Ginger Rogers, born Virginia Katherine McMath on July 16, 1911, in Independence, Missouri, was an iconic American actress, dancer, and singer during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She was raised by her mother, Lela Emogene Owens, and stepfather, John Logan Rogers, after her parents' divorce.

Her mother's career as a theater critic and her stepfather's support played a significant role in shaping her future in the entertainment industry.

Ginger Rogers began her career in vaudeville and Broadway, winning a Charleston dance contest at the age of 14, which launched her successful career in show business.

Her Broadway debut came in 1929 with the musical "Top Speed," and she quickly gained recognition for her talent. She made her film debut in "Young Man of Manhattan" in 1930, and her career took off with roles in "42nd Street" and "Gold Diggers of 1933" the following year.

One of the most significant parts of her career was her partnership with Fred Astaire. Together, they starred in nine musical films in the 1930s, including "The Gay Divorcee" (1934), "Top Hat" (1935), and "Swing Time" (1936).

These films are credited with revolutionizing the genre and bringing immense success to RKO Pictures. Despite their success, she eventually shifted her focus to dramatic and comedy films, earning critical acclaim for her performances in "Stage Door" (1937), "Vivacious Lady" (1938), and "Bachelor Mother" (1939).

Her career reached new heights when she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Kitty Foyle" (1940). This achievement made her one of the biggest box-office draws and highest-paid actresses of the 1940s.

She continued to work in films, television, and on Broadway throughout the 20th century, with notable performances in "The Barkleys of Broadway" (1949), "Monkey Business" (1952), and "Hello, Dolly!" (1965).

Ginger Rogers was married five times, but she did not have children. Her marriages included Jack Pepper (1929-1931), Lew Ayres (1934-1940), Jack Briggs (1943-1949), Jacques Bergerac (1953-1957), and William Marshall (1961-1969).

In her later years, she continued to act and make television appearances until 1987. She also wrote an autobiography, "Ginger: My Story," which was published in 1991.

In 1992, she was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors for her lifetime achievements. Rogers passed away on April 25, 1995, in Rancho Mirage, California.