W. C. Fields Biography
Attr: CBS Radio (Columbia Broadcasting System)
| Born as | William Claude Dukenfield |
| Occup. | Comedian |
| From | USA |
| Born | January 29, 1880
Darby, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Died | December 25, 1946
Pasadena, California, USA |
| Cause | Alcohol-related illness |
| Aged | 66 years |
Early Life and Background
W. C. Fields was born William Claude Dukenfield on January 29, 1880, in Darby, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. He was the eldest of 5 kids in a working-class household. Understood for his charisma and early penchant for mischief, Fields often skipped school and escaped from home on numerous events. His fascination with vaudeville and efficiency art led him to develop balancing skills, and by his teenage years, he had currently begun to carve a niche for himself as a performer in numerous vaudeville circuits.
Rise to Fame
Fields began his profession as a quiet juggler under the phase name "The Eccentric Juggler", establishing an unique act that combined aspects of funny and skill. Ultimately, his act evolved to consist of more comical aspects, and he gained a track record as a skilled comedian. Fields' big break came when he signed up with the Ziegfeld Follies in 1915, a distinguished and popular revue of the period. His sharp wit and impeccable timing made him a favorite amongst audiences, and he worked alongside other famous performers, consisting of
Fanny Brice and
Eddie Cantor.
Movie Career and Stardom
With the advent of sound movies, Fields transitioned efficiently into the movie market. He made his debut in quiet movies but truly loved the introduction of "talkies", taking advantage of his distinctive voice and comedic style. Some of his most significant movies consist of "It's a Gift" (1934), "The Bank Dick" (1940), and "My Little Chickadee" (1940), which he co-wrote and starred in along with
Mae West. Fields' onscreen persona generally featured a negative, typically inebriated character, which ended up being a defining aspect of his funny and added to his status as a Hollywood legend.
Personal Life and Relationships
Fields was understood to preserve an intricate mix of friendships and rivalries. Although not honestly friendly, he was close to particular figures in the entertainment industry, consisting of Mack Sennett and stars like Kathleen Howard and
Edgar Bergen. Fields' personal life was marked by some chaos and estrangement from his family, including a complex relationship with his boy, William Claude Fields Jr. Furthermore, Fields famously feuded with some of his co-stars, contributing to his credibility as a curmudgeon off-screen along with on-screen.
Later Years and Legacy
In his later years, Fields' health began to decrease, intensified by his lifelong heavy drinking. Regardless of his ailing health, he continued to operate in radio and appeared on the popular radio program with
Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, often highlighting their comical rivalry. W. C. Fields died on December 25, 1946, in Pasadena, California, from problems associated with alcoholism.
Fields left a tradition of comedic brilliance that influenced generations of comedians and filmmakers. His distinct mix of wit, physical funny, and character-driven humor remains celebrated in his movies and recordings, cementing his location as a foundation of early American movie theater and comedy.
Our collection contains 52 quotes who is written / told by C. Fields, under the main topics:
Success -
Politics -
Equality.
Related authors: Mae West (Actress), Edgar Bergen (Actor), Fanny Brice (Comedian), Eddie Cantor (Comedian), Lawrence Taylor (Athlete)
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