Jimmie Shields

Jimmie Shields (born James Shields Fickeisen; May 24, 1905 – March 6, 1974) was an American interior designer and film actor, best known as the longtime partner of silent film star William "Billy" Haines.

Early life Shields was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Irwin Fickeisen and Ida Belle Shields.

Relationship with William Haines Shields met Haines in New York City in early 1926.

In 1933, studio head Louis B. Mayer reportedly gave Haines an ultimatum: enter a "lavender marriage" to conceal his sexuality or lose his career. Haines chose to stay with Shields, effectively ending his time as a leading man in Hollywood.

Interior design career After leaving the film industry, the pair founded William Haines Designs, a premier interior decorating firm.

They decorated the Winfield House, the U.S. Ambassador's residence in London.

Personal life In 1936, the couple survived a violent attack at their beach home in Manhattan Beach by a mob, reportedly members of the Ku Klux Klan, after a neighbor made unfounded accusations against Shields.

Death William Haines died of lung cancer on December 26, 1973. Shields, who was reportedly struggling with the onset of Alzheimer's disease and profound grief, took his own life on March 6, 1974, by an overdose of sleeping pills. His suicide note stated, "I now find it impossible to go it alone, I am much too lonely". He was interred next to Haines at Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery in Santa Monica.

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