BARRIE CHASE

Though born in New York City, Barrie Chase grew up in Los Angeles. She learned ballet at the age of three and later became a serious swimmer and equestrian. Her passion for horses was a bond she shared with Fred Astaire. A talent scout spotted her at the age of 20, and she started dancing for Igor Dega’s famous nightclub. In May 1954, Chase graced the cover of the magazine Focus.

Wel on her way to a successful career as a Jack Cole dancer, she attracted Astaire’s eye through a dance studio door. The two dated for a few years. The now-87-year-old Chase has nearly 40 movie credits and various TV roles, including Bonanza, Cape Fear, and It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. She danced with Astaire for Bob Hope’s Chrysler TV Theater in 1964. They paired for the NBC Special for the final time in 1968.