Phyllis Baker Potter, who later became Phyllis Astaire, was a New York socialite. She married Fred Astaire, who was super famous for dancing, acting, singing, making music, and choreographing. They were both really popular in New York’s high society.
The tragic and shocking death of Phyllis Potter (Astaire), Fred Astaire’s beloved first wife, remains one of the most heartbreaking stories in classic Hollywood. As a key figure in Astaire’s life, her untimely passing from lung cancer not only left the world-renowned dancer devastated but also significantly impacted his career and personal life.
Phyllis Potter – Family Background and First Husband
Phyllis Livingston Baker, was born in 1908 in Boston, Massachusetts. She was from a rich family. Her dad, Dr. Harold Woods Baker, was a doctor, and her mom was named Caroline E. Livingston Baker. When Phyllis was young, her parents split up. So, she went to live with her aunt and uncle in New York.
Phyllis got married for the first time when she was just 19, in 1927. Her husband was Eliphalet Nott Potter III, who came from a rich family in New York. He worked as a broker on Wall Street. But their marriage wasn’t happy, and it didn’t last long. They had a son named Eliphalet IV, also known as Peter. By the time Phyllis met Fred, she had split up with her husband and was living with her aunt and uncle.
Before all this happened, Phyllis had a pretty luxurious life, splitting her time between Boston and New York City.
How Love Blossomed into Happy Marriage
In the early 1930s, Phyllis met the famous dancer Fred Astaire at a golf event. Fred was instantly taken with Phyllis and spent the next two years trying to win her over.
Finally, in 1933, despite objections from Fred’s family, they got married. Fred was really in love with Phyllis and wouldn’t give up on marrying her. They had two kids together. Their son, Fred Astaire Jr., was born in 1936. He later acted in a movie with his dad. Their daughter, Ava Astaire McKenzie , was born in 1942, and she works hard to keep her dad’s memory alive.
Even though some people didn’t like their marriage at first, Phyllis and Fred had a strong and loving relationship, at least for a while.
Phyllis and Fred Astaire had a really happy marriage that lasted for more than twenty years. Phyllis was always there for Fred, supporting him completely as he became even more famous for his dancing during their marriage.
During their marriage from 1933 to 1954, Phyllis was Fred Astaire’s biggest supporter. Some of Fred’s most famous movies, like “Top Hat” in 1935, “Swing Time” in 1936, and “Shall We Dance” in 1937, were made during this time.
Their years together were really happy, with lots of joy at home. It seemed like their love story would go on forever. Sadly, after 21 wonderful years, their perfect marriage came to a sudden end.
Phyllis Astaire – Death and impact on husband Fred Astaire’s Life
In 1954, when Phyllis Astaire was just 46, she passed away suddenly because of lung cancer. Her death hit Fred really hard. He was so upset that he even thought about quitting the movie “Daddy Long Legs,” which he was working on at the time.
After Phyllis passed away, Fred seemed to have found love again later in life. He kept working hard, dancing, and promoting his work even into his 80s.
Phyllis Potter had a big impact on Fred Astaire’s life and career. They were married for 21 years, and during that time, Phyllis always supported Fred as he became more and more famous. When Phyllis died at just 46, Fred was really affected by it. Their marriage was special and filled with love and joy for many years.
Phyllis Potter’s story is an important part of Fred Astaire’s story. Even though their time together was short, their Hollywood romance will always be remembered.
