W. C. Fields American comedian, actor, juggler and writer Date of Birth: 29.01.1880 Country: USA

1. Biography of W. C. Fields
2. Early Life and Career
3. Marriage and Literary Interests
4. Film Career
5. Final Years and Legacy

Biography of W. C. Fields

William Claude Dukenfield, better known by his stage name W. C. Fields, was an American comedian, actor, juggler, and writer. Despite his reputation as a selfish, perpetually drunk misanthrope, some believe that Fields' on-screen persona was derived from his own personality, as he truly possessed a cynical nature and struggled with alcoholism. However, this did not hinder Fields from becoming a renowned juggler and one of the most prominent comedians of his time.

Early Life and Career

Fields was born in Darby, Pennsylvania, as the eldest child in a working-class family. He had a strained relationship with his father and ran away from home multiple times during his childhood. His education was also lackluster as he never received a formal education beyond elementary school. Fields often embellished stories about his childhood, although it is believed that his overall upbringing was relatively decent.

As a young man, Fields discovered his talent for juggling and practiced tirelessly at a local theater. By the age of 17, he was already performing his own juggling act at church and theater events. His family supported his endeavors, and Fields' performances were entirely silent as a way to conceal his stutter. He quickly gained fame through extensive tours in North America and Europe, with many considering him the greatest juggler in the world. His acts not only showcased incredible technical skills but also incorporated comedic elements and pantomime.

Marriage and Literary Interests

In April 1900, Fields married Harriet Hughes, a singer in a vaudeville chorus. She assisted him in his performances, and during their free time, she taught him how to read and write. Fields became an avid reader, carrying a large trunk filled with books wherever he traveled. His collection included textbooks, translations of Homer and Ovid, as well as works by Shakespeare, Dickens, and Twain.

In July 1904, Harriet and Fields had a son together. However, their marriage began to deteriorate over time. Harriet insisted that Fields leave his nomadic lifestyle and pursue a more "respectable" profession, which he adamantly refused. Despite their estrangement, they never officially divorced, and Fields continued to support Harriet financially until his death.

Film Career

Fields' film career began in 1915 when he appeared in two silent comedy shorts. However, due to his demanding performance schedule, he didn't fully engage in filmmaking until 1924. He gained considerable recognition as an actor through his full-length comedies with Paramount Pictures. It is known that Fields contributed to writing the scripts for his own films, often using pseudonyms. He also relied heavily on improvisation to enhance his performances.

Fields' health suffered greatly due to his inability to control his alcohol addiction, which led to various health complications, including bouts of delirium tremens. At one point, he temporarily shifted his focus to radio work, negotiating impressive salaries for himself. In 1939, Fields secured a new contract with Universal Pictures. By 1941, he obtained almost complete control over all aspects of his films, resulting in the masterpiece of absurd humor, "Never Give a Sucker an Even Break." Unfortunately, this film marked the end of Fields' leading roles as he was not offered any significant parts afterward.

Final Years and Legacy

W. C. Fields passed away on Christmas Day in 1946 due to internal bleeding caused by his ongoing battle with alcoholism. He died in a sanatorium in Pasadena, California. Despite his open disdain for the holiday, Fields' death marked the end of an era in comedy. He left behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a unique style of humor that continues to inspire comedians to this day.