Captivating Portrait of a 1910s Entertainment Icon

This photograph features Lew Fields, an influential figure in American entertainment during the early 20th century. Taken between 1915 and 1920 by the Bain News Service, the image captures Fields at a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his contributions to vaudeville, theatre, and early motion pictures. Fields, originally born as Louis Feinberg, teamed up with his partner, William D. Brown, to form the comedic duo “Fields and Brown,” which gained significant popularity through their performances, characterized by slapstick humor and musical numbers.

Lew Fields was not just a performer; he was also a theatrical producer and writer. His work helped shape the landscape of American comedy and musical theatre, influencing countless entertainers who followed. In addition to his stage performances, he had a hand in producing several early films, bridging the world of live performance with the burgeoning film industry. The timeframe of this photograph coincides with a period of significant transition in entertainment, as vaudeville was giving way to new forms of media, a shift that Fields adeptly navigated. This snapshot serves as a historical record of a key influencer in a rapidly evolving industry.