Ginger Rogers (who is Ginger Rogers?)

Ginger Rogers was an American actress, dancer, and singer, born as Virginia Katherine McMath on July 16, 1911, in Independence, Missouri. She is best known for her partnership with Fred Astaire in a series of movie musicals that revolutionized the genre.

Early Life:

Ginger Rogers began her entertainment career on the vaudeville stage before transitioning to Broadway. Her stage work led to a contract with Paramount Pictures in 1930.

Hollywood Career:

Rogers' film career took off when she was paired with Fred Astaire in "Flying Down to Rio" (1933). This film was the first of ten that she would make with Astaire. Their dances became iconic and the pairing became one of Hollywood's most enduring screen teams. The films they starred in together include "The Gay Divorcee" (1934), "Top Hat" (1935), "Swing Time" (1936), and "Shall We Dance" (1937).

While often primarily celebrated for her dances with Astaire, Rogers also had a successful solo career. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Kitty Foyle" (1940). Her adeptness at dramatic, comedic, and musical roles made her one of the era’s most versatile actresses.

Other notable films from her extensive filmography include "Stage Door" (1937), "Bachelor Mother" (1939), and "The Major and the Minor" (1942).

Later Career and Legacy:

As musicals faded in popularity, Rogers' film career slowed, but she continued to act in both movies and television, and she returned to the stage on several occasions. Later in life, Rogers wrote an autobiography, "Ginger: My Story," which was published in 1991.

Rogers is now celebrated for her contributions to the film industry and is remembered as a fashion icon and a pioneering figure for female actresses. Her elegance and wit continue to charm audiences, and her films remain a significant part of the classic American cinema canon.

Ginger Rogers passed away on April 25, 1995, but left behind an enduring legacy as a Hollywood legend.

For in-depth information regarding Ginger Rogers and her contributions to the entertainment industry: - "Ginger: My Story" by Ginger Rogers for her autobiography. - Turner Classic Movies (TCM) Biography of Ginger Rogers would have detailed coverage of her life and career. - For viewing her filmography and understanding her contributions to cinema, IMDb’s page on Ginger Rogers offers a comprehensive list of her works and additional information.