way ahead of her time, divine must have based his character of dawn davenport on little ol totie
Totie Fields (May 7, 1930 - August 2, 1978), was an American comedienne who was not afraid to poke fun at her own weight .
Fields was born Sophie Feldman in Hartford, Connecticut, United States, North America. 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.
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.
In 1972, Fields wrote a humorous diet book entitled I Think I'll Start on Monday: The Official 8 1/2 oz. Mashed Potato Diet
In April 1976, her left leg was amputated above the knee when surgery to remove a blood clot failed.
In June 1977, to the astonishment of her fans, 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!" The Old Totie was back and the audience was put at ease; if Fields could laugh at her troubles, then it was all right to laugh with her.
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.
On 2 August 1978, Fields was scheduled to appear at the Sahara Hotel, when she suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism in her Las Vegas home.
She was buried in Las Vegas and later moved to the Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles to be buried next to her husband
I am so glad you remember Totie Fields! She was ahead of her time, both as a female comedienne, and as a non skinny woman. I can't believe you remember her!
ReplyDelete