Was there a rivalry between Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly?

Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly were two of the greatest dancers in history and the debate over who was the better dancer continues. In reality there was never any serious competition between the two Masters. They were very good friends, and often had to bear much nonsense concerning their so-called rivalry.

Did Donald O’Connor and Gene Kelly like each other?

Did Donald O’Connor and Gene Kelly dislike each other? No. They were lifelong friends. Gene Kelly occasionally took out his frustrations on his co-stars in Singin’ in the Rain, but O’Connor didn’t take offense for long and never held a grudge.

Who was Fred Astaire’s favorite dancing partner?

Rita Hayworth
So who was Astaire’s favorite partner? As he told it in an interview toward the end of his life, it was Rita Hayworth. The two danced together in You Were Never Lovelier and You’ll Never Get Rich, and apparently, the friendly feeling was mutual.

Were Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra friends?

Kelly was set to co-produce the movie but reportedly left the production due to disagreements with Sinatra, albeit on amicable terms. Nevertheless, the dynamic duo remained friends and gave the world three musical movies to enjoy – but which Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra film ranks as the best?

What is the age difference between Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly?

Fred Astaire was 13 years older than Gene Kelly and on Broadway by the time he was 18 (Gene didn’t go to Broadway until he was almost 30).

Who was Gene Kelly favorite dancing partner?

Why Gene Kelly Put Debbie Reynolds Through Hell During ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ Apparently, the iconic choreographer was quite the exacting director. Of all the famous dance partners choreographer-director Gene Kelly worked with, Jerry, the superimposed cartoon mouse from 1945’s Anchors Aweigh, was his favorite.

Did gene Astaire and Gene Kelly ever dance with each other?

That particular MGM film is far better known today as the only film (other than the That’s Entertainment series) that had both Astaire and Kelly dancing with each other, to the tunes of George & Ira Gershwin.

What’s the difference between Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire’s careers?

The dancers’ Broadway beginnings would shape their later Hollywood careers: Fred would concern himself largely with dancing and routines while Gene’s primary concern was a larger one, advancing the art of cinematic choreography and the film musical genre.

How did Fred Astaire become so famous?

Aside from the fact that Fred and Ginger did a lot to popularize movie musicals in the 1930s, thus setting the stage for Gene Kelly’s later success at MGM, true dance aficionados know that Fred Astaire was the real deal. When he moved it was like lightning – beautiful, fleeting and charged.

What did gene Gershwin and Fred Astaire dance in Ziegfeld Follies?

In Ziegfeld Follies they danced in the The Babbitt and the Bromide number. The characters are personality types based on literary characters made into a Gershwin song. Gene and Fred pussy-footed around each other to work out a dance number, each used to being the lead.