Quotes & anectdotes from the wise, the foolish, the courageous & the drunk

W. C. Fields Comedian

  • Gender: Male
  • Citizenship: United States
  • Born: Jan 29, 1880
  • Died: Dec 25, 1946

William Claude Dukenfield, better known as W. C. Fields, was an American comedian, actor, juggler and writer. Fields's comic persona was a misanthropic and hard-drinking egotist, who remained a sympathetic character despite his snarling contempt for dogs and children.

His career in show business began in vaudeville, where he attained international success as a silent juggler. He gradually incorporated comedy into his act, and was a featured comedian in the Ziegfeld Follies for several years. He became a star in the Broadway musical comedy Poppy, in which he played a colorful small-time con man. His subsequent stage and film roles were often similar scoundrels, or else henpecked everyman characters.

Among his recognizable trademarks were his raspy drawl and grandiloquent vocabulary. The characterization he portrayed in films and on radio was so strong it was generally identified with Fields himself. It was maintained by the publicity departments at Fields's studios and was further established by Robert Lewis Taylor's biography, W.C. Fields, His Follies and Fortunes.

A rich man is nothing but a poor man with money. money

There comes a time in the affairs of man when he must take the bull by the tail and face the situation. time

Never try to impress a woman, because if you do she'll expect you to keep up the standard for the rest of your life. life

All the men in my family were bearded, and most of the women. family, men & women

Start every day off with a smile and get it over with. humor & smile

When we have lost everything, including hope, life becomes a disgrace, and death a duty. death & hope

Set up another case bartender! The best thing for a case of nerves is a case of Scotch. best

I am free of all prejudices. I hate every one equally. equality

Drown in a cold vat of whiskey? Death, where is thy sting? death

No doubt exists that all women are crazy it's only a question of degree. women

Once, during Prohibition, I was forced to live for days on nothing but food and water. food

I never drink water because of the disgusting things that fish do in it. being funny

You can't trust water: Even a straight stick turns crooked in it. trust

Women are like elephants. I like to look at 'em, but I wouldn't want to own one. women

I never worry about being driven to drink I just worry about being driven home. home & New Year's Day

Reminds me of my safari in Africa. Somebody forgot the corkscrew and for several days we had to live on nothing but food and water. food & travel

I like children - fried. being funny

I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food. food & being funny

The best cure for insomnia is to get a lot of sleep. best

Hell, I never vote for anybody, I always vote against. politics

Show me a great actor and I'll show you a lousy husband. Show me a great actress, and you've seen the devil. greatness

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There's no point in being a damn fool about it. success

Sleep - the most beautiful experience in life - except drink. experience & life

It's morally wrong to allow a sucker to keep his money. money

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