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Chip Fields
Chip Fields
Chip Fields
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Chip Fields is an American singer, actress, television director, and producer who has appeared in popular films, television series, and Broadway theatre. She is best known for portraying Linella Gordon, the abusive birth mother of Penny Gordon Woods (played by Janet Jackson), in a four–episode story arc (1977) of the 1970s sitcom Good Times.

Key Information

Early life and career

[edit]

Fields began her career as a singer. She joined Ronnie Spector as a Ronette in 1973 and recorded two singles for Buddah Records.[1]

Fields began her acting career as an extra in the 1974 film Claudine. She has had numerous supporting roles and guest appearances on television. She played an unwed mother opposite Patty Weaver in the NBC television soap opera, Days of Our Lives. Also during the 1970s, she played the abusive birth mother of Millicent "Penny" Gordon Woods (Janet Jackson) on the sitcom Good Times.

From 1978 to 1979, she played Rita Conway in the short-lived The Amazing Spider-Man TV series. Rita Conway was J. Jonah Jameson's secretary, the same function as the black Glory Grant from the 1970s comics. She also appeared in What's Happening!!, Hill Street Blues, T. J. Hooker, Roc, Kirk (a short-lived sitcom starring Kirk Cameron), The Wayans Bros., and The Parkers. She played the role of "Laverne", mother to the character "Regine" (played by Kim Fields) on Living Single.

Fields was a consultant for The Parkers, Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century, Living Single, and was a dialogue coach for the film, Menace II Society. She also directed episodes of the popular UPN sitcoms, One on One, All of Us, Girlfriends, The Parkers, as well as episodes of Romeo!, Just Jordan, Hannah Montana, Tyler Perry's House of Payne and Meet the Browns.[2]

Discography

[edit]
  • 1973 (as Ronnie and the Ronettes) – "Go Out and Get It" b/w "Lover, Lover" (Buddha 384)
  • 1974 (as Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes) – "I Wish I Never Saw the Sunshine" b/w "I Wonder What He's Doing" (Buddha 408)

Filmography

[edit]

Acting

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1974 Claudine Rioter on Hallway Stairs
[3]
1975 The Happy Hooker Red Hat Biographical-comedy film directed by Nicholas Sgarro [4]
1978 Blue Collar Caroline Brown Crime drama film directed by Paul Schrader [5]
1979 The Lady in Red Satin Action-drama/romantic film directed by Lewis Teague [6]
2004 Woman Thou Art Loosed Woman in Church Drama film directed by Michael Schultz [7]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1974 Change at 125th Street Harriet Morse Made-for-TV movie directed by Bob LaHendro and Michael Schultz [8]
1975 Police Story Girl in Bar Episode: "Face for a Shadow" (S 3:Ep 6)
1976 Good Times Rochelle Episode: "J.J.'s New Career, part 2" (S 4:Ep 8)
1977 Rhoda Nurse Franklin Episode: "A Night in the Emergency Room" (S 3:Ep 16)
Days of Our Lives Toni Johnson Episode: "Episode #1.2962" (S 12:Ep 962)
What's Happening!! Norma Episode: "From Here to Maternity" (S 1:Ep 21)
Good Times Lynetta Gordon Season 5, episodes 1–3 "The Evans Get Involved"
What's Happening!! Donna Episode: "Give Me Odds" (S 2:Ep 8)
Freeman Osa Lee Made-for-TV movie directed by Lloyd Richards.
1978 Barnaby Jones Kelly Johnson Episode: "A Ransom in Diamonds" (S 6:Ep 16)
Battered Ginny Sinclair Made-for-TV-Movie directed by Peter Werner. [9]
1978–79 The Amazing Spider-Man Rita Conway Recurring
1979 What's Happening!! Donna Episode: "Food Poisoning" (S 3:Ep 16)
Good Times Linella Gordon Episode: "A Matter of Mothers" (S 6:Ep 21)
1980 The Night the City Screamed Yvonne Clements Made-for-TV-Movie directed by Harry Falk. [10]
1982 Hill Street Blues Mrs. Halloran Episode: "The Shooter" (S 2:Ep 17)
The Facts of Life Goes to Paris Louise Made-for-TV movie directed by Asaad Kelada. [11]
1984 T. J. Hooker Carolyn Webster Episode: "Anatomy of a Killing" (S 4:Ep 5)
The Facts of Life Diane Ramsey Episode: "Mother and Daughter" (S 5:Ep 21)
1986 Episode: "The Graduate" (S 7:Ep 23)
1992 Roc Ms. Wilson Episode: " No Notes Is Good Notes" (S 1:Ep 16)
1993 Where I Live Bonita Episode: "The Terminator" (S 1:Ep 13)
Living Single Bar Patron Episode: "Living Kringle" (S 1:Ep 15)
1994 Bev Episode: "The Hand That Robs the Cradle" (S 1:Ep 17)
Laverne Hunter Episode: "She Ain't Heavy, She My Mother" (S 1:Ep 26)
1995 Episode: "To Grandmother's House We Go" (S 2:Ep 25)
Episode: "Talk Showdown" (S 2:Ep 26)
Episode: "Come Back Little Diva" (S 3:Ep 1)
Episode: "Rags to Riches" (S 3:Ep 5)
1996 Kirk Nurse Episode" Operation Kirk" (S 1:Ep 20)
Living Single Laverne Hunter Episode: "Compromising Positions" (S 3:Ep 26)
1997 Episode: "Mother Inferior" (S 4:Ep 13)
Episode: "Never Can Say Goodbye" (S 4:Ep 24)
Woman Episode: "Up the Ladder Through the Roof" (S 5:Ep 6)
Laverne Hunter Episode: "Three Men and a Buckeye" (S 5:Ep 8)
1998 The Wayans Bros. Susan Sparks Episode: "Escorting Ain't Easy" (S 5:Ep 6)
2000 The Parkers Wilma McCoy Episode: "Turkey Day Blues" (S 2:Ep 10)
2007 Just Jordan Gert Episode: "Fist of Funny" (S 1:Ep 8)

Production

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1993 Menace II Society Dialogue coach Hood drama thriller film directed by Allen and Albert Hughes [12]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1993–94 Hangin' with Mr. Cooper Consultant Television sitcom
Living Single
1994 Me and the Boys Dialogue consultant
Hangin' with Mr. Cooper Director Episode: "Groom & Bride" (S 2:Ep 21)
1997 Arsenio Consultant Television sitcom
1999 Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century Disney Channel Original Movie directed by Kenneth Johnson [13]
Sister, Sister Director Episode: "The Road Less Traveled" (S 6:Ep 21)
2000–03 The Parkers Consultant (69 episodes)/Director (4 episodes) Television sitcom
2001 Girlfriends Director Episode: "You Better Watch Out" (S 2:Ep 11)
2003–05 Romeo! Television sitcom (7 episodes)
2003–06 One on One Television sitcom (5 episodes)
2005 All of Us Episode: "If You Can't Stand the Heat" (S 3:Ep 2)
2006 Hannah Montana Episode: "You're So Vain, You Probably Think This Zit Is About You" (S 1:Ep 13)
2007 Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide Television sitcom (3 episodes)
Just Jordan Television sitcom (4 episodes)
2009 Meet the Browns Television sitcom (2 episodes)
2009–12 House of Payne Television sitcom (12 episodes)
2020–25 Young Dylan Television sitcom (44 episodes)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Chip Fields

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Chip Fields, born Laverne Armstrong on August 5, 1951, in New York City, is an American actress, singer, television director, and producer renowned for her multifaceted contributions to film, television, and stage. She gained prominence as an actress with her iconic portrayal of Linella "Lyn" Gordon, the neglectful and abusive biological mother of the character Penny Gordon Woods (played by Janet Jackson), in the groundbreaking CBS sitcom Good Times during the mid-1970s, particularly in the memorable four-part storyline addressing child abuse that culminated in the infamous "iron" scene. Transitioning to directing in the 1990s, Fields became a prolific force behind the camera, helming over 100 episodes of popular series, including Living Single, One on One, Meet the Browns, and House of Payne, while also serving as a consultant and dialogue coach on projects like Menace II Society (1993). As the mother of acclaimed actress and director Kim Fields and actress Alexis Fields, she has played a pivotal role in nurturing talent within Black Hollywood, blending her early singing career—highlighted by a brief stint with a reformed version of The Ronettes in 1973—with enduring work in entertainment that spans Broadway appearances and production endeavors.

Early life

Childhood and family

Laverne Fields, known professionally as Chip Fields, was born on August 5, 1951, in . She was raised in a small town in by her aunt and uncle until the age of seven, after which she moved to the neighborhood with her mother, Patsy Styles, a former chorus line dancer for , and her older sister, Patricia. Growing up in during the 1950s and 1960s, she was immersed in a culturally rich urban environment that influenced her interests in the , including singing. Although details on her immediate family beyond this are limited in public records, Fields later expanded her own family as the mother of actresses and Alexis Fields.

Education and initial influences

Laverne Fields, known as Chip Fields, received her early education in New York City's public schools during the . Growing up in a culturally vibrant environment, she developed an early passion for the , particularly music and theater. She was accepted into the prestigious New York , located on West 46th Street, where she honed her skills, including taking movement classes. The school's rigorous training program provided a foundational influence on her artistic development during her high school years. Fields' initial influences were shaped by the dynamic cultural scene of 1960s New York, including the ongoing and lingering echoes of the . These experiences, combined with exposure to Broadway musicals like South Pacific, ignited her lifelong commitment to entertainment.

Career beginnings

Early acting roles

Chip Fields entered the professional acting world in 1974 with an uncredited role as a rioter on the hallway stairs in the film Claudine, a romantic comedy- starring and that highlighted the struggles of a welfare mother in . That same year, she secured her first credited television appearance as Harriet Morse in the ABC TV movie Change at 125th Street, a exploring racial tensions in . Throughout the mid-1970s, Fields built her resume with minor guest spots on popular series, including appearances on (1977) as Nurse Franklin and What's Happening!! (1977 and 1979), where she portrayed two different characters: Rerun's sister Donna in one episode and Shirley's sister Norma in another. These roles, though brief, provided essential exposure in an industry with limited opportunities for Black actresses, often confining them to supporting or stereotypical parts amid the era's evolving but still restrictive landscape for diverse representation. Fields' breakthrough came in 1977 with a pivotal four-episode arc on the sitcom , where she played Lynetta Gordon, the abusive birth mother of the character Penny Gordon Woods (), in Season 5 episodes 18–21, a storyline addressing that garnered significant attention for its emotional depth, social commentary, and status as one of the first such depictions on television. This role marked her first substantial dramatic turn and elevated her profile, demonstrating her range beyond comedic guest spots. Later that year, she landed a recurring role as Rita Conway, the secretary to at the , on the superhero series (1977–1979), appearing in 10 episodes and contributing to the show's newsroom dynamics alongside Nicholas Hammond's Peter Parker. These opportunities, secured through persistent auditions in after relocating from New York, solidified her presence in television and paved the way for further work.

Transition to music and stage

Fields made her Broadway debut in 1972 in the comedy play Tough to Get Help, portraying the dual roles of Carlotta and Young Beulah in a production that explored themes of racial and social dynamics in a at the . The show's brief run highlighted emerging Black theater voices but received limited critical attention due to its short duration. In , Fields pivoted toward music, joining to reform alongside Denise Edwards, signing with and recording two singles: "Go Out and Get It" b/w "Lover, Lover" and "I Wish I Never Saw the Sunshine." These releases marked her entry into the recording industry, blending her vocal talents with the sound, though they did not achieve chart success. Fields balanced her burgeoning acting career—built on early television guest spots—with musical theater pursuits, returning to Broadway in 1975 as Minnie Fay in the all-Black revival of Hello, Dolly! starring Pearl Bailey. The production, which ran for 46 performances before touring, earned praise for its vibrant energy and innovative casting, revitalizing the classic musical and showcasing Fields' comedic timing in ensemble numbers. Throughout the late 1970s, she continued stage work in regional and off-Broadway venues, diversifying her performance repertoire amid television commitments.

Acting career

Television appearances

Chip Fields began her television career with notable guest and recurring roles in the , showcasing her versatility in dramatic and supporting capacities. In 1977, she portrayed Linella Gordon, the abusive biological mother of young Woods (played by ), in a four-episode arc on the sitcom . This storyline addressed —a rare and serious topic for a at the time—depicting Gordon's stemming from her own traumatic past, which culminated in her arrest after attempting to reclaim Penny. The role earned Fields praise for its emotional intensity and contributed to broader cultural discussions on in Black families during the era. From 1978 to 1979, Fields had a recurring role as Rita Conway, the loyal secretary to on the superhero series , appearing in multiple episodes as a grounded, professional figure amid the show's action-oriented narrative. Her performance provided comic relief and stability to the ensemble, highlighting her ability to blend into ensemble casts. This period marked her transition from one-off dramatic turns to more sustained supporting work in genre television. Fields' most prominent television role came in the as Laverne Hunter, the no-nonsense yet loving mother to Regine Hunter (portrayed by her real-life daughter ), on the sitcom from 1993 to 1998. Appearing in over a dozen episodes across five seasons, Laverne's arc evolved from a meddlesome parent interfering in Regine's romantic and professional life to a source of wisdom and humor, often delivering sharp one-liners about family dynamics and relationships. The casting added authentic mother-daughter chemistry, enhancing the show's portrayal of strong and intergenerational bonds, which resonated with audiences and underscored 's cultural impact as a trailblazing ensemble comedy. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Fields made impactful guest appearances on several acclaimed series, often embodying resilient maternal or community figures. She guest-starred as Donna and Norma on What's Happening!! (1977, 1979), a single mother navigating urban life; as Mrs. Halloran on Hill Street Blues (1982), contributing to the show's gritty police procedural drama; and as Carolyn Webster on T.J. Hooker (1984), showcasing her in action roles. In the 1990s, she appeared as Ms. Wilson on Roc (1992), adding familial warmth to the working-class comedy, and as Susan Sparks on The Wayans Bros. (1998), a recurring neighbor in the family-oriented sitcom. She also guest-starred in various maternal roles on Sister, Sister (1994–1995). These roles reflected her evolving TV persona from intense dramatic supporting characters to warm, comedic maternal archetypes, influencing portrayals of Black women in ensemble television. In the , Fields continued with cameo and voice work, including a guest spot on (2000, 2002) as Wilma McCoy, maintaining her presence in family comedies while emphasizing themes of empowerment and humor. Her later appearances, such as on The Facts of Life (1990), further solidified her legacy in transitional roles that bridged generations of storytelling.

Film roles

Chip Fields made her feature film debut as an uncredited rioter on the hallway stairs in the social drama Claudine (1974), a story centered on welfare struggles and family dynamics in . Her early roles often placed her in ensemble casts exploring urban life and racial themes, reflecting the era's focus on experiences in American cinema. In 1975, she appeared as Red Hat in the biographical comedy , a lighthearted adaptation of Xaviera Hollander's that satirized New York's sex industry. Fields' performance contributed to the film's ensemble of colorful characters navigating personal freedoms and societal taboos. One of her most notable film roles came in Paul Schrader's Blue Collar (1978), where she portrayed Caroline Brown, the wife of factory worker Zeke Brown (played by ). In this gritty crime drama, Fields collaborated with Pryor, , and as three disillusioned autoworkers whose botched robbery exposes corruption in labor unions and racial tensions in Detroit's working-class communities. Her character's domestic scenes underscored the film's critique of economic exploitation and family strain under industrial pressures. Fields continued with supporting parts in the 1970s and 1980s, including Satin in the action-drama The Lady in Red (1979), a biopic of gangster John Dillinger's mistress that highlighted Prohibition-era crime and female agency in a male-dominated underworld. These roles exemplified her selective involvement in projects addressing social issues like inequality and empowerment through strong ensemble dynamics. In the 2000s, Fields returned to film with a small but poignant appearance as a woman in church in (2004), a faith-based drama directed by that tackles themes of abuse, redemption, and spiritual healing in African American communities. Throughout her film career, Fields' contributions emphasized authentic portrayals in narratives focused on societal challenges, often within collaborative casts that amplified marginalized voices.

Broadway and theater work

Chip Fields began her professional stage career in New York theater, starting with work in regional ensembles before transitioning to Broadway. In the early 1970s, she was a member of the Al Fann Theatrical Ensemble, a Harlem-based repertory company that provided training and performance opportunities for emerging Black actors, helping to build her foundational skills in live performance. Fields made her Broadway debut in the short-lived comedy Tough to Get Help on May 4, , at the Royale Theatre, where she portrayed dual roles as Carlotta and Young Beulah in a play about domestic service and racial dynamics, directed by and featuring . The production closed after one performance, but Fields' involvement marked her entry into major theater. She achieved greater prominence in the all-Black revival of Hello, Dolly! that opened on November 6, 1975, at the , starring as Dolly Levi. Fields played the supporting role of Minnie Fay, Dolly's milliner assistant, contributing to the show's energetic ensemble through song and dance numbers in this musical. The limited engagement ran through December 27, 1975, and Fields had joined the production during its national tour earlier that year, performing opposite Bailey and . Her casting came after an impromptu audition where Bailey hired her on the spot following a song and dance demonstration, highlighting Fields' versatility in musical theater. In 1987, Fields returned to Broadway in the musical Don't Get God Started!, which opened on October 29 at the and ran for 73 performances. She starred in multiple roles, including Sylvia and Barbara Ann, in this gospel-infused production written and directed by Bennett Roberts, celebrating African American church experiences through song and sketches. Fields' theater work, particularly in musical and comedies, refined her technique by emphasizing dynamics, , and vocal projection, skills that later informed her television and directing career. Her stage experiences in New York, including revivals like Hello, Dolly!, also enhanced her voice training through rigorous rehearsal of songs and dialogue delivery in live settings.

Directing and production work

Television directing credits

Chip Fields began her directing career in the 1990s, leveraging her extensive acting experience to helm episodes of family-oriented sitcoms. Her first television directing credit came in 1994 on , where she contributed to the show's lighthearted ensemble dynamics. This marked a pivotal shift from on-screen roles, including guest appearances on shows like The Facts of Life, to behind-the-camera work that emphasized collaborative storytelling in multi-camera formats. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Fields directed episodes of influential UPN sitcoms centered on Black family life and friendships, such as The Parkers (4 episodes), Girlfriends (1 episode), One on One (5 episodes), and All of Us (including the 2005 episode "If You Can't Stand the Heat"). Her approach often highlighted efficient pacing and character-driven humor, drawing from her performer background to foster natural performances on tight shooting schedules typical of 1990s network television. She also directed for Sister, Sister (1 episode) and Romeo! (1 episode), contributing to the era's wave of youth-focused comedies that promoted positive representations of African American experiences. Fields expanded into broader audiences with directing stints on Disney's Hannah Montana (2 episodes in 2006) and Nickelodeon's (1 episode in 2005), adapting her style to whimsical, teen-centric narratives. In the 2010s, she helmed 54 episodes of Tyler Perry's House of Payne from 2009 to 2012, focusing on multigenerational family conflicts with a blend of broad comedy and heartfelt moments. By the 2020s, Fields continued her prolific output as a go-to director for productions, including 44 episodes of from 2020 to 2025, such as the 2021 episode "Taking Credit," where she guided young talent through improvisational scenes emphasizing mentorship themes. Her work on these modern sitcoms underscores a consistent emphasis on uplifting, relatable content for diverse viewers, solidifying her legacy in television direction as of 2025.

Producing and consulting roles

Chip Fields has made significant contributions behind the scenes in television and film production, leveraging her extensive experience to serve as a and dialogue coach on several notable projects. In the , she worked as a dialogue coach on the influential crime drama (1993), where she assisted with script refinement and performance coaching to ensure authentic portrayals of urban life and character interactions. Her role helped enhance the film's realistic dialogue, drawing from her own background in to guide through nuanced emotional deliveries. Additionally, Fields acted as production staff on the film (1972), contributing to early logistical and creative aspects of the production during her nascent career transition. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Fields expanded her consulting work on family-oriented and sitcom programming, providing expertise on set dynamics and creative development. She served as a consultant on the Disney Channel's science fiction adventure Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century (1999), offering insights into character development and production flow for the teen-targeted film. On the UPN sitcom The Parkers (2000–2003), Fields was credited as a consultant, where she advised on script adjustments and ensured cultural resonance in storylines featuring Black family dynamics, informed by her prior acting roles in similar genres. Her contributions extended to Me and the Boys (1994–1995), as dialogue consultant, focusing on refining comedic timing and conversational authenticity in the family comedy series. This role marked an early step in her shift toward more comprehensive production involvement, utilizing her industry knowledge to bridge acting and production perspectives. While her producing credits are more limited, Fields co-produced and oversaw the development of the annual theatrical production The Passion Play, which has been adapted for television broadcasts, demonstrating her executive oversight in blending stage and screen elements.

Music career

Recording discography

Chip Fields began her recording career as a with and , contributing to two singles released on . The group's 1973 release "Go Out and Get It" backed with "Lover, Lover" (Buddha 384) marked their comeback attempt in the post-Philles era, featuring a soul-infused sound reflective of early R&B trends. This was followed in 1974 by "I Wish I Never Saw the Sunshine," a cover of ' original 1965 track, produced under the billing and . In 1978, Fields released her solo debut album Who Am I on the independent label Wise Owl Productions (catalog 604), an R&B/soul effort emphasizing introspective themes of self-identity and empowerment. Produced by her own Wise Owl Productions, the album showcased her versatile vocals over funky grooves and ballads, with contributions from her daughter on select tracks. The track listing is as follows:
SideTrackTitle
A11Who Am I
A22I Am Who You Are
A33In My Reflection
A44Look Way Down Deep On The Inside
A55Crying Is O.K.
B11I Can Make It
B22Bittersweet
B33I Got The Feelin'
B44It Don't Matter
That same year, Fields issued I Have a Friend in You (Wise Owl Productions, no catalog number listed), a family-oriented children's blending , folk, and elements to promote themes of and emotional resilience. Also produced by Wise Owl Productions, it featured collaborations with her daughter and vocalist Paula. Specific track listings for this release are not widely documented in major databases, but key songs include the title track "I Have a Friend in You" and "I'm Afraid." Fields' subsequent recordings were limited, with no major label solo singles or albums documented in the or . Her early music work from stage performances, including influences, informed the spiritual undertones in her solo output.

Live performances and collaborations

Chip Fields began her live performing career in the mid-1960s as a solo R&B artist. In 1973, she transitioned to ensemble work by collaborating with to reform , joining as a with Denise Edwards. The group performed live on television variety shows, including a guest spot on The Midnight Special where they delivered renditions of their hits like "." This partnership supported promotional tours for their singles, marking Fields' evolution from solo R&B showcases to group dynamics in the 1970s live circuit.

Personal life and legacy

Family and relationships

Chip Fields' first marriage was to Anthony "Tony" Fields in January 1969, when she was 17 years old; the couple divorced in 1974. Their daughter, , was born on May 12, 1969, in . Fields married actor John Randolph in 1983; they divorced in 1991. Their daughter, Alexis Fields, was born on March 1, 1982, in . Fields wed Erv Hurd on August 20, 1994, and the couple remains married as of 2025. As a single mother early in her career, Fields immersed her daughters in the entertainment industry, guiding their entry into from a young age. rose to prominence portraying Tootie Ramsey on The Facts of Life (1979–1988), while Alexis Fields gained recognition for her role as Denise Hayes on (1996–2001). In 2025, Fields continues to enjoy a close life with Hurd, her two daughters, and four grandchildren: Sebastian and Quincy Morgan (Kim's sons with husband Christopher Morgan) and Kaycie and Kaden Jackson (Alexis' children with her former husband Kevin Jackson).

Awards, recognition, and recent activities

Fields has received recognition for her trailblazing work as one of the early directors in network television during the and , helping to pave the way for greater diversity behind the camera in sitcoms and family-oriented programming. She was nominated for a BET Comedy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for her work on One on One in 2005. Her portrayal of Lynetta Gordon on Good Times in 1977 is often cited as an iconic and groundbreaking depiction that addressed sensitive issues like within a context, earning lasting acclaim for its emotional depth and social impact. In the 2000s and , Fields was honored for her broader contributions to the industry through interviews and tributes highlighting her multifaceted career, including her shift to directing and producing roles that amplified Black voices in entertainment. has publicly credited Fields, alongside her daughter , as a key mentor who taught her essential acting techniques early in her career on . This mentorship underscores Fields' legacy in fostering talent and promoting diverse representation on screen, where she advocated for authentic portrayals of Black experiences through her work in both acting and directing. Post-2020, Fields has remained active as a director on Tyler Perry's Young Dylan, helming multiple episodes of the sitcom from its 2020 premiere through its conclusion in April 2025, contributing to family-friendly content centered on young Black leads. She continues to serve as an coach and , drawing on decades of experience to guide emerging performers, as evidenced by her early influence on figures like , whose recollections highlight her rigorous yet supportive teaching style. Fields celebrated her 74th birthday in 2025, continuing her enduring impact on television diversity and her role in mentoring the next generation, including her granddaughter's entry into .

References

  1. https://www.tvinsider.com/people/chip-fields/
  2. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0276209/
  3. https://lasentinel.net/a-chat-with-chip-hurd.html
  4. https://www.callondolly.com/chip-fields-hurd/
  5. https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/kim-fields-39
  6. https://mabumbe.com/people/chip-fields-age-net-worth-relationships-family-career-highlights-more/
  7. https://goodtimes.fandom.com/wiki/Chip_Fields
  8. https://www.tumblr.com/blackkudos/176688027592/chip-fields
  9. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1991/09/16/first-lady-282/
  10. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/55909-claudine/cast
  11. https://discover.hubpages.com/entertainment/Whatever-Happened-to-Chip-Fields
  12. https://tv.apple.com/us/person/chip-fields/umc.cpc.6t7sikwnyt11g1j2ci1b4ku09
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076975/characters/nm0276209/
  14. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/tough-to-get-help-3541
  15. https://wayansbros.fandom.com/wiki/Chip_Fields
  16. https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/interpreter/the-ronettes/62449
  17. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/hello-dolly-3769
  18. https://www.theroot.com/penny-and-willona-from-good-times-reunite
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0590911/
  20. https://kids.kiddle.co/Chip_Fields
  21. https://www.theroot.com/living-single-11-life-lessons
  22. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/chip-fields/credits/3030956701/
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071334/fullcredits/
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077248/fullcredits/
  25. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077248/
  26. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0399901/fullcredits/
  27. https://playbill.com/person/chip-fields-vault-0000073301
  28. https://www.nytimes.com/1972/05/05/archives/theater-tough-to-get-help-at-royale.html
  29. https://playbill.com/production/hello-dolly-minskoff-theatre-vault-0000002368
  30. http://richardskipper.blogspot.com/2012/08/chip-fields-hurd-minnie-fay-pearl.html
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0509973/
  32. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/127737-chip-fields?language=en-US
  33. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14651274/
  34. https://www.discogs.com/artist/3634271-Chip-Fields
  35. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/chip-fields-mn0001513947
  36. https://www.discogs.com/release/5276283-Chip-Fields-Who-Am-I
  37. https://www.allmusic.com/album/who-am-i-mw0000868773
  38. https://www.discogs.com/release/8073334-Chip-Fields-I-Have-A-Friend-In-You
  39. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9204656/fullcredits
  40. https://www.getunruly.com/articles/meet-ronnie-spector-the-original-bad-girl-of-rock-and-roll
  41. https://ethnicelebs.com/kim-fields
  42. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0276209/bio/
  43. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0276185/
  44. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kenan-kel-star-alexis-fields-205031693.html
  45. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0276209/awards/
  46. https://variety.com/2022/scene/columns/norman-lear-100-tv-special-abc-kenya-barris-mackenzie-phillips-1235378751/
  47. https://variety.com/2022/tv/features/queen-latifah-equalizer-season-3-4-denzel-washington-1235261672/
  48. https://www.steveharveyfm.com/content/2025-09-08-steves-first-acting-gig-a-comedy-of-errors-and-a-masterclass-in-hustle/
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