Walter Percival

Walter Percival (May 2, 1887 – January 28, 1934) was an American actor, producer, and writer who worked in both stage and screen. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he built a career that spanned theater productions, film appearances, and creative work as a writer.

Percival made his Broadway debut in A Venetian Romance in 1904, launching a stage career that would continue for more than two decades. In 1909, he was part of a company headed by Grace Van Studdiford. Among his notable Broadway roles was Eugene Dubois in The Gay Musician in 1908. He also starred in The Golden Butterfly and the musical Funabashi, and appeared in productions including The Merchant of Venice, the play A Young Man's Fancy, and the musical Come to Bohemia. In 1911, he took on the role of Forrest Krider in Will o' th' Wisp, a musical for which he had written the book and lyrics, set to music by Alfred G. Robyn. The following year he appeared as Prince Victor de Champagnax in The Man from Cook's (1912). His final Broadway performance came in Find Daddy in 1926.

Percival made his film debut in 1918 with Our Mrs. McChesney, transitioning into a screen career that produced a substantial body of work through the early sound era. His film credits include The Moral Sinner (1924), The Flying Horseman (1926), The Big City (1928), Lights of New York (1928), Lightnin' (1930), The Avenger (1931), The Homicide Squad (1931), Guilty or Not Guilty (1932), Cabin in the Cotton (1932), and Tillie and Gus (1933).