Totie Fields - Biography

Totie Fields (May 7, 1930 – August 2, 1978) was an American comedienne.

Life and career

Fields was born Sophie Feldman in Hartford, Connecticut. She started singing in Boston clubs while still in high school, taking the stage name of Totie Fields. The name "Totie" was a childhood nickname, a corruption of her first name.

Rise to fame

Fields gained fame during the 1960s and 1970s. Ed Sullivan gave Fields her first big break when he booked her on his show after seeing her perform at the Copacabana in New York. She made multiple appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Mike Douglas Show, and The Merv Griffin Show as well as a fifth season episode of Here's Lucy starring Lucille Ball.

In 1972, Fields wrote a humorous diet book entitled I Think I'll Start on Monday: The Official 8½ oz. Mashed Potato Diet (i.e., ).

Health problems

Fields was plagued with health problems the last two years of her life.

In April 1976, her left leg was amputated above the knee when surgery to remove a blood clot failed. This caused her to use an Amigo POV/Scooter for mobility.

In June 1977 Fields starred in the Home Box Office special series Standing Room Only, beginning her show seated in a wheelchair. As the audience welcomed her, she stood up, causing the cheering audience to stand with her. Said Fields: "I've waited all my life to say this... I weigh less than Elizabeth Taylor!"

While still recovering from the amputation, Fields suffered two heart attacks.

In October 1977, Fields was diagnosed with breast cancer and her right breast was removed. Nevertheless, Fields continued to perform, incorporating her health problems into her act.

In 1978, during the last year of her life, Fields was voted "Entertainer of the Year" and "Female Comedy Star of the Year" by the American Guild of Variety Artists.

Death

On August 2, 1978, Fields was scheduled to begin a two-week engagement at Las Vegas’ Sahara Hotel when, on the eve of the opening, she was stricken at home by a blood clot, suffering a fatal pulmonary embolism. She was rushed to nearby Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center, but was pronounced dead soon after. Her ashes were interred in Las Vegas; however, after her husband George Johnston's death in January 1995, Totie was moved to the Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, to be interred together.

External links

• Lessons in Laughter - Totie Fields in Comedy College