Ginger Rogers (born Virginia Katherine McMath; July 16, 1911 – April 25, 1995) was an American actress, dancer, and singer, renowned for her work during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Born in Independence, Missouri, and raised in Kansas City, Rogers moved to Fort Worth, Texas, at the age of nine. Her career began in 1925 after winning a Charleston dance contest, which led to a successful vaudeville career. She gained recognition on Broadway with her stage debut in "Girl Crazy," which eventually led to a contract with Paramount Pictures.

Rogers's early film successes included roles in "42nd Street" and "Gold Diggers of 1933." Her legendary partnership with Fred Astaire in nine films, including "The Gay Divorcee," "Top Hat," and "Swing Time," revolutionized the musical genre and brought significant success to RKO Pictures. Transitioning to dramatic and comedy films, she earned critical acclaim for performances in "Stage Door," "Vivacious Lady," and "Kitty Foyle," the latter earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1940.

In the 1940s, Rogers became one of the highest-paid actresses and a major box-office draw. She reunited with Astaire in "The Barkleys of Broadway" in 1949 and continued to work in film, theater, and television. Her Broadway roles included a lead in "Hello, Dolly!" and she made her stage directorial debut in 1985. Rogers wrote an autobiography, "Ginger: My Story," published in 1991, and was honored at the Kennedy Center Honors in 1992. She passed away in 1995 at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy of 73 films and a lasting impact on Hollywood.