Unmasking the Fortune: Totie Fields’ Net Worth at the Height of Her Career

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of money and stardom as we uncover the captivating story behind Totie Fields’ fortune. This legendary funny lady and actress made a huge impact on Hollywood, and her impressive wealth was a testament to her incredible talent and lasting legacy. In this article, we’ll explore the financial secrets that shaped her amazing life and career.

Totie Fields Net Worth

Totie Fields, the legendary American comedian and actress known for her quick wit and infectious energy, wasn’t just rich in laughter – she was pretty well-off financially too. While pinning down an exact number is tricky, especially since things were different back then, experts believe her net worth at the time of her passing in 1978 was around $2 million. To put that into perspective, considering inflation, that’s a hefty sum, likely equivalent to several million dollars today!

So, how did she build her fortune? Totie was a true comedy powerhouse. Stand-up comedy was her bread and butter, and she was incredibly popular throughout the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Live entertainment was a much bigger deal back then, and Totie, with her larger-than-life personality and tell-it-like-it-is humor, absolutely owned the stage.

Her appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show” – a show that was basically the Super Bowl of its time – catapulted her into living rooms across America. Everyone knew her signature line, “I kid you not!”, and it became a calling card for her brash, no-holds-barred comedic style. By the time the 60s rolled around, she was reportedly raking in around $200,000 annually just from her stand-up gigs alone. That’s a testament to how much audiences adored her and how she could command a crowd.

Even when faced with health challenges later in life, including blood clots and the amputation of her left leg, Totie’s spirit never wavered. She kept performing, bringing joy to countless fans. Her resilience and determination to make people laugh, even in the face of adversity, are just as much a part of her legacy as her comedic genius. It’s this spirit that continues to inspire aspiring comedians and reminds everyone that laughter, truly, is the best medicine.

Key Points of Totie Fields’ Net Worth and Career:

  • Net Worth: Estimated at $2 million at the time of her passing in 1978, equivalent to several million dollars today.
  • Comedy Powerhouse: Known for her quick wit and infectious energy, Totie Fields was a popular stand-up comedian throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.
  • Signature Line: “I kid you not!” became a calling card for her brash comedic style.
  • Peak Earnings: By the 1960s, Fields earned an estimated $200,000 annually from stand-up gigs alone.
  • The Ed Sullivan Show: Her appearances on the iconic TV show catapulted her to national fame.
  • Resilience: Despite facing health challenges later in life, Fields continued to perform and bring joy to her fans.
  • Legacy: Her resilience, determination, and comedic genius continue to inspire aspiring comedians.

Who is Totie Field’s Husband?

Totie Fields, the beloved comedian known for her quick wit and larger-than-life personality, shared her life with musician George William Johnston. Their love story played out over 28 years, from their wedding in 1950 until Totie’s passing in 1978. While Totie’s star shone brightly in the spotlight, George’s life remains a bit of a mystery.

Details about George’s musical career are pretty scarce. We don’t know a lot about the instruments he played, the bands he might have been part of, or if he ever recorded any music. It’s like a puzzle with some pieces missing!

Those many years they spent together probably played a big part in shaping Totie’s journey. Maybe George was the calming presence behind the scenes, offering support and inspiration as Totie navigated the world of show business. It would be fascinating to dig deeper and uncover more about his life and the impact he had on Totie’s legendary career. Who knows what hidden stories are waiting to be discovered!

Condensed & Organized Context:

1. Totie Field’s Husband:

Totie Fields was married to George William Johnston from 1950 until her passing in 1978.

2. George William Johnston’s Background:

George William Johnston was a musician. Additional information about his life and career is not provided.

Unique Insights:

The provided context mentions Totie Fields’ husband but lacks specific details about George William Johnston. This creates an opportunity to explore his career, personal life, and any notable contributions he made during his lifetime. By delving into these aspects, the article can offer a more comprehensive understanding of Totie Fields’ husband and his role in her life.

How Much Did Totie Fields Weigh?

Totie Fields was known for her humor as much as her physique. Standing at 4’11”, it’s been said she weighed around 170 pounds. She wove her weight into her comedy routines, making it a memorable part of her act.

It wasn’t always easy. Totie faced some serious health challenges, including diabetes. There was even a point when she had to have a leg amputated. These struggles naturally led to changes in her weight over time. But through it all, Totie kept on performing. She was a real trooper, facing those challenges head-on and even finding ways to make them funny!

It takes a special kind of person to do that – to take something difficult and find the humor in it. Totie had a knack for connecting with people, and her willingness to share her own experiences, even the tough ones, only made that connection stronger. She showed everyone that it’s okay to laugh at yourself, and that having a sense of humor can help you get through just about anything.

While her weight was something she joked about, it’s important to remember that Totie was so much more than a number on a scale. She was a talented comedian, a resilient woman, and an inspiration to many. She taught us that laughter can be the best medicine, and that true strength comes from within.

Condensed & Organized Context:

Totie Fields’ Weight and Physical Appearance:

  • Totie Fields was short and overweight, standing at 4’11” and weighing 170 pounds.
  • Her weight became a frequent topic in her comedy routines, as she openly joked about her size.

Health Problems and Amputation:

  • Fields faced health challenges in her later years, including diabetes and a blood clot.
  • In 1976, she underwent a leg amputation above the knee, which forced her to use a scooter for mobility.
  • Despite her physical limitations, Fields refused to let them define her and continued performing.

Impact of Health Issues on Her Comedy:

  • Fields’ health problems led to significant weight loss, which altered her comedic style.
  • She incorporated her health struggles into her routines, finding humor in her experiences.

Career and Legacy:

  • Fields’ resilience and humor in the face of adversity inspired her fans.
  • Despite her health challenges, she remained a popular entertainer, earning awards and recognition.
  • Totie Fields’ legacy as a comedian and a symbol of strength continues to be celebrated.

Unique Insights:

  • The context mentions Fields’ friendship with rock band Kiss and her joke about bassist Gene Simmons being “just a nice Jewish boy.” This personal anecdote could be expanded upon to explore Fields’ connections within the entertainment industry.
  • Fields’ humorous diet book, “I Think I’ll Start on Monday: The Official 8½ Oz. Mashed Potato Diet,” could be further analyzed to understand her approach to weight loss and her relationship with food.
  • Her performance in a dramatic role on “Medical Center” prior to her surgery highlights her versatility as an actress and her ability to connect with audiences beyond comedy.

What are Totie Fields Known For?

Totie Fields wasn’t just funny – she was a force of nature in the comedy world. She had this knack for finding humor in the everyday stuff, and that’s what made her stand-up routines so relatable.

Back in the ’50s and ’60s, you’d practically trip over Totie if you turned on the TV during the day. She was a regular on all those popular daytime shows, cracking jokes and keeping everyone entertained. It’s no wonder she became such a familiar face.

But Totie wasn’t just a hit with the daytime crowd. She also took Las Vegas by storm, lighting up those cabaret stages with her energy and charisma. People flocked to see her, drawn in by her ability to connect with an audience like they were old friends. It was a special talent, that’s for sure.

Her talent didn’t go unnoticed either. The American Guild of Variety Artists actually named her “Female Comedy Star of the Year.” It was a huge honor and cemented her place as one of the leading ladies of comedy.

What’s really inspiring about Totie’s story is her unwavering spirit. Even when she faced health problems later in life, her sense of humor never wavered. She taught us that laughter can be a powerful remedy, even in tough times.

To this day, Totie Fields remains a legend. Her fearless approach to comedy, her sharp wit, and her ability to make people forget their troubles— it’s all incredibly inspiring to aspiring comedians. She proved that laughter truly is the best medicine, and her legacy continues to bring joy to people around the world.

Condensed & Organized Context:

Key Line 1: Totie Fields’ Renown as a Comedian

  • American stand-up comedian known for her observational humor
  • Gained fame in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s
  • Performed in nightclubs and on daytime TV shows, including “The Ed Sullivan Show”

Key Line 2: Ed Sullivan’s Endorsement and Subsequent Success

  • Sullivan saw her perform at the Copacabana in 1964
  • Booked her on his show, giving her widespread recognition
  • Made multiple appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and other popular shows

Key Line 3: Resilience Amidst Health Struggles

  • Diagnosed with diabetes and underwent surgery for a blood clot in 1976
  • Lost her left leg above the knee due to phlebitis
  • Used a scooter for mobility and filed a lawsuit against the hospital
  • Continued performing, incorporating her health issues into her comedy

Key Line 4: Enduring Impact and Legacy

  • Regarded as a “Female Comedy Star of the Year” by the American Guild of Variety Artists
  • Her candid and relatable style endeared her to audiences
  • Her ability to find humor in adversity left a lasting impact on the comedy world

Unique Insights:

  • Explore the influence of her Jewish heritage on her comedic style and perspectives.
  • Analyze the psychological impact of her health struggles on her humor and persona.
  • Trace the trajectory of her career after her leg amputation, examining the challenges and triumphs she encountered.
  • Highlight her contributions to the representation of women and people with disabilities in comedy.

Where are Totie Fields buried?

After her passing, Totie Fields was laid to rest in Las Vegas. However, it seems her final journey wasn’t quite over. She was later moved to the Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, California. This move brought her to rest alongside her beloved husband.

It’s a testament to their bond that even in death, they found their way back to each other. While Totie faced some tough times with her health, her spirit, always full of humor and strength, continues to inspire. She taught us that laughter can be found even when things get tough, and that’s a legacy worth remembering.

Condensed & Organized Context:

Key FactDetails
Place of BurialMount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery, Los Angeles, California
Initial IntermentLas Vegas, Nevada
Reason for RelocationInterment with husband, George William Johnston, at Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery
Health StrugglesDiabetes, blood clot, phlebitis, leg amputation, heart attacks
Comedic CareerSuccessful appearances in nightclubs, TV shows, and game shows
NotabilityFirst female comedian to headline in Las Vegas
Humor and ResilienceKnown for her self-deprecating jokes and positive outlook despite health challenges

Unique Insights:

  • Connection to Judaism: Fields’ Jewish heritage could be explored in more depth, connecting her to other Jewish comedians and the cultural impact of Jewish humor.
  • Impact on Popular Culture: Examining Fields’ influence on subsequent generations of comedians and her contributions to the entertainment industry could provide a fresh perspective.
  • Legacy and Inspiration: Highlighting the enduring legacy of Fields’ humor and her ability to inspire others through her resilience could offer a unique angle on her story.

Did Totie Field Win Her Lawsuit?

After a surgery went wrong, Totie Fields decided to sue Dr. Keavy for medical malpractice in 1976. She was asking for $2 million! Her case was settled out of court, and she ended up getting $850,000.

Let’s break down the lawsuit:

  • When it was filed: 1976
  • Who was suing?: Totie Fields
  • Who was being sued?: Dr. William T. Keavy
  • What Totie claimed: Medical malpractice and negligence.
  • Her injuries: A heart attack and phlebitis in her leg

The Settlement Details

  • How much money: $850,000
  • When: Settled out of court.

That settlement wasn’t just about the money for Totie. It meant she could cover her medical bills and other expenses from what happened. But it also sent a message: Doctors can be held responsible for their actions. Totie’s case probably made some people think twice about just accepting whatever happens in a doctor’s office. It showed that you can stand up for yourself and that doctors need to be careful and do their jobs right.

Main Points to Remember

  • Totie sued her doctor in 1976 because she said he messed up her surgery, causing some serious health problems.
  • They settled the lawsuit outside of court.
  • Totie got a significant amount of money from the settlement.
  • Her case highlighted how important it is for everyone to get good medical care and for doctors to be held accountable for their patients’ well-being.

Dr. Keavy’s Negligence

  • Totie Fields underwent a facelift procedure performed by Dr. Keavy in March 1976.
  • The procedure led to a heart attack and phlebitis in Fields’ left leg.
  • Fields filed a $2 million medical malpractice lawsuit against Dr. Keavy two years later.
  • The lawsuit was settled out of court for $850,000.

Fields’ Health Struggles

  • Fields gained excessive weight and was diagnosed with diabetes.
  • She also suffered from vascular problems.
  • In 1976, she developed phlebitis in her left leg and underwent an unsuccessful amputation.
  • Fields’ health issues persisted until her death in 1978.

Fields’ Legacy

  • Fields was known for her comedic skills and her ability to use her weight as material.
  • She was a national star and a popular figure in the entertainment industry.
  • Despite her health problems, Fields maintained a positive outlook and continued to perform.

Unique Insights:

  • The potential impact of Dr. Keavy’s negligence on Fields’ career and overall well-being.
  • The role of Fields’ determination and positive attitude in helping her cope with her health struggles.
  • The legacy of Fields’ comedy and her influence on other comedians.

What Happened to Tony Fields?

Tony Fields, the incredibly talented dancer and actor, sadly passed away in 1995 from cancer related to HIV. He was only 36 years old. You might remember him from his amazing moves in Michael Jackson’s iconic music videos for “Beat It” and “Thriller.” He also graced the big screen in the film version of the famous musical “A Chorus Line.”

Sadly, as HIV took hold, it gradually sapped his strength, making it impossible for him to continue dancing. But Tony, ever the inspiration, didn’t let that stop him from sharing his passion. He went back to his old high school and became a mentor, guiding and encouraging young, aspiring dancers.

Even though he’s gone, Tony’s legacy lives on, not just through his incredible performances, but also through the countless lives he touched as a mentor. His story is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS, a disease that tragically cut short his promising career and life.

Condensed & Organized Context:

Cause of Death and Impact

  • Tony Fields passed away at the age of 36 due to cancer resulting from the AIDS virus.
  • His passing was a significant loss, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and his fans.

Career Highlights

  • Fields began his career as a backup dancer in Debbie Reynolds’ nightclub act.
  • He gained recognition for his work on the television show “Solid Gold” and in Queen’s “Body Language” music video.
  • His most notable performances include his roles in “A Chorus Line,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller.”

Post-Career Journey

  • Fields’ illness gradually impaired his ability to dance, leading him to return to his high school as a mentor.
  • He continued to perform in theater and musical productions in California.

Legacy and Honors

  • Davis Senior High School hosts an annual tribute to Fields, showcasing the school’s arts program.
  • Fields was inducted into his high school’s hall of fame and has a scholarship named after him.

Unique Insights:

  • The context focuses on Fields’ career and cause of death but offers limited insight into his personal life and the impact of his illness on his day-to-day life.
  • Further exploration into his struggles, triumphs, and potential advocacy work could add depth to the article.
  • Examining the evolution of dance styles and techniques during Fields’ career could provide a broader context for his contributions.

Who is Chip Fields husband?

Chip Fields, the talented actress from “Good Times” and “The Facts of Life,” has been happily married to Ervin Hurd since August 20, 1994.

Ervin is a technical director extraordinaire in the television world and has even snagged a couple of Primetime Emmy Awards. Talk about a power couple!

Chip and Ervin have managed to keep their life together private. In a town like Hollywood where everyone seems to know everyone’s business, that’s no easy feat! It makes you admire them even more. They let their work speak for itself and keep the focus on their careers and, of course, their love for each other.

They’ve been together for almost three decades – over 28 years to be exact. That’s like a lifetime in Hollywood years! It just goes to show that their bond is something truly special.

While we may not know all the ins and outs of their relationship, one thing’s for sure: Chip Fields and Ervin Hurd are a shining example of enduring love in an industry that often feels fleeting. They remind us that true love can indeed stand the test of time, both on and off the screen.

Condensed & Organized Context:

Who is Chip Fields’ Husband?

  • Chip Fields is married to Ervin Hurd, a technical director.
  • Hurd has contributed to numerous TV shows and films, including “Bonnie” and “The Young and the Restless.”
  • The couple has been married since August 20, 1994, and have kept their personal lives private.

Erv Hurd’s Career

  • Hurd is a skilled technical director who has worked on various TV shows and films.
  • He has won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for his contributions to the industry.

Erv Hurd and Chip Fields’ Relationship

  • Hurd and Fields have been together for over 28 years, making them one of the longest-lasting couples in the entertainment industry.
  • They have a strong and supportive relationship.

Family Background

  • Hurd has two daughters, Kim Fields and Alexis Fields, from a previous relationship.
  • Both daughters are actresses who have made notable contributions to the industry.

Unique Insights:

  • Chip Fields and Erv Hurd’s enduring relationship could be explored further to provide insights into the factors that contribute to successful and long-lasting marriages in the entertainment industry.
  • The couple’s ability to maintain a private personal life while still being recognized as a power couple could offer valuable lessons for others in navigating the challenges of balancing public and private spheres.

Who was the female comedian in the 70s?

The 1970s saw a wave of hilarious female comedians breaking barriers and tickling funny bones across America. Narrowing down the female comedian of the 70s is tricky! Comedy is subjective, and many funny ladies were making names for themselves. That said, one name that consistently pops up is Totie Fields.

Think of Totie as a comedy pioneer. With her quick wit and relatable jokes, she wasn’t just cracking jokes—she was smashing glass ceilings in a male-dominated industry. Audiences in the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s couldn’t get enough of her, making her a household name.

Totie’s career really took off with regular gigs on popular shows like “The Ed Sullivan Show.” This wasn’t just any show; it was the show to be on, and being a regular guest meant you’d hit the big time. And Totie? She owned that stage! Her signature line, “I kid you not!”, became so popular that people still use it today.

But Totie was more than just a stand-up comedian. She dipped her toes into acting too, snagging a recurring role on “The Love Boat,” a super popular sitcom back then. She even popped up on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” which was a really big deal! And if that wasn’t enough, she penned a few books, including her autobiography, “Totie: A Memoir.”

Estimating a celebrity’s net worth is like trying to guess how many jellybeans are in a jar – you can make an educated guess, but it’s tough to be exact. Based on what we know about her career and earnings, some experts suggest Totie Fields was worth around $2 million at the time of her passing in 1978. To put that in perspective, $2 million back then would be worth a whole lot more today – we’re talking multiple millions!

Totie’s story is one of resilience and humor, showing us that with hard work and a good dose of laughter, anything is possible.

Condensed & Organized Context:

  • Phyllis Diller: Known for her fearless and zany humor, Diller pushed the boundaries of comedy and paved the way for female performers.
  • Lily Tomlin: A master of observation and empathy, Tomlin’s ability to embody a wide range of characters made her a beloved and versatile entertainer.
  • Anne Meara: One-half of the iconic comedy duo “Stiller and Meara,” Meara showcased her sharp wit and exceptional timing, earning a devoted following.
  • Elayne Boosler: A pioneer in stand-up comedy, Boosler fearlessly tackled everyday life, relationships, and politics with her intelligent and witty observations.
  • Bette Midler: The “Divine Miss M” captivated audiences with her electrifying stage presence and provocative humor, blurring the lines between comedy and music.

Unique Insights:

  • The impact of the 1970s female comedy boom on modern-day comedy, particularly on the emergence of diverse and fearless female voices in the industry.
  • The enduring influence of these comedic trailblazers on subsequent generations of female performers and the evolution of stand-up comedy itself.
  • The role of women in shaping the cultural landscape and challenging societal expectations through their comedic contributions.

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