Walter Law
Actor
About Walter Law
Walter W. Law was a distinguished American stage and screen actor whose career spanned the transition from the silent era to early sound cinema. Born in 1876 in Ohio, he began his professional life in the retail and theater sectors in Dayton before finding his calling on the stage. Law gained significant experience touring with the 'Sign of the Cross' company and performing in vaudeville on the prestigious Keith circuit. His film career began in 1915 at Fox Film Corporation in Fort Lee, New Jersey, where he quickly established himself as a reliable character actor. In 1920, he relocated to Hollywood to capitalize on the burgeoning film industry, eventually appearing in over 40 motion pictures. He is perhaps best remembered by modern audiences for his role as Jud Morgan in the 1930 Technicolor musical 'Whoopee!', starring alongside Eddie Cantor.
The Craft
On Screen
Law was known for his versatility as a character actor, possessing a commanding stage presence developed through years of vaudeville and theatrical touring. His style was rooted in the expressive traditions of the early 20th-century stage, which allowed him to transition effectively from the pantomime requirements of silent films to the dialogue-heavy roles of early sound cinema.
Milestones
- Headlined the Keith Vaudeville circuit for several years
- Signed with William Fox of Fox Film Corporation in 1915
- Relocated to Hollywood in 1920 to pursue leading character roles
- Featured in the landmark early Technicolor musical 'Whoopee!' (1930)
- Appeared in over 40 films during the silent and early talkie eras
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized as a veteran of the Fox Film Corporation's early years in Fort Lee
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Walter Law represented the bridge between the 19th-century theatrical tradition and the 20th-century cinematic explosion. As a veteran of the 'Fort Lee' era of filmmaking, he was part of the original group of actors who helped establish the visual language of American film before the industry fully centralized in Hollywood. His participation in 'Whoopee!' (1930) places him in one of the most significant early sound films, which helped define the movie musical genre.
Lasting Legacy
Law's legacy resides in his extensive filmography which serves as a record of the evolution of character acting. While many silent stars faded with the advent of sound, Law's theatrical background allowed him to remain a respected figure in the industry through the early 1930s. He is remembered as a foundational character actor of the Fox Film Corporation.
Who They Inspired
He influenced the transition of stage-trained actors into the film medium, demonstrating that a disciplined theatrical technique could be adapted for the camera's intimacy.
Off Screen
Walter Law was married to Betty Marvin. He spent his later years living in Hollywood, California, where he remained active in the film community until his retirement in the mid-1930s.
Education
Educated in the public schools of Dayton, Ohio; early professional training occurred through practical experience at the Victoria Theatre in Dayton.
Family
- Betty Marvin
Did You Know?
- Before acting, he worked at the Mose Cohen clothing store in Dayton, Ohio.
- He was a headline act for the famous Keith Theaters vaudeville circuit.
- He appeared in the 1916 version of 'Romeo and Juliet' as Friar Laurence.
- Law was one of the actors who moved from the East Coast film hub (Fort Lee) to Hollywood during the industry's westward migration in 1920.
- He died at his apartment on Franklin Avenue in Hollywood and was cremated at the Hollywood Cemetery Crematory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Walter Law?
Walter Law was a prominent American stage and screen actor active from 1915 to 1936. He was a veteran of the Fox Film Corporation and appeared in over 40 films, transitioning successfully from silent movies to talkies.
What films is Walter Law best known for?
He is best known for his role as Jud Morgan in the 1930 musical 'Whoopee!' starring Eddie Cantor. Other notable films include 'The Thirteenth Chair' (1919), 'The Miracle Man' (1919), and the 1916 production of 'Romeo and Juliet'.
When was Walter Law born and when did he die?
Walter Law was born on March 26, 1876, in Dayton, Ohio, and passed away on August 9, 1940, in Hollywood, California, at the age of 64.
What was Walter Law's acting style?
Law utilized a versatile character-acting style honed through years of vaudeville and stage performance. This background provided him with the vocal range and presence necessary to survive the industry's transition to sound in the late 1920s.
Did Walter Law win any awards?
While Walter Law did not win major competitive awards like the Oscar, he was a highly respected figure in the early Hollywood community and a key player in several landmark films of the era.
Learn More
Films
1 film
