William Claude Dukenfield
- Born:
- January 29, 1880, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Died:
- December 25, 1946, Pasadena, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Comedian, Actor, Juggler, Writer
Early Life and Education
- Left home at age 11 and supported himself from an early age.
- Developed juggling skills and began performing professionally as a teenager.
- Early training was largely self-taught, honing his skills in vaudeville.
Career and Major Achievements
- Achieved international fame as a juggler and comedian in vaudeville.
- Transitioned to Broadway and then to motion pictures in the 1910s.
- Developed a distinctive comedic persona characterized by misanthropy, cynicism, and a fondness for alcohol.
- Wrote and starred in numerous films, contributing significantly to the genre of comedic cinema.
- Radio appearances, including on the Edgar Bergen show, further cemented his popularity.
Notable Works
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1915 | Pool Sharks | Himself |
| 1925 | Sally of the Sawdust | Professor Eustace McGargle |
| 1934 | It's a Gift | Harold Bissonette |
| 1939 | You Can't Cheat an Honest Man | Larson E. Whipsnade |
| 1940 | My Little Chickadee | Cuthbert J. Twillie |
Legacy and Impact
W.C. Fields, whose wc fields biography reflects a multifaceted career, remains a significant figure in the history of American comedy. His unique comedic style and memorable characters continue to influence comedians and entertain audiences today.