Walter Woolf King, a renowned vocalist, entered this world on November 2, 1899, in the vibrant city of San Francisco, where his early life was shaped by his father's occupation as a whiskey peddler. Demonstrating a natural affinity for music, King began singing in churches at a remarkably young age, which ultimately led him to pursue a professional singing career following his high school graduation. King's artistic endeavors took a significant turn when he partnered with the accomplished pianist Charles Le Maire, and together they formed a vaudeville musical act that showcased their impressive talents. Their collaboration culminated in King's Broadway debut at the tender age of 19 in the esteemed musical production of "Floradora."
Walter King, a multifaceted and accomplished individual, carved out a remarkable reputation for himself within the realm of musical comedies and operettas throughout the 1920s. During this period, he showcased his remarkable talents by starring in a diverse array of productions, including the critically acclaimed "The Last Waltz," the enchanting "The Lady in Ermine," the captivating "The Dream Girl," the playful "Artists and Models," and the regal "Princess Flavia."
In the year 1929, a pivotal moment in the career of the renowned performer, King, marked a significant departure from his traditional stage presence, as he ventured into the realm of film, making his debut in the colonial operetta "Golden Dawn" alongside the esteemed Vivienne Segal.
This cinematic endeavour, unfortunately, did not yield the desired outcome, as "Golden Dawn" received scathing reviews and underperformed at the box office, subsequently tarnishing King's reputation as a leading figure in musical films and leaving a lasting impact on his status in the industry.
Undeterred by this setback, King swiftly returned to his roots on Broadway, taking to the stage in a series of plays, including "Ladies All," "The Great Man," and "Experience Unnecessary," as well as a variety of musicals, such as "Melody" and "May Wine."
Noted American actor, King, made a triumphant comeback to the world of cinema in the early 1930s, delighting audiences with his charismatic presence in a string of hilarious comedies, including the memorable "Girl Without a Room" and the side-splitting "Embarrassing Moments".
Subsequently, King continued to hone his craft, taking on diverse roles in a wide range of films that showcased his remarkable versatility as a thespian. His impressive repertoire during this period included the amusing "Lottery Lover", the poignant "One More Spring", the endearing "Ginger", and the refreshing "Spring Tonic", which further cemented his status as a talented and beloved figure in the world of cinema.
The illustrious King, whose cinematic legacy is forever entwined with his iconic performances in timeless slapstick comedies, specifically "A Night at the Opera" and "Swiss Miss". This talented individual continued to captivate audiences throughout the 1930s and 1940s, gracing the silver screen with memorable appearances in films such as "Call It a Day", "Walking Down Broadway", "Big Town Czar", and "The House of Fear".
As the 1940s and 1950s unfolded, King's professional trajectory began to shift, and he transitioned into a more prominent role in the world of radio, starring in the popular CBS program "The Flying Red Horse Tavern".
Noted monarch King breathed his last on October 24, 1984, at the ripe old age of 84, within the picturesque confines of Beverly Hills, California, a place renowned for its affluent atmosphere and luxurious living.
