Born Fritz Feilchenfeld in Berlin, Germany, Feld began his acting career in his native Germany in 1928, 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.
Feld came to the U.S. in 1923 in the touring company of Reinhardt's The Miracle.
It was in 1947's If You Knew Susie that Feld developed his signature "schtick": the sharp "Pop!" sound effect created by smacking his open mouth with the flattened palm of his hand.
Among FritzFeld's least characteristic screen appearances were his performance as a hearty Northwoods trapper in the 1976 "four-waller" Challenge to Be Free and his poignant cameo as the alcoholic who offers down-and-out Faye Dunaway a match in Barfly (1987).
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