Walter Woolf King (2 November 1899 – 24 October 1984) was an American film, television and stage actor and singer.
Born in San Francisco, California, King started singing for a living at a young age and performed mostly in churches. He made his Broadway debut in 1919, and became a well-known baritone in operettas and musical comedies. King billed himself as Walter Woolf and Walter King early in his career, eventually settling on a combination of all three names, Walter Woolf King, in the mid 1930s.
King began his film career in musicals but quickly moved into supporting roles. He is probably best known today for his villainous roles in two films starring the Marx Brothers, A Night At The Opera and Go West. He also appeared on radio and later became an actors agent. He made numerous appearances in bit parts and supporting roles in television and films throughout the 1950s and '60s. His final appearance was in the 1977 TV movie One in a Million: The Ron LeFlore Story.
King died in Beverly Hills, California in 1984.
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“But it is hard to know them from friends, they are so obsequious and full of protestations; for a wolf resembles a dog, so doth a flatterer a friend.”
—Sir Walter Raleigh (1552–1618)
“It is curious how instinctively one protects the image of oneself from idolatry or any other handling that could make it ridiculous, or too unlike the original to be believed any longer.”
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“What must the King do now? Must he submit?
The King shall do it. Must he be deposed?
The King shall be contented. Must he lose
The name of King? a’ God’s name let it go.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)