Lew Fields was an American actor best known for his roles in The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, The Barker, and Mike and Meyer Go Fishing. Born as Moses Schanfield on January 1, 1867, in New York City, he became a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Personal and Family Life
Lew Fields was the son of Jewish immigrants and had a successful career in vaudeville as a comic performer alongside his partner Joe Weber. He was married to Rose Harris, and together they had three children: Joseph Fields, Herbert Fields, and Dorothy Fields. Fields was active in Broadway as a producer, director, playwright, and actor from 1899 until 1932, showing his versatility in the performing arts.
Career Highlights
Fields gained fame for his vaudeville comedy partnerships and operated his own theater in New York from the mid-1890s until 1918. He performed in both silents and talkies until 1940, showcasing his talent across different mediums. Despite facing challenges, he remained a significant figure in theater and film throughout his life.
Death and Legacy
Lew Fields passed away on July 20, 1941, in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, due to pneumonia. His contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly in vaudeville and Broadway, have left a lasting legacy that continues to be appreciated by audiences today.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle | 1939-03-29 | Lew Fields |
| Blossoms On Broadway | 1937-11-19 | Himself |
| 23 — Skidoo | 1930-06-06 | Otto Ott |
| Broadway to Hollywood | 1933-09-15 | In Horse Costume |
| Lillian Russell | 1940-05-24 | Himself |
| Actors’ Fund Field Day | 1910-10-11 | Self |
| Fatty and the Broadway Stars | 1915-12-15 | Lew Fields – Broadway Star |
| The Delicatessen Shop | 1915-05-31 | Meyer |
| Weber and Fields Pool Hall | 1923-04-15 | Meyer |
| Friendly Enemies | 1925-05-16 | Carl Pfeiffer |
| Two Flaming Youths | 1927-12-17 | Field |