Tony took the last name of Fields from his stepfather Max. Tony's
parents divorced when he was four. Although he was born in Stafford,
Kansas, he moved to Davis, California, where his career began in
gymnastics. He switched to dance training when he won scholarships to
the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts (studying drama and
voice), and also at Roland Dupree Academy of Dance.
He began touring with Debbie Reynolds in her nightclub act only 3
months after starting at Dupree. When he came to Solid Gold, he had had
only 2 years of formal training.
Tony appeared in numerous music videos, including Michael Jackson's
"Beat It" and "Thriller" and was also featured in the "Making of
Thriller" special. He also appeared in Lionel Richie's "Running with
the Night." As a Solid Gold dancer, he also appeared on the Miss Teen
USA pageant as an escort and entertainer, and on the home exercise
video "The Solid Gold 5 Day Workout." Other early TV appearances
included "Lil Abner," "Bobby Vinton Rock and Rollers," and "The John
Davidson Christmas Special."