Edward Fielding

Edward Fielding (March 19, 1875 – January 10, 1945) was an American stage and film actor.

Edward Fielding
around 1915
Born
Edward B. Elkins

(1875-03-19)March 19, 1875
Brooklyn, New York, United States
DiedJanuary 10, 1945(1945-01-10) (aged 69)
Beverly Hills, California, United States
Years active1905–1945 (secured)
Spouse(s)Elizabeth Sherman Clark (1913–1945; his death) (1 child)

Career

Edward Fielding appeared in nearly 40 Broadway productions between 1905 and 1939, often in leading roles. He played as a leading man with famous stage actresses like Olga Nethersole, Grace George, Ethel Barrymore and Laura Hope Crews. The tall and dignified-looking actor was especially known for his roles in the works of playwright Henrik Ibsen.[1] Fielding also worked for some time as an actor in London. He appeared occasionally in silent films, most notably as Dr. Watson in Sherlock Holmes (1916) with William Gillette in the leading role.

Fielding came to Hollywood in 1939 and appeared in over 80 films during the last years of his life. He usually played bit parts or supporting roles. Fielding was a favorite of Alfred Hitchcock and played in four Hitchcock movies between 1940 and 1945.[1] His best-known role for Hitchcock was perhaps Frith, the old butler, in Rebecca (1940). He also played supporting roles in films like Kitty Foyle (1940) with Ginger Rogers, Billy Wilder's American film debut The Major and the Minor (1942, as Rita Johnson's and Diana Lynn's father) and In This Our Life (1942) starring Bette Davis and Olivia de Havilland. Fielding was usually typecasted in dignified or respectable roles as a Doctor, Official, Judge, Priest or Butler.

Death and personal life

Edward Fielding collapsed and died of a heart attack while he mowed his lawn. He was two months shy of his 70th birthday. His wife, Elizabeth Sherman Clark (1883–1959), was a Metropolitan Opera star. They had one child.

Partial filmography

References
  1. Edward Fielding at NY Times
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