellow whose effortless steps, even at their most dazzling, matched his casual demeanor - GRACE and CLASS
Great to see the impeccable Fred Astaire and his lovely daughter in this 1976 interview !
What an artist. Style matters...
A classy, classless star of the highest order. Just superb. Thank you to Michael Parkinson for being fan-like inquisitive without being too intrusive. I wish it could have lasted hours.
I've always been impressed with Fred Astaire on many levels. Such a wonderful, smart, funny, charming man. It's unfortunate that being shy can make people think you are arrogant.
Older, yes, but still in charge of the talent that remained after a long and distinguished career. He was a GREAT performer and a fine gentleman.
John Wayne, James Stewart and Fred Astair..
Each of them personified American role models. All gentlemen and loved by America.
In a thousand years they will still have the amazing pleasure in seeing the great Fred.
what especially makes him stand out for me is his musicality. Even if he isn't the greatest dancer, (he is for me), the musicality is just astonishing and part of him, you can feel it. What a darling man, so modest and shy. His only ego was his work. Love you Fred, always have, always will xxxx
What a lovely interview with such a humble, accomplished man 🙏🏽
The man is 77 the time of the intervieuw, performing for just over 70 years..still modest, honest, authentic personality, just talking. A genius goes without saying, singing, dancing, acting and all that effertlesly!
I consider myself truly lucky that most if not all of Hollywood's Golden Age actors and actresses were still alive for the first 20 something years of my life. It seemed like they would live forever but they all started passing away from the 1980s on. I remember when he died 😔 everyone was surprised because as I said...we thought he and his like would live on forever.
Just like michael jackson, fred did not know how great he really was, they were both really humble ,all his movies were master-pieces..michael and fred are both eternal legends hardly to be forgotten...
This is awesome! I didn't even know he was still alive in the 70's! I've never heard him speak (that I can remember anyway) until today! What a legend!
Thanks! He lived until the late 1980s. The epitome of excellence in all he did
Great interview. Love Astaire. Extremely disappointing that videos of dance numbers weren't shown.
Love Fred Astaire. One of my favorites. One of the few in Hollywood who seemed to live a pretty decent life and had such class.
You don’t see genius like this now, both from interviewer and interviewee
Fred Astaire, a great talent, a great man, a classic and true gentleman !!!! God Bless you Sir!
The Man could do it all Dance , Sing and act
We ALL love you Fred!
Fred Eastaire is just Class in this interview. A true Gentleman
Always loved him! What an inspiration! I love to sing his songs, and surprise the elderly in nursing homes! Elisabeth
What a rare, wonderful gentleman he is .
I have always maintained Astaire was supreme interpreter of the classic popular song. He never possessed the greatest vocal chords but somehow he made these great songs live as few others could, and I include the likes of Sinatra, Tony Bennett etc. His genius as a dancer somewhat overshadowed this aspect of his art.
Style Class and incredible Humble and Human a Real Class Act. Parkinson is a great talent to ease his Guest with a relaxed Atmosphere and Humor.
Well Done!!!! And his Daughter is just Amazing.....
It’s nice to hear him state that Ginger was his most effective partner. She deserved credit for their films. Truly. He never had as effective a partner on film again. They both looked great together, complemented each other, and she was able to keep up with him. She could dance well, and acted well as his partner. Anyway, one rare instance where he gives her some credit. He would never say who his favorite dancing partner was, but he makes it clear she was appreciated as special.
MrBuddybones SHE WAS HORRIBLE, A GOOD DANCER BUT NO CLASS, AND SHE NASTILY GOSSIPED AND TALKED CRAP ABOUT FRED ASTAIRE 😡
Kitten nice coming from someone who resorts to shouting. Did you read her autobiography? No, I thought not. She adored Fred. If you don’t appreciate her dancing with Fred then you don’t appreciate Fred and Hermes Pan’s abilities as trainers. They spent weeks training her for each performance so she would match him. She was not a trained dancer. She won a Charleston contest, which launched her career. They dated, briefly, in NY before she left for Hollywood. Not sure why you decided she hated him. Old gossip, which Fred tries to dispel in this very video. Have a nice life.
@@MrBuddybones Hi, I'm a big Bing Crosby fan but looked up this as I think I read Bing had a part in getting Fred Astaire to appear in this interview. Was interested with what you mentioned about Ginger Rogers not being a trained dancer. She really was fantastic to keep up with the master, they made it all look so effortless. Did ginger also appear later on Lucy's show doing the Charleston, I seem to recall something like that... What a combination of talent Fred and Ginger made. Thanks for the great info...😊
Mitzy Moo yes. Ginger appeared on Lucy’s show doing a brief Charleston with her and Lucy’s daughter. They were both friends going back to their days at RKO in the 1930’s. Ginger’s mother helped promote Lucy at RKO, and out her in her little theatrical group there. 🙂
@@MrBuddybones I thought about that when I heard Ginger Rogers say in an interview that she wasn't trained in dancing, singing or acting. I thought that Fred must have trained her because she had to be trained somewhere. Then, it occurred to me that is why she may have matched him so well. I know some of the others partners were trained in dance because they talked about it. With Ginger he didn't have to "undo" any training in other areas. Cyd Charisse said that she was trained in "Russian Ballet and not pounding the floor," meaning tap dancing.
Hearing him singing was magical!
I just found this interviewer by way of the Princess Anne piece.Ive loved Fred since I was young. Those movies were a great escape
...and they still are! Number one choice to watch! 🥰💜☮️
He was born in 1899. Since I was born in 1959 I have known, met and talked to a lot of people who were born in the 1800s. I say this because it helps put time in perspective. Many of my childhood icons were born in the 1800s. Now there is no one alive that was born in the 1800s. How come Fred was never on the Dean Martin Show?
My goodness this man was definitely one of a kind!!🔝🎩
gosh i love his medley set.....a wonderful performance...thank you for the pure entertainment Mr. Astaire
He is a cool guy. Lovable guy. I love seeing his colorful socks and the way he wears his pants with unusual belts in the films, even the older ones. So stylish! Modern fella!
Perfect artist... artist forever...
A pleasure to watch this. He sounds so great here. Nice accompaniment by the musicians and great interview by Mr. Parkinson showing great
reverence to Fred Astaire. A performer who was the epitome of class and humility.
Just the absolute BEST! So glad this interview was done and such a joy to be able to see it! Fred was and is an icon! #WhenMoviesWereOurJoy💕🥰💜☮️
So down to earth man,no heirs and graces.a lovely gentleman RIP Fred.
airs!
Like father , like daughter...classy , down to earth , well spoken..
That Man defied gravity. When he danced he floated. WHAT A GUY👍😊👍❤
Dancing aside, I always enjoyed Astaire's voice. Some of those numbers he did, no one else can touch. And a nice geezer too
Good interviewer, doesn't try to hog the limelight to talk about himself, like so many do these days.
Amen!
Outstanding legend, gentleman, likes we wont see again,.thanks mr astaire, xxxxx gbu,❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Many consider MJ the greatest entertainer that ever lived. Idk if that's true or not. It's all subjective, but before MJ, THIS MAN was the greatest. Hands down and for those youngsters out there, now you know where MJ got it from.
Mr. Astaire deserves all our respect, admiration and love ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
The man is a genius and greatest idol
What a beautiful super kind brilliant man he was and Michael Parkinson brought this out wonderfully ❤
What a charming darling man
He was something special! I love Mr. A.!
Fred had the swag!!!
He didn't walk so much as "bopped" 🎵
I’d say he had class, as opposed to swag.
@@ferdinandries7232 Nope. Swag.
@@letthetrumpetsound7893 the guy is swag central
My hero since childhood when his movies played so often in New York on Million Dollar Movie, Fred Astaire was not only a genius, he worked tirelessly. And even here you can see a perfectionist.
Graceful in truth. Thanks for posting. Viewing 2023.
This is When stars were actually engaging and interesting to watch on a talk show. Stars today, are self absorbed boors!
You are so right Saxon.
That's true, but even if modern stars did have interesting things to say the modern talk show format doesn't help and the vacuous hosts asking inane questions.
@@ataru4 that's right
@Michael Moores Yep, I agree with that.
bores ;)
I just loved him since my childhood. ❤️
I was born in 1996- The first time I heard fred astaire's voice was in the Santa Claus is comin' to town christmas special on my mom's VHS tape she had in her childhood. The first image I saw of Fred was in an AMERICAN girl book, a pic of him and Ginger in Swing time, the pick yourself up number in 4th grade. It wasn't until I was 17 until I saw swing time- and I fell for Fred instantly! What a real Gentlemen (next to Cary Grant of course!)
i love you, fred.
I fell in love with Fred Astaire when I was little,I loved his dancing and when I was young I wanted 3things a place with stairs (which I have) live near the beach ( which I do) and marry Fred Astaire well 2 out of 3 isn't too bad.
I love Fred Astaire i once had his biography it was calld "Footsteps in Time" it was about his Sister Adale his wife Phillis Potter Astaire all his dancing partners that he had through the years. Fred in this interview he was very shy but boy he could sing
@@justme-md7sk Steps In Time. The title was apparently provided by Noel Coward
He looked fabulous! I adore him. 😍
Thank you for posting David. A terrific interview. What I suppose most people don't realize is that Fred was not only a great dancer (the best in the history of film in my opinion), but was also one of the most successful recording artists in the 1930's. I believe that, as a solo artist, he had more top ten hits in that decade than anybody except for Crosby and maybe Rudy Vallee.
Nice to hear the full intro to “Foggy Day in London Town.”
Fred Astaire. Brilliance. 🎬👞🎩
Great interview, Thanks for posting! Incredible performer, dancer, singer!! Legend!!
DEAREST FRED ! God Sometimes Sends His Angels To Earth ! You Are One Of Them !!! When I watch You Dance and Sing , I Know that I Have Soul and God, and Heaven Exists !!! You Have Added A Part Of Heaven To My Life On Planet Earth ! You Added Smile, Joy, Hope and Fait that despite everything people do - define a HUMAN BEING SOUNDS PROUD !!! Thank You from The Bottom Of My Hearth And My Soul ! I dance and sing every day - in my own way ! I am sure , The All Heaven And Universe Is Dancing And Singing With You ! I WISH YOU EVRLASTING HAPPINESS !!!
This Interview Is Absolutely Wonderful !
DAVID BENSON , Thank You So Very Much and God Bless You !!!
Wow!!!! Great Show - - Love that man!!!
The very BEST Song and Dance Man EVER!!!
What a wonderful gentleman, artist, and human being! When I watch his performances I feel as if I am transported to a more lovely and genteel time and place. I hope that one day I can meet him in heaven and have a dance with him!🎩🤓
Deborah Stern cooljewels1@gmail.com : you may have to stand in a long line for that heavenly dance, Debbie. I’ll be in the same line ! 🤣
Eternal Fred Astaire!! ❤️🌟There is no one near to him nowadays in Hollywood! As matter fact the actors today are destroying the image of those marvelous actors who worked to hard to build Hollywood!!
Fred has one special trait - Class. I also enjoyed seeing the love between a father and his daughter - Genuine! Thanks for posting this great piece of history!