When people hear the name Fred Astaire, they immediately think of dancing, top hats, and Hollywood glamour. However, behind the famous man was a woman who meant everything to him. Her name was Phyllis Potter, and she was the love of his life. While she wasn’t an actress or a dancer herself, her influence on Fred Astaire was profound. She brought stability and love to a man who spent his life in the spotlight. Despite her husband’s fame, Phyllis Potter preferred a quiet life away from the cameras. This article will tell you everything you need to know about her life, her marriage, and the tragic end that broke a legend’s heart.
Quick Bio of Phyllis Potter
| Feature | Detail |
| Full Name | Phyllis Livingston Baker |
| Known As | Phyllis Potter / Phyllis Astaire |
| Birth Date | May 4, 1908 |
| Birth Place | Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
| Death Date | September 13, 1954 |
| Death Place | Beverly Hills, California |
| Age at Death | 46 Years Old |
| Cause of Death | Lung Cancer |
| Spouse | Fred Astaire (m. 1933–1954) |
| First Husband | Eliphalet Nott Potter III |
| Children | Peter Potter, Fred Jr., Ava Astaire |
| Parents | Harold Woods Baker & Caroline Livingston |
| Burial Place | Oakwood Memorial Park, Chatsworth |
The Early Life of Phyllis Potter
Phyllis Potter was born as Phyllis Livingston Baker on May 4, 1908, in Boston, Massachusetts. She came from a very well-respected family. Her parents were Harold Woods Baker and Caroline E. Livingston. Through her mother, she was connected to the famous Livingston family, which had a long history in America. Her great-grandparents and ancestors included notable figures like Henry Whitney and Robert Cambridge Livingston.
Growing up, Phyllis Potter lived a life of privilege. Unfortunately, her parents divorced when she was young. Because of this, she spent a lot of time with her aunt and uncle, Maud Livingston and Henry Worthington Bull. They helped raise her in the high-society world of New York. This upbringing prepared her for a life among the elite, but she always maintained a gentle and private nature.
The First Marriage to Eliphalet Nott Potter III
Many people wonder why she is known as Phyllis Potter if her maiden name was Baker. The name “Potter” came from her first marriage. Before she met the famous dancer, she married a wealthy man named Eliphalet Nott Potter III. He was also part of the New York social scene. They seemed like a perfect match on paper because they both came from similar backgrounds.
During this first marriage, she had a son named Eliphalet “Peter” Nott Potter IV, who was often called Peter Potter. However, the marriage did not last. The couple divorced around 1932 or 1933. At that time, divorce was considered a bit scandalous, especially in high society. Despite this, she remained a respected figure in her social circles.
Meeting Fred Astaire
The love story between Phyllis Potter and Fred Astaire began in a very romantic way. They first met at a golf luncheon hosted by Mrs. Graham Fair Vanderbilt. However, Fred had actually seen her before. He had spotted her at the Belmont Park racetracks and was immediately attracted to her beauty. He asked his friends about her, wanting to know who the stunning woman was.
Fred pursued her for nearly two years. At that time, he was a huge star on Broadway, performing in the hit show The Band Wagon. Even though he was famous, winning her heart wasn’t easy. Phyllis Potter was not impressed by fame. She liked him for who he was, not for his celebrity status. This genuine connection is what made their relationship so strong.
Obstacles to Their Romance
Their road to marriage had some bumps. Fred Astaire’s family, specifically his mother and his sister Adele Astaire, were not happy about the relationship at first. They had concerns because Phyllis Potter was a divorcée. In the 1930s, marrying a divorced woman was often looked down upon.
Additionally, there was a clash of worlds. Fred was from the world of show business, while Phyllis was from “old money” society. His family worried that their different lifestyles would not work. However, Fred was determined. He knew that Phyllis Potter was the right woman for him. He ignored the objections and followed his heart.
The Wedding of Phyllis Potter and Fred Astaire
Love eventually conquered all the doubts. The wedding Phyllis Potter had with Fred Astaire took place on July 12, 1933. It was a quiet civil ceremony held in New York. They did not want a big, noisy Hollywood wedding. They preferred to keep their special day intimate and personal.
At the time of the wedding, Phyllis Potter was 25 years old, and Fred was 34. The press was very interested in the match, but the couple tried to keep details out of the newspapers. This marked the beginning of a very happy chapter in both their lives. Fred often said that marrying her was the best decision he ever made.
A Private Life in Hollywood
After the wedding, the couple moved to California so Fred could pursue his film career. Unlike many other Hollywood wives, Phyllis Potter stayed out of the limelight. She did not attend every party or premiere. Instead, she focused on creating a warm and comfortable home for her family.
Friends and biographers have described their marriage as incredibly blissful. Phyllis Potter provided a grounded environment that Fred needed. His work was very demanding and stressful. Coming home to a stable and loving wife allowed him to relax and recharge. She was his anchor in the chaotic world of entertainment.
Their Children and Family Life
Together, Fred Astaire and Phyllis Potter built a beautiful family. They had two children of their own. Their son, Fred Astaire Jr., was born in 1936. Their daughter, Ava Astaire, was born in 1942. Fred also became a stepfather to Phyllis’s first son, Peter Potter.
Fred loved all the children dearly. He was a devoted father and husband. The family lived in a lovely home in Beverly Hills. While Fred was dancing on screen with partners like Ginger Rogers, his heart always belonged to his wife at home. Phyllis Potter was secure in their relationship and supported his career fully.
The Tragic Illness
Sadly, their happiness was cut short by illness. Phyllis Potter began to suffer from health issues in the early 1950s. She was diagnosed with lung cancer. This news was devastating for Fred and their children. At that time, medical treatments for cancer were not as advanced as they are today.
Fred did everything he could to help her. Reports say that Fred Astaire told the doctors he would pay every penny he had if they could save her. He was desperate to keep his beloved wife alive. The Phyllis Potter cause of death was ultimately identified as lung cancer, a disease that took her away far too soon.
When Did Phyllis Potter Die?
The end came on September 13, 1954. Phyllis Potter died at their family home in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. Her death marked the end of a 21-year marriage that had been filled with love and mutual respect. The entire Hollywood community felt the loss, knowing how much she meant to Fred.
One common question is, “how old was Phyllis Potter when she died?” She was only 46 years old. It was a tragedy that she passed away at such a young age, leaving behind a husband and three children who needed her. Her passing left a void that could never truly be filled.
Fred Astaire After Her Death
The Fred Astaire obituary Phyllis Potter mentions often highlight his immense grief. Fred was absolutely heartbroken. After Phyllis Potter death, he threw himself into his work to cope with the pain. However, his friends noticed a change in him. He had lost his spark for a long time.
He remained a widower for nearly 26 years. He did not want to replace her. It wasn’t until 1980, when he was an old man, that he remarried Robyn Smith. But for the majority of his later life, he honored the memory of Phyllis Potter. She remained the great romance of his life.
Confusion with a Missing Person Case
Recently, there has been some confusion online regarding the name Phyllis Potter. If you search for terms like “Phyllis Potter missing” or “Phyllis Potter found,” you might see news stories from 2023. It is important to clarify that this is a case of mistaken identity and has nothing to do with Fred Astaire’s wife.
In July 2023, an 84-year-old woman named Phyllis Potter went missing from her home in Westfield, Tioga County, Pennsylvania. This led to a large search for Phyllis Potter by local authorities. Unfortunately, this story also had a sad ending. Her vehicle and remains were found later that year.
Clarifying the Pennsylvania News
The keywords “Phyllis Potter Pennsylvania” and “obituary Phyllis Potter” from 2023 refer to this elderly woman, not the socialite born in 1908. Search algorithms sometimes mix these two individuals because they share the exact same name. However, the Phyllis Potter who was married to Fred Astaire died decades ago in 1954.
It is common for names to overlap in news cycles. If you see reports about a white Subaru or a disappearance in Tioga County, know that this is about the modern-day Phyllis Potter. The historical figure connected to the dance legend rests peacefully in Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth, California.
Other Common Misconceptions
There are other search terms that confuse people, such as “Jack and Phyllis Potter.” This likely refers to a different couple found in genealogy records, possibly in the UK. There is no record of Fred Astaire’s wife being linked to a “Jack Potter.” Her first husband was named Eliphalet, and her second was Fred.
Another odd term is “Phyllis Potter quick change.” Fred Astaire was famous for quick costume changes in his movies. However, Phyllis Potter herself was not a performer. This term likely mixes Fred’s professional skills with his wife’s name. She supported his career but did not perform “quick changes” on stage herself.
Phyllis Potter Wikipedia and Legacy
Despite her high-profile marriage, there is not a huge amount of information on a dedicated “Phyllis Potter Wikipedia” page. Most of her life details are found within the biography of Fred Astaire. She preferred it that way. She did not seek fame and was happy to be the supporting force behind her husband.
Her legacy lives on through her children and grandchildren. Ava Astaire has often spoken about her parents’ loving relationship. The memory of Phyllis Potter is preserved as the woman who gave the world’s greatest dancer the confidence and love he needed to perform.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Phyllis Potter?
Phyllis Potter was an American socialite and the beloved wife of legendary dancer Fred Astaire. She was born Phyllis Livingston Baker and married Astaire in 1933.
2. How did Phyllis Potter die?
Phyllis Potter passed away from lung cancer on September 13, 1954. She had been ill for some time, and her death left Fred Astaire devastated.
3. Was Phyllis Potter the missing woman from Pennsylvania?
No. The Phyllis Potter who went missing in Pennsylvania in 2023 is a different person. Fred Astaire’s wife died in 1954, and the recent news is a case of mistaken identity.
4. How many children did Phyllis Potter have?
She had three children. She had one son, Peter Potter, from her first marriage, and two children, Fred Astaire Jr. and Ava Astaire, with Fred Astaire.
5. How old was Phyllis Potter when she died?
Phyllis was only 46 years old when she died. Her early death ended a happy 21-year marriage to Fred Astaire.
Conclusion
Phyllis Potter was much more than just a footnote in Hollywood history. She was a strong, independent woman from a prestigious family who chose love over social expectations. Her marriage to Fred Astaire proved that true love can exist even in the pressures of the entertainment industry.
Although she was taken too soon by cancer at the age of 46, her impact was lasting. She gave Fred the happiest years of his life. Today, when we look back at the golden age of Hollywood, we should remember Phyllis Potter as the quiet strength behind the dancing legend.
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