Fritz Feld
In the vast landscape of 20th-century entertainment, few performers embodied the versatility and enduring spirit of Fritz Feld, a character actor whose career spanned an extraordinary seven decades across multiple media platforms. From silent films to modern comedy, Feld became a quintessential Hollywood character actor, recognized not just for his remarkable range, but for his iconic "pop" sound that became his trademark.
From Berlin to Hollywood: The Early Years
Born on October 15, 1900, in Berlin, Germany, Fritz Feld's artistic journey began unexpectedly. In 1916, he started as an unpaid extra in a performance of William Tell at Berlin's Royal Theater. His film debut came just a year later in Der Golem und die Tanzerin, where he first displayed the talent that would define his career. Before coming to the United States, Feld worked as an assistant to the renowned producer Max Reinhardt in Germany. In 1923, he arrived in America to perform in Reinhardt's production of The Miracle, a decision he would later call "one of the two best decisions" of his life.
A Versatile Performer Across Media
Feld's career was nothing short of extraordinary. Over seven decades, he appeared in an astounding 425 films, 500 television shows, 1,000 radio programs, and 80 commercials. His ability to transform himself made him a sought-after character actor, playing an incredible array of roles including movie directors, spies, conductors, psychiatrists, waiters, heavies, and comedians. His trademark "pop" - a sound resembling a cork being pulled from a champagne bottle - became his signature, a technique he developed while performing in Eddie Cantor'sIf You Knew Susie in 1948. This unique sound became as recognizable as his chameleon-like acting abilities.
Collaborations with Hollywood Legends
Throughout his career, Feld worked with an impressive roster of Hollywood's greatest stars. From Norma Talmadge and John Barrymore in the silent era to Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, Barbra Streisand, and Gene Wilder, his professional connections were extensive. He even created a remarkable collection of chess photographs with over 300 leading actors and actresses, which was exhibited at the Lincoln Center's Library of the Performing Arts.
Personal Life and Legacy
In 1940, Feld married Virginia Christine, an actress best known for her Mrs. Olson character in Folgers coffee commercials. Interestingly, legendary director Ernst Lubitsch served as the best man at their wedding. Beyond acting, Feld was an accomplished pianist who could play any composition after hearing it just once, and he was an avid collector of books, Bach recordings, and tropical plants. Feld's final years were spent in Santa Monica, where he passed away at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy that bridged multiple eras of entertainment.
Works and Appearances
Radio
- Appeared in approximately 1,000 radio programs
Film
- I Met Him in Paris (1937)
- Bringing Up Baby (1938)
- The Phantom of the Opera (1943)
- Call Me Madam (1953)
- Hello Dolly! (1969)
- The Sunshine Boys (1975)
- History of the World Part I (1981)
- The World's Greatest Lover (1977)
Television
- The Bill Cosby Show
- The Hardy Boys
- The Merv Griffin Show
- The Tonight Show
- The Mike Douglas Show
- General Hospital
Theater
- Co-founded Hollywood Playhouse
- Coordinator for Fritz Feld Community Theater in Brentwood
Fritz Feld's remarkable career serves as a testament to the golden age of entertainment, where versatility, talent, and adaptability were the hallmarks of a true performer.
