Leon Errol
Actor
About Leon Errol
Leon Errol was an Australian-born comedian and actor who became one of the most recognizable faces in American vaudeville and Golden Age cinema. After starting his career in circus and operetta in Australia and New Zealand, he moved to the United States in 1904, eventually becoming a headliner for the Ziegfeld Follies where he perfected his legendary 'rubber-legged' drunk act. His transition to sound film was seamless, and he became a staple at RKO Pictures, starring in nearly 100 comedy shorts that showcased his impeccable physical timing and slapstick prowess. Errol is perhaps best remembered by film audiences for his dual role as the bumbling Lord Epping and the scheming Uncle Matt in the popular 'Mexican Spitfire' film series alongside Lupe Vélez. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, his bald head, twitching mustache, and unstable legs made him a beloved character actor in both A-list features and his own long-running series of two-reelers. He remained a prolific performer until his sudden death from a heart attack in 1951, leaving behind a legacy as one of the masters of visual comedy.
The Craft
On Screen
Errol was a master of physical comedy, specifically known for his 'rubber legs' routine where he appeared to be perpetually on the verge of collapsing while intoxicated. His style combined the broad slapstick of vaudeville with a sophisticated sense of timing, often utilizing a high-pitched, flustered vocal delivery and frantic double-takes. He was an expert at playing the 'henpecked husband' or the 'pompous aristocrat' who is constantly undermined by his own clumsiness or external chaos.
Milestones
- Star of the Ziegfeld Follies from 1911 to 1915
- Broadway success in 'Sally' (1920) which ran for 570 performances
- Transitioned to Hollywood sound films with 'Only Saps Work' (1930)
- Starred in the highly successful 'Mexican Spitfire' film franchise (1939-1943)
- Maintained a 17-year run of comedy shorts at RKO Pictures (1934-1951)
- Successfully transitioned from stage stardom to becoming a reliable character actor in major studio films
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Posthumous recognition for contributions to the short film genre
Nominated
- Academy Award nomination for Best Short Subject, Two-reel (1946) for 'Should Wives Work?' (as star)
Special Recognition
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6301 Hollywood Blvd
- Inducted into the Vaudeville Hall of Fame
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Leon Errol was a bridge between the broad, physical comedy of the Victorian music hall and the sophisticated slapstick of the Hollywood Golden Age. His 'drunk act' was considered the gold standard of the era, influencing how intoxication was portrayed for comedic effect without being offensive. He helped define the 'two-reeler' short film format at RKO, which provided affordable entertainment to millions during the Great Depression and World War II.
Lasting Legacy
Errol's legacy is preserved through his massive body of work in short subjects, which are often cited by film historians as some of the finest examples of situational slapstick. He is remembered as one of the few performers who could carry a film through physical movement alone. His character 'Lord Epping' remains a classic archetype of the confused British aristocrat in American cinema.
Who They Inspired
His 'rubber legs' technique influenced later physical comedians like Dick Van Dyke and John Cleese. His ability to play dual roles with distinct personalities in the same scene set a technical and comedic standard for later performers in domestic comedies.
Off Screen
Leon Errol was married to Stella Chatelaine, a fellow performer, from 1906 until her death in 1946. The couple was known for their long and stable marriage in the often-tumultuous world of show business. Errol was a well-liked figure in the Hollywood community, known for his professional work ethic and his willingness to mentor younger comedians in the art of physical timing.
Education
St. Joseph's College, Sydney; Sydney Technical College (studied medicine briefly before turning to theater)
Family
- Stella Chatelaine (1906-1946; her death)
Did You Know?
- He originally studied medicine at Sydney University before dropping out to join a touring Shakespearean company.
- Errol was a close friend of W.C. Fields, and the two shared a similar comedic sensibility regarding authority figures.
- He was so famous for his 'drunk' walk that he reportedly insured his legs for a significant sum of money.
- Despite his frequent portrayal of intoxicated characters, Errol was known to be a very disciplined and sober professional on set.
- He appeared in the 1920 Broadway musical 'Sally,' which featured the famous song 'Look for the Silver Lining.'
- He was one of the few actors to have a consistent film series (his RKO shorts) that lasted nearly two decades.
- He died of a heart attack just hours after completing work on a film project.
In Their Own Words
I've spent my life falling down so that others could stand up and laugh.
The secret to a good fall is not the hit, it's the wobble before you go.
In vaudeville, if you didn't get them in the first thirty seconds, you didn't get them at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Leon Errol?
Leon Errol was a famous Australian-American comedian and actor known for his work in the Ziegfeld Follies and his 'rubber-legged' drunk routine. He became a major star in Hollywood comedy shorts and the 'Mexican Spitfire' film series.
What films is Leon Errol best known for?
He is best known for the 'Mexican Spitfire' series (playing Lord Epping), 'Never Give a Sucker an Even Break' with W.C. Fields, and his long-running series of RKO comedy shorts.
When was Leon Errol born and when did he die?
He was born on July 3, 1881, in Sydney, Australia, and died on October 12, 1951, in Los Angeles, California.
What awards did Leon Errol win?
While he did not win an Oscar, he received an Academy Award nomination for the short film 'Should Wives Work?' in 1946 and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What was Leon Errol's acting style?
His style was defined by masterful physical comedy, particularly his ability to move his legs as if they were made of rubber, and his portrayals of flustered, henpecked husbands.
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Films
1 film
