Tragic Death of Phyllis Potter: Fred Astaire's First Wife

The tragic and shocking death of Phyllis Potter (Astaire), Fred Astaire’s loved first wife, stays one of probably the most heartbreaking stories in classic Hollywood.

As a key determine in Astaire’s existence, her untimely passing from lung most cancers not best left the world-renowned dancer devastated but in addition considerably impacted his occupation and private life.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the lifestyles and legacy of Phyllis Potter, exploring how she inspired and shaped Fred Astaire’s iconic dance routines along Ginger Rogers.

Key Takeaways

• Phyllis Potter used to be Fred Astaire’s first wife.
• They met at a golf luncheon and got married in 1933 and had two children together.
• Their marriage lasted over 20 years ahead of Phyllis Potter died in 1954 from lung most cancers.
• Fred Astaire used to be devastated via her death and even thought to be dropping out of filming Daddy Long Legs. Despite his grief, Fred Astaire finished the film.
• Fred Astaire remarried in 1980 to Robyn Smith, who was once 45 years more youthful than him.
• Fred Astaire died in 1987 from pneumonia.

Early Life of Phyllis Potter

Phyllis Livingston Baker, wife of Fred Astaire, used to be born in 1908 in Boston, Massachusetts. She came from a wealthy family. Her father Dr. Harold Woods Baker was once a health care provider.

After her parents separated when she was once young, Phyllis went to live together with her aunt and uncle in New York.

In 1927, at age 19, Phyllis married her first husband Eliphalet Nott Potter III.

Eliphalet was once from an prosperous New York family. Together they'd a son named Eliphalet IV, also known as Peter.

Just a couple of years later, Phyllis would meet and quickly marry the person she is most well known for – mythical dancer Fred Astaire.

But first, she lived an early life of privilege, dividing her time between Boston and New York City.

Courtship and Marriage of Phyllis Potter to Fred Astaire

In the early Nineteen Thirties, Phyllis met mythical dancer Fred Astaire at a golf luncheon event.

Astaire right away turned into smitten with Phyllis and ardently pursued her for the next two years.

Finally, in 1933, in spite of strong objections from Fred’s mother and sister, the 2 had been wed. Astaire used to be enchanted through Phyllis and would now not be deterred from marrying her.

The marriage introduced them two children.

Their son Fred Jr. used to be born in 1936. He would later seem in a film together with his father.

Daughter Ava arrived in 1942. She stays devoted to promoting her father’s legacy.

While thought to be arguable at the time, Phyllis and Fred’s union would prove to be a loving partnership – whilst it lasted.

Phyllis Potter and Fred Astaire’s Marriage

By all accounts, Phyllis and Fred Astaire had an extremely satisfied marriage that spanned over twenty years. Phyllis offered Fred her complete toughen as his dancing occupation reached new heights of reputation all through their marriage.

Some of Astaire’s maximum iconic movies had been made all through this period had been Top Hat in 1935, Swing Time in 1936 and Shall We Dance in 1937.

Phyllis used to be her husband’s greatest cheerleader throughout. The years of their marriage, from 1933 to 1954, were filled with home bliss.

The couple seemed destined for their fairytale romance to ultimate an entire life. Tragically, their storybook marriage used to be minimize short after 21 idyllic years.

Shocking Early Death of Phyllis Astaire

In 1954, Phyllis Astaire died suddenly on the young age of 46 from lung most cancers.

Her untimely death was completely devastating for Fred. He was once so distraught that he threatened to surrender the movie Daddy Long Legs which he were running on.

Friends stated he was once completely heartbroken by way of the loss of his wife and partner of over twenty years.

Phyllis’ passing ended the couple’s loving, fairy tale marriage tragically early. In an fast, Fred’s home happiness was shattered.

Phyllis used to be taken a ways too quickly, leaving behind a grief-stricken husband and two babies. Her surprising early death marked the tip of a golden technology in Fred Astaire’s lifestyles and profession.

Fred Astaire After Phyllis’ Death

In 1980, at age 81, Fred Astaire married for a 2d time to Robyn Smith. Robyn was once an athlete and jockey who was once Forty five years Astaire’s junior.

After shedding Phyllis, it appeared Fred had found love once more late in existence. He remained actively devoted to his profession, proceeding to bop and advertise his paintings into his 80s.

Fred passed away from pneumonia in 1987 at age 88. Per his wishes, he used to be laid to leisure near his first wife Phyllis.

While he discovered pleasure once more, pals say Fred never absolutely recovered from the devastating loss of Phyllis many years previous. Their loving partnership left an indelible mark on his lifestyles.

Conclusion

Although tragically reduce brief, Phyllis Potter had a profound affect on Fred Astaire’s life and legendary profession. During their 21 years of marriage, Phyllis offered Fred unwavering fortify as he reached new heights of repute.

She bore him two youngsters who lift on his legacy as of late. Phyllis’ stunning and untimely passing at just Forty six deeply affected Astaire. Their union was once vital and stuffed with mutual love and joy all the way through the many years it lasted.

Phyllis Potter’s story merits to be remembered as an essential component of the Fred Astaire tale. Though their time together was once too brief, Fred and Phyllis shared an unforgettable Hollywood romance.

FAQs

Fred Astaire’s first wife used to be Phyllis Potter, a former socialite he married in 1933. They had a loving marriage and two youngsters in combination. Tragically, Phyllis died in 1954 at age Forty six from lung cancer. Her stunning early death devastated Astaire.

Phyllis Potter, later referred to as Phyllis Astaire after marrying Fred, died in 1954 at just 46 years outdated from lung cancer. Her sudden death after over two decades of marriage deeply grieved Fred Astaire, who nearly hand over the film he used to be operating on on the time.

Yes, Fred Astaire had two kids together with his first wife Phyllis Potter – their son Fred Jr., born in 1936, and daughter Ava, born in 1942. Both persisted their father’s legacy after his death.

Phyllis Potter met the legendary dancer Fred Astaire at a golfing match in the early Nineteen Thirties. Despite objections from his family, Astaire ardently pursued Phyllis for two years earlier than marrying her in 1933.

When Phyllis Potter Astaire gave up the ghost in 1954 from lung most cancers, her husband Fred Astaire used to be 55 years outdated.

In 1980 at age 81, Fred Astaire married his 2nd wife, Robyn Smith, who was Forty five years his junior. They remained married till his death in 1987.

Phyllis Potter died in 1954 on the age of 46 from lung most cancers. Her surprising and premature death ended her 21-year marriage to Fred Astaire, who was once devastated by means of the loss of his first wife and spouse.

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