Fritz Feld

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Fritz Feld with his wife, Virginia Christine, in 1979.
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Fritz Feld with his wife, Virginia Christine, in 1979.

Fritz Feld (October 15, 1900November 18, 1993) was a film actor.

Born Fritz Feilchenfeld in Berlin, Germany, Feld began his acting career in his native Germany in 1917, and quickly developed a characterisation that he played in virtually of his subsequent 140 films. He often played the part of a maître d', but also a variety of artistocrats and eccentrics. His trademark was to slap his mouth with the palm of his hand to create a "pop" sound that indicated both his superiority and his annoyance. His characters were indeterminately European, sometimes French and sometimes Belgian but always with his particular mannerisms. In his later years he played in several Walt Disney films, and also played an uncharacteristically touching dramatic role in Barfly (1987). In addition to films, he acted in numerous television series in guest roles, including the recurring role of intergalactic tour guide "Zumdish" on Lost In Space.

He was married to the actress Virginia Christine from 1940 until his death, in Los Angeles, California.

His many film roles include Bringing Up Baby (1938), Idiot's Delight (1939), At the Circus (1939), The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947), Pocketful of Miracles (1961), Who's Minding the Store? (1963), The Patsy (1964), Hello, Dolly! (1969), The Sunshine Boys (1975), Silent Movie (1976) and Freaky Friday (1976). He made his final film appearance in 1989.