Bonnie Lynn Fields Explained

Bonnie Lynn Fields
Birth Name:Bonita Lynn Fields
Birth Date:July 18, 1944
Birth Place:Walterboro, South Carolina, U.S.
Death Place:Richmond, Indiana, U.S.
Occupation:Actress
Years Active:1957 - 1971

Bonnie Lynn Fields (July 18, 1944 – November 17, 2012) was an American actress and Mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club, beginning with the show's third season.[1] Her film credits included roles in Angel in My Pocket, Bye Bye Birdie, and Funny Girl.[1]

Fields was born Bonita Fields in Walterboro, South Carolina.[2] Fields was just 12 years old when she was cast as a Mouseketeer, joining The Mickey Mouse Club at the start of its third season (1957-1958).[1] Approximately 5,000 children auditioned to join the show for its third season; Fields was the second to the last person to audition for the show.[1] Walt Disney reportedly personally asked Fields to change her name from "Bonita," which had three syllables, to a new two-syllable stage name ("Bonnie") to harmonize more effectively with the show's other Mouseketeers during musical songs.[1]

In the 1960s, Fields appeared on Broadway, including Half a Sixpence and Kelly.[2] She appeared in the 25th anniversary show about the Mickey Mouse Club in 1980.[3]

Fields died from throat cancer in Richmond, Indiana, on November 17, 2012, aged 68.[3]

Notes and References

  1. News: Elaine. Woo. Bonnie Lynn Fields dies at 68; former Mouseketeer. Los Angeles Times. 2012-11-20. 2012-12-13.
  2. Web site: Mickey Mouse Club Cast: Bonnie Lynn Fields . OriginalMMC . 23 May 2021.
  3. Web site: Former Mouseketeer Bonnie Fields dies . Variety . 23 May 2021 . 2012-11-20.