December 10
Born Today:
Hermes Pan
Fred Astaire had a doppelgänger whom he called his "idea man"- Hermes Pan (1909-1990), a dancer/choreographer who resembled Astaire in face and build and he often acted as Astaire's rehearsal partner with Ginger Rogers. Pan - who should get an award for best name ever - and Astaire worked together for decades on 17 different films. Pan appeared as a dancer in multiple films, and choreographed many, many more, including Kiss Me Kate (1953), where he allowed a young dancer named Bob Fosse (1927-1987) to choreograph a minute-long duet that made him a superstar.
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Broadway Premiere: Spring Awakening in 2006