Totie Fields, born Sophie Feldman on May 7, 1930, was a celebrated American stand-up comedian, singer, and actress who transformed personal struggles into relatable humor. Raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fields defied societal norms, leaving a lasting impact on the comedy industry. Her career spanned several decades, marked by both professional triumphs and personal battles.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
From a young age, Totie Fields displayed a natural talent for entertainment and began her career as a singer in local clubs. Fields faced multiple rejections due to her weight and unconventional appearance, which was considered a major obstacle in the entertainment industry at the time. Despite these initial setbacks, Fields worked tirelessly to prove her talent.
Embracing Weight and Creating Humor
Fields' comedy routines often revolved around her weight and appearance, making her one of the first notable plus-size female comics. Instead of shying away from her size, Fields embraced it, turning her insecurities into relatable and hilarious material. She used her experiences with weight discrimination as a part of her comedy routine, transforming negative stereotypes into humor. This allowed her to connect with audiences, becoming an icon for body positivity and self-acceptance.
Musical Talent and Versatility
Beyond her comedic talents, Fields also possessed a powerful singing voice. She often incorporated musical numbers into her acts, showcasing her versatility and further captivating her audience. Fields was also a skilled singer, and she recorded several albums and singles throughout her career, showcasing her versatile talent for both humor and music.
Personal Struggles and Health Battles
Despite her success, Fields faced many personal struggles throughout her life. She battled weight issues, enduring multiple health problems that stemmed from her size. Additionally, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she courageously fought against. Sadly, Fields' life was cut short due to complications from diabetes.
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A Page from a Weight Loss Journal
A glimpse into a weight loss journal reveals the determination and challenges someone might face on a similar journey. One entry from April 23, 2012, details a day of diet and exercise:
- Breakfast: 3 super small cocktail sausages, 1 serving of Ratatouille
- Lunch: NILCH - 0
- Dinner: ½ Serving of Greek Salad
- Snack: Chinese wrap with chicken breast, Bran crackers with cheese
- Water: 10 Glasses
- Activities: Jazz Dance Class, Parkour training
The journal entry reflects the writer's struggle to count calories accurately, particularly with Chinese food, and estimates a food intake of around 1000 calories. The writer notes feeling dizzy during dance class due to skipping lunch but expresses happiness and motivation from having an active hobby. The entry ends with excitement over visible collarbones, illustrating the small victories that fuel a weight loss journey.
Active Hobbies and Physical Challenges
The journal emphasizes the importance of finding an active hobby. Jazz dance is mentioned as a preferred activity, with a desire to eventually move on to MV dance class. The physical challenges of dance, especially with a larger bust size, are acknowledged, highlighting the need to find suitable forms of exercise. The writer also plans to work on flexibility and conditioning, including handstands.
Body Image and Self-Perception
The blog post "Greetings from the NotSoBigGirl" delves into body image and self-perception, drawing comparisons to shows like "The Biggest Loser" and "Celebrity Fit Club." The author humorously identifies as "NotSoBigGirl," acknowledging the societal pressures that make many women feel overweight regardless of their actual size. The post touches on the unifying power of Spanx, describing them as an "equalizer of women."
Spanx as a Metaphor
The anecdote about searching for Spanx before a trip serves as a metaphor for the constant quest for self-improvement and confidence. The author's humorous take on "Smart Spanx" (using old tights) highlights resourcefulness and body positivity. The post aims to unite women by sharing personal woes, frustrations, and embarrassing moments, fostering a sense of community and understanding.
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Spiritual Reflections and Determination
Throughout the journal and blog excerpts, there are interspersed biblical verses that provide spiritual context and motivation. Verses from 1 Corinthians, 2 Timothy, Jeremiah, Proverbs, Genesis, Psalm, Titus, Job, and Jeremiah offer guidance, encouragement, and a reminder of faith during challenging times. The act of rereading old journal entries renews determination, underscoring the importance of reflecting on past goals and experiences.
Lasting Impact and Legacy
Fields defied societal norms, becoming an icon for body positivity and self-acceptance. She used her experiences with weight discrimination as a part of her comedy routine, transforming negative stereotypes into humor. This allowed her to connect with audiences. Despite the personal struggles and health battles, Fields persevered, leaving a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. She performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Caesar's Palace.
Remembering Totie Fields
Totie Fields is remembered as a trailblazer, a woman who fearlessly defied societal norms and brought joy to countless individuals. Her legacy lives on through her recordings, television appearances, and the fond memories of those fortunate enough to have witnessed her incredible talent firsthand.
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