Ginger Rogers 83rd Birthday Celebration, July 16, 1994, Independence, MO

This is Ginger Rogers 83rd Birthday celebration, July 16, 1994 in her birthplace, Independence, MO. The frail Rogers participated in a dedication of her birthplace and childhood home, signed autographs and was on hand for a Ginger Rogers film festival at the historic Englewood Theater. Little could we know this would be Ginger's last public appearance and her last birthday. I shot this historic footage while working for a local TV station and am sharing it now in its entirety for the first time. I hope you enjoy that day as I did and observe how she enjoyed the attention of her fans in the final year of her life. She was a true star and classy right to the end.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• July 16
• 1994
• Independence
• MO

[AlenaJolie]

She looked amazing at that age and what a beautiful spirit. Thank you! Did you ever read about her passing? She was at peace about where she was going. What a great example for us to follow.

[tomtalbertvideo]

@AlenaJolie Thank you so much.  I am glad I saved the raw footage after I shot it. Usually those tapes are recycled for another story, but was a fan so knew someday others would appreciate.

[hamishray]

Thank you for posting this lovely clip of my dear friend, Ginger. I miss her love and friendship.

[tomtalbertvideo]

@hamishray Thank you for your comment. Were you truly a personal friend of Gingers? I would love to here some of your reflections on knowing such a wonderful and talented lady. 

[keleigh97]

Thank you ever so much for this lovely birthday wishes for Ginger's last birthday. It was sad to see such a vital woman confined to a wheelchair but she still put forth her best effort for those who had come to pay tribute to her. I wish I had been able to meet her before she died. Ginger would have been 100 years old this July 16th. God Bless Ginger!!! Rest in Peace!!!

[tomtalbertvideo]

@keleigh97 : Feel free to link your page to this video, since I think Ginger fans will find it interesting.

[waynebrasler]

I visited the house in Independence, very close to the Truman house. As expected, she is dressed beautifully.

[TheWhistler3]

What a great lady. What a great talent.

[chilvari]

Happy 100th Birthday Ginger <3

[TheGamerboy123]

my birthday is july 16 :) this is a really nice video

[NathanielChristopher]

Wow...it's so rare to see such high quality footage from that era. Usually celebrity videos posted to youtube are so grainy, blurry and amateurish. It's a real gift to see this legend so clearly in her final year. This video really is a gift! Thank you! It'd be cool if you were to post another video where you spoke about your personal recolletions of the day. :)