Erv Hurd ranks among television’s most accomplished behind-the-scenes professionals. His remarkable career spans decades in the entertainment industry. His daughter Kim Fields found stardom in front of the camera, while Erv mastered his craft behind it as a technical director who recorded over 57 television series, TV specials, and documentaries throughout his career. His impressive portfolio showcases his work on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where he directed and recorded more than 2,500 episodes between 2004 and 2020.
Erv Hurd earned widespread recognition in the industry despite working behind the scenes. His talent brought him almost 20 Emmy Award nominations, which includes eight Primetime Emmy nominations. He claimed four Daytime Creative Awards for Outstanding Technical Team Drama. These awards recognized his exceptional work on ‘The $10,000 Pyramid’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’ in 1987, 1990, 1991, and 1993. His journey began in 1979 as a video editor on the children’s TV series ‘Beat the Clock’. Through decades of technical excellence in television production, Erv Hurd built an estimated net worth of $8 million.
Erv Hurd’s early life and background
Much of Erv Hurd’s early life remains private. The public knows little about his formative years. As Kim Fields’ father and Chip Fields’ former husband, he chose to stay away from the spotlight and dedicated himself to his work behind the camera.
Where was Erv Hurd born?
Public records reveal very little about Erv Hurd’s birthplace and birth date. His daughter Kim stepped into the spotlight during childhood, but Erv preferred to keep his personal history private. This discretion extended beyond his early years and created a clear line between his professional work and personal life.
Education and early interest in film
Records don’t show much about Erv’s formal education. His career path points to strong technical abilities that emerged during his youth. His expertise in television production suggests specialized training or natural talent that developed early. The year 1979 marked his first industry role as a video editor for the children’s TV series ‘Beat the Clock’ – a milestone that launched his professional career.
Family roots and upbringing
Public sources offer limited information about Erv Hurd’s family background and childhood. His artistic legacy shines through his family connections. His marriage to actress Chip Fields produced two daughters who carved their own creative paths. Kim Fields rose to fame through “Facts of Life” and “Living Single,” while Alexis Fields pursued her own acting career.
The scarcity of public information about his early years stands in contrast to his remarkable achievements. His path from modest beginnings to Emmy-winning technical director showcases a career built on pure talent and determination.
Career journey in television and film
Career experience in television and film
Erv Hurd started his remarkable television production career in the late 1970s. His work behind the camera would span several decades and leave a lasting impact on the industry.
First job in the industry
Hurd’s professional career began in 1979 as a video editor for the children’s television series “Beat the Clock”. This original chance, though short-lived, helped him break into the entertainment industry. He proved his versatility that same year by working on six episodes of the sitcom “The Ropers”.
Notable shows and productions
Hurd advanced to technical director on “Tattletales” by 1982, which marked a major step in his career growth. His expertise quickly earned him work on popular game shows like “The $25,000 Pyramid” and soap operas such as “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful”. His technical directing skills shone through prestigious award ceremonies in the mid-2000s. He worked on the American Music Awards, BET Comedy Awards, and maybe even the Academy Awards.
Work on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The year 2004 marked the start of Hurd’s longest professional relationship when he became the technical director for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”. He directed over 2,500 episodes during his time on the popular late-night talk show. His technical excellence enhanced the show’s quality until 2020. His 16-year dedication to one program showed his reliability and mastery of the craft.
Awards and nominations
Hurd’s career brought him widespread industry recognition. His work on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” earned him eight Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video for a Series. He also received nine Daytime Emmy nominations for his work on “The $10,000 Pyramid” and “The Young and the Restless”. His talent earned him four Daytime Emmy Awards—in 1987, 1990, 1991, and 1993. These achievements secured his place among television’s top technical directors.
Personal life and family connections
Erv Hurd built a meaningful life centered around family connections that stretched far beyond technical booths and production equipment.
Marriage to Chip Fields
Erv Hurd met Chip Fields in 1993. She was a talented actress, director, and singer who made her mark in “Good Times” and directed episodes of popular shows like “House of Payne” and “Hannah Montana”. The couple dated for about a year before getting married on August 20, 1994, in a private ceremony. Their marriage has stood strong for nearly three decades. Despite their careers in the spotlight, Erv and Chip chose to live quietly together in Los Angeles, away from public attention.
Relationship with Kim Fields and Alexis Fields
Erv Hurd became a stepfather to two talented daughters. Kim Fields, born May 12, 1969, had already made her name as an actress on “The Facts of Life” before her mother’s marriage to Erv. Her sister Alexis Fields, born March 1, 1982, later pursued acting and landed roles in shows like “Sister, Sister” and “Kenan & Kel”. The family bonds grew stronger through the years. Kim shares a close relationship with her mother Chip, stepfather Erv, and sister Alexis.
Role as a stepfather and grandfather
Erv took his role as a father figure seriously. Sources note, “Even though he’s not their biological dad, he treated them like his own. He supported them, loved them, and guided them through life, just like a great dad would”. His family grew larger as both Kim and Alexis started families. Kim’s family includes two sons with husband Christopher Morgan – Sebastian Alexander (born May 4, 2007) and Quincy Xavier (born December 3, 2013). Alexis and her former husband Kevin Jackson have two children – daughter Kaycie and son Kaden. Today, Erv cherishes his role as step-grandfather to four grandchildren, deepening his connection to the Fields family legacy.
Erv Hurd net worth and legacy
Erv Hurd’s decades of excellence in technical direction have built him substantial wealth and industry recognition that cement his place in television history.
Estimated net worth and income sources
Reports of Erv Hurd’s net worth show different figures, from $2 million to $8 million. His career as a technical director stands as his main source of income. Industry experts note that professionals in similar roles earn about $49,000 per year. Hurd’s extensive experience and high-profile projects likely placed his earnings at the top of this range. His work on Jimmy Kimmel Live! spanning over 2,500 episodes and numerous award shows added significantly to his financial success.
Recognition in the industry
The industry has celebrated Hurd’s technical mastery with numerous accolades. His career includes nine Primetime Emmy Award nominations in the Outstanding Technical Direction category. He also got nine Daytime Emmy nominations for his work on “The $10,000 Pyramid” and “The Young and the Restless.” He ended up winning four times—in 1987, 1990, 1991, and 1993. These awards showcase his exceptional camera work.
How he is remembered today
The entertainment industry still regards Hurd as a master of technical direction. His career stands as an example of “quiet greatness”—a professional who valued excellence over fame. Yes, it is worth noting that television’s most influential figures don’t always appear on screen. His colleagues remember him for his precise technical work, dedication to his craft, and his natural ability to handle complex productions.
Conclusion
Erv Hurd’s story exemplifies behind-the-scenes excellence in television. His career spans decades, and he became skilled at production’s technical aspects while staying away from the spotlight. Starting as a video editor on “Beat the Clock,” he advanced to become the technical director for more than 2,500 episodes of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” His work shows extraordinary dedication to craft and professionalism.
His exceptional skills earned him four Daytime Emmy Awards. He also received nearly 20 Emmy nominations in both daytime and primetime categories, which proves his consistent excellence. Hurd worked with celebrities and on major productions but chose to create his legacy through technical precision rather than seeking public recognition.
Family remains at the heart of Hurd’s life. His strong marriage to Chip Fields and close bonds with stepdaughters Kim and Alexis Fields show a man who cherishes personal relationships as much as career success. He fully embraced being a stepfather and later extended this love to his step-grandchildren.
Erv Hurd and his famous stepdaughter Kim Fields took different paths to success in entertainment. Kim achieved fame in front of cameras, while Erv built his reputation behind them. They represent two vital sides of television—the performers audiences see and the technical experts who make shows possible.
Hurd’s career inspires those who want to make meaningful contributions without chasing fame. His story shows that real success often comes quietly through consistent excellence, deep relationships, and expertise in one’s field—a legacy that matters more than temporary fame.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Erv Hurd and what is his connection to Kim Fields? Erv Hurd is a renowned television technical director and the stepfather of actress Kim Fields. He married Kim’s mother, Chip Fields, in 1994 and has been an important part of the Fields family ever since.
Q2. What are some of Erv Hurd’s notable achievements in the television industry? Erv Hurd has had an impressive career in television, including directing over 2,500 episodes of Jimmy Kimmel Live! He has won four Daytime Emmy Awards and received multiple nominations for his technical direction work on various shows.
Q3. How long has Erv Hurd been married to Chip Fields? Erv Hurd and Chip Fields have been married since August 20, 1994. Their relationship has lasted for nearly three decades, demonstrating a strong and enduring partnership.
Q4. What is Erv Hurd’s estimated net worth? While estimates vary, Erv Hurd’s net worth is believed to be between $2 million and $8 million, primarily earned through his extensive career as a technical director in television production.
Q5. How has Erv Hurd’s role as a stepfather impacted the Fields family? Erv Hurd has embraced his role as stepfather to Kim and Alexis Fields, treating them as his own children. He has been a supportive and loving presence in their lives, extending his care to his step-grandchildren as well.
