W.C. Fields (1880-1946)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
American comedian, raised in Philadelphia, noted for his irreverent wit. Starting out as a vaudeville juggler, he won enduring fame on screen and radio. He was in over 40 motion pictures, 1915-44. As a lad, he worked for a time at Strawbridge's here.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
W.C. Fields, the growling, irreverent comedian raised in Philadelphia, began his career as a vaudeville juggler before conquering the new mass media of the twentieth century. Between 1915 and 1944 he appeared in more than forty motion pictures, winning lasting fame on screen and radio for his misanthropic wit. As a young man he even worked for a time at Strawbridge's department store here.
Why it matters
Fields helped define American screen comedy in the age of film and radio, carrying a working-class Philadelphia sensibility into the nation's living rooms and movie houses.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.2 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center0.2 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.2 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Bridgette Mayer0.2 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall0.2 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall0.3 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.2 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- President's House0.2 mi away
- Liberty Bell0.2 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.3 mi away
- Reading Terminal0.3 mi away
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour0.3 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger Kingnearby
- Dunkin'0.1 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory0.1 mi away
- Time & Peace0.1 mi away · 36 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Munchie’s Cafe0.1 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Lamberti Pizza & Market0.1 mi away · 707 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- AKA Washington Square0.2 mi away · 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City0.3 mi away · 1100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Sleep Inn Center City0.3 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Morris House Hotel0.3 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia0.3 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- ROOST East Market0.3 mi away
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Related people
- · W.C. Fields
Themes & tags
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