Get to Know Erv Hurd, the Award-Winning Director and Chip Fields’ Husband

You may not know his face, but chances are, you’ve seen his work on TV. From late-night talk shows to major award shows, Erv Hurd has been helping Hollywood shine for over 40 years. He works behind the scenes, making sure every camera angle is perfect and every moment runs smoothly.

But Erv Hurd isn’t just known for his career. He’s also known as Chip Fields’ husband, and the proud stepfather of actress Kim Fields. Even though he stays away from the spotlight, his story is full of talent, love, and hard work.

In this article, we’ll explore everything about Erv Hurd’s life — his early days, career, marriage, and family. Let’s get to know the man who helped shape the TV world without ever being on screen.

Who Is Erv Hurd?

Erv Hurd, whose full name is Ervin D. Hurd, is an American TV technical director. He’s the person who helps make live shows and sitcoms look great on TV. He’s worked on some of the most popular shows, like Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Young and the Restless.

While he is very skilled in his work, many people also know him as the husband of actress Chip Fields. Through that connection, he also became stepfather to actress Kim Fields, star of The Facts of Life and Living Single.

Even though he’s connected to celebrities, Erv is a private man. He doesn’t do interviews or use social media. But his work speaks for itself — and it’s truly impressive.

Early Life and Childhood in California

Erv Hurd was born in 1953 in California, USA. He is African-American and proudly American. He grew up in a simple, hard-working family and always had a curious mind.

As a child, he wasn’t focused on being in front of the camera. Instead, he loved learning how things worked. He was the kind of kid who asked, “How do they make that show on TV?” While others dreamed of being actors, Erv wanted to know what happened behind the scenes.

That quiet curiosity helped shape his future. Little did he know that he would one day become one of the top technical directors in Hollywood.

Erv Hurd’s Education and Film Training

To follow his passion for film, Erv went on to study at the University of California, where he focused on film and television production. He graduated in 1979, ready to take on the world of TV.

During his time in school, he learned how to use cameras, edit videos, and manage live productions. These skills are super important in the TV world, especially for someone who works behind the camera.

This training gave him a solid foundation. It also gave him the confidence to start working on real shows — and that’s exactly what he did next.

Starting His Career in the Late 1970s

After finishing school, Erv quickly jumped into the television industry. In 1979, he got his first job as a video editor on a children’s show called Beat the Clock. The show didn’t last long, but it gave him his first taste of real work in TV.

That same year, he worked on six episodes of the sitcom The Ropers. It was a small step, but it helped him build experience and show what he could do.

Everyone has to start somewhere — and for Erv Hurd, the late 1970s were the start of something big.

Erv Hurd Becomes a Top Technical Director

Erv’s big break came in 1982, when he started working as a technical director on the game show Tattletales. This was a much bigger job than his earlier ones. As a technical director, Erv was now responsible for managing all the camera work, lighting, and video feeds during a live show.

From there, his career took off. He worked on many popular shows, including:

• The $10,000 Pyramid

• The $25,000 Pyramid

• The Young and the Restless

• The Bold and the Beautiful

These were some of the most-watched shows at the time, and Erv helped bring them to life. If you’ve ever watched a show and thought, “That looks amazing,” there’s a good chance Erv Hurd had something to do with it.

Award-Winning Work and Emmy Nominations

Erv Hurd didn’t just work on famous shows — he was also recognized for his talent.

Over the years, he was nominated for 9 Primetime Emmy Awards. These are the same awards given to big-name actors and popular shows. Even though he didn’t win, the nominations alone show how much the industry respects him.

He also received 9 Daytime Emmy nominations, and this time, he won 4 awards! He won in the years 1987, 1990, 1991, and 1993, mostly for his amazing work on The Young and the Restless and other daytime shows.

These awards show that Erv Hurd was not just a behind-the-scenes worker — he was one of the best in the business.

Erv Hurd and Jimmy Kimmel Live!

One of the biggest jobs in Erv’s career came in 2004, when he joined Jimmy Kimmel Live! as the technical director. This late-night talk show airs every weeknight and is watched by millions.

Since then, Erv has worked on more than 2,500 episodes of the show. That’s a huge number! Every night, he made sure the cameras were perfect, the video feeds were smooth, and the show looked great.

While Jimmy Kimmel talked to celebrities on stage, Erv Hurd worked quietly behind the scenes — making sure everything ran smoothly.

Working on Big Award Shows

As Erv Hurd’s career grew, so did the size of the projects he worked on. He wasn’t just doing sitcoms and game shows anymore — he was now trusted to handle huge live events that were seen around the world.

Erv worked on major award shows like:

• The Academy Awards (Oscars)

• American Music Awards

• BET Comedy Awards

These shows are live, which means there’s no room for mistakes. Every camera angle, every sound check, and every video feed has to be perfect. That’s why producers called on someone like Erv Hurd — someone who could stay calm and get the job done right.

Handling live TV is stressful, but Erv made it look easy. His calm attitude and deep knowledge helped make these shows run smoothly from start to finish.

Marriage to Actress Chip Fields

In 1994, Erv Hurd married Chip Fields, a talented actress, singer, and director. You might know her from her role on Good Times, or from directing episodes of shows like The Parkers and House of Payne.

Erv and Chip met through the entertainment world. Over time, they became close and built a strong bond. Their love story is not flashy or loud. It’s private, peaceful, and full of real support for each other.

They’ve now been married for over 30 years. Even though both worked in TV and film, they’ve kept their relationship out of the spotlight. That’s what makes it even more special — it’s based on love, respect, and deep connection.

Stepfather to Kim Fields and Alexis Fields

When Erv married Chip, she already had two daughters — Kim Fields and Alexis Fields. Erv became their stepfather and took the role seriously.

He’s not just “mom’s husband” — he’s a true father figure in their lives. He supported them in their careers, cheered them on, and helped guide them as they grew.

• Kim Fields is known for playing Tootie on The Facts of Life and Regine Hunter on Living Single. She also acts in The Upshaws on Netflix today.

• Alexis Fields starred in shows like Sister, Sister and Kenan & Kel. She also worked behind the scenes later in her career.

Both women are now grown, successful, and have children of their own. Erv Hurd is proud to be their stepdad and grandfather.

Erv Hurd’s Personal Life and Hobbies

Even though Erv Hurd has worked with stars and been part of big Hollywood events, he still lives a very quiet life.

He and Chip Fields live in Santa Clarita, California. They enjoy peace, family time, and a break from the busy world of showbiz.

In his free time, Erv likes to go fishing with friends. He also enjoys woodworking, which means building or fixing things with his hands. These quiet hobbies fit his calm and private personality.

He doesn’t use social media, and he rarely gives interviews. He’s not interested in fame — he just loves his work and his family.

Erv Hurd’s Net Worth and Life Today

As of 2025, Erv Hurd’s net worth is around $2 million. He earned this from his long career as a technical director in TV.

Most technical directors don’t earn as much as actors or hosts, but Erv’s experience and Emmy-winning work helped him reach the top. People in his role can earn over $49,000 per year, and Erv worked on top-level shows for over 40 years.

Today, he may be retired or semi-retired. There haven’t been recent updates on new projects, which could mean he’s enjoying a well-deserved break. After working on more than 2,500 episodes of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he’s earned it.

Final Thoughts

Erv Hurd might not be a household name, but his work has touched millions of people. Every time you watched a game show, a soap opera, or a late-night talk show, his work was there — smooth, professional, and behind the scenes.

He didn’t chase fame. He built a career with hard work, steady hands, and strong values. He’s a great example of how people behind the camera are just as important as those in front of it.

Erv Hurd is also a caring husband to Chip Fields and a loving stepdad to Kim and Alexis Fields. His quiet life reminds us that true success is not about fame — it’s about doing what you love and being there for the people you care about.