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W.C. Fields

Usually portrayed rather pessimistic, aggressive and suspicious-natured men with great fondness of alcohol. Yet, this same character was at the same time dogged by his wife and he rarely managed to speak up against her. He is remembered for his hatred of children, but did in fact frequently possess great fatherly affection for his son.

He admired African-Americans and spoke out in favor of fairer treatment for them during the days of segregation in the US. He generously paid off the $4000 mortgage on the house of his African-American cook. He once ordered from his premises a man who used the "N-word" within earshot of his staff.
Was terrified of slipping back into the poverty of his youth. To forestall this eventuality, he set up dozens of bank accounts across the country under a variety of aliases. Most of the money went unclaimed.
Could juggle or balance practically anything he could lift or carry; He unnerved his despised mother-in-law by keeping a lit cigar, a candle (in holder), or a beer bottle balanced atop his head at mealtimes, never seeming to notice its presence.
While stories of his alcohol consumption (and the consequences thereof) were a regular part of his act, and he was rarely seen without a drink at hand, nobody could recall ever actually seeing him drunk, or out of control.
Despite claiming to dislike children, the comedian left a small fortune of his estate to an orphanage.

'Twas a woman drove me to drink. I never had the courtesy to thank her.
I never drink anything stronger than gin before breakfast.
[when asked why he never drank water] I'm afraid it will become habit-forming.
[when asked what he would like his epitaph to read] On the whole, I'd rather be in Philadelphia.
[when asked whether he liked children] Ah, yes . . . boiled or fried.