Ginger Rogers was a talented actress, dancer, singer, and athlete. She gained fame for her screen appearances with Fred Astaire, but also had a successful career in dramatic roles. She was also an accomplished painter, sculptor, and public speaker.
Ginger Rogers (1911-1995) was a talented and elegant woman, most often remembered for her screen appearances opposite Fred Astaire in the 1930s. However, Ginger Rogers’ skills have gone far beyond singing and dancing to include a wide range of activities from outdoor sports to raising dairy cows. Ginger Rogers was a powerful and famous woman in an age when women were often underpaid and undervalued, and she received much recognition during her lifetime for her accomplishments.
Ginger Rogers was born Virginia MacMath in Independence, Missouri in 1911. Her nickname comes from her younger sister, who was unable to pronounce “Virginia” and called her “Ginja” instead. Ginger Rogers began her dancing career early, winning the Texas State Charleston Championship at age 14. Soon after she toured the country and found herself performing in the theaters of St. Louis, Chicago and finally Broadway. She starred in a number of Broadway musicals, transitioning into Hollywood in the 1920s.
In Hollywood, Ginger Rogers captivated viewers with her beauty, voice, acting and dance in a number of films before her career took off with Flying Down to Rio opposite Fred Astaire in 1933. While Ginger Rogers was already a popular actress and highly paid, her career skyrocketed with the pair, and the duo went on to rule the silver screen for another six years. Choosing to work her way up, rather than typecast in a dynamic duo with Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers played dramatic roles in the 1940s, starting with Kitty Foyle in 1940. Her work in these films showcased her acting skills , proving that Ginger Rogers was more than just another pretty face in Hollywood. Her film career ended in 1965, although she continued to perform in other Broadway productions, where she starred around the world.
In 1969, Ginger Rogers moved to Rogers Rogue River Ranch, which she used as a home base as she traveled the world to promote products for JCPenney, perform at a traveling night club, and later promote her book, My Story, which was published in 1991. In addition to her formidable acting skills, Ginger Rogers spent time herding Guernsey cows in Oregon and honing her tennis, golf, shooting, and artistic skills. She was an excellent painter and sculptor and often wished she had more time for the arts. She was also a convincing public speaker and many of her speeches made the Congressional Record.
A multidimensional and extraordinary woman, Ginger Rogers is sadly best remembered for a brief phase of her film career. She lived a long and full life as an actress, comedian, athlete, dancer, singer and public speaker.
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