Walter Stanton
Walter Stanton | |
|---|---|
Profiled in Collier's in 1925 | |
| Born | Walter Stanton Burch June 30, 1855 London, England |
| Died | October 29, 1943 (aged 88) |
| Occupations | Actor and entertainer |
| Years active | 1879–1930 |
| Known for | The Giant Rooster |
| Spouse | |
| Children | |
Walter Stanton Burch (June 30, 1855 – October 29, 1943), known professionally as "The Giant Rooster", was an English-American actor and entertainer.
Acting career
He started out performing animal mimics in 1879 as his way to make money. He stated that his father was a mimic and that he had inherited that same gift.
In 1883, he was featured as "The Human Barnyard" at Keith's Dime Theatre in Boston.[1]
He started being animal impersonators in 1885 such as a turkey, duck, raven, pigeon, and eventually his main role as a rooster an toured through theatre's and fairs throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, America and many more locations. In 1888, he was officially featured as "The Giant Rooster" on the stage at Barnum & Bailey circus.
In 1890, he was described as the "stellar attraction" for months at the Paris Hippodrome. He was on billboards and banners as "Monsieur Stanton: Chantecler". He was also described as a "household word" throughout France. Poet Edmond Rostand was in the audience in one of his shows and applauded him. He would also work with Maude Adams in those shows.[1]
Around that time in the 1890s and early 1900s, he would work beside his wife and do duet shows; also eventually with his son Val when he was a teenager.[2][3]
Walter was also a tutor during this time. He not only tutored his sons; he also went on to tutor Charlie Chaplin.[4]
Personal life
He married opera singer Tina Corri on October 15, 1885 in Liverpool, England.[5] They had their two sons, Valentine and Ernest in 1886 and 1890. They eventually divorced.
They immigrated to the United States through Chicago in 1898.[6]
Family
Other than his wife, His two sons, Val and Ernie went on to become famous actors and athletes.[7]
Filmography
- The Mechanical Head (1903) as Actor
- Burlesque Cock Fight (1903) as Himself
References
- ^ a b "Forty Years a Rooster". Collier's. Vol. 75, no. 6. February 7, 1925. p. 44. Retrieved January 20, 2026 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Mr. Walter Stanton". The Era. London. February 25, 1893. p. 26. Archived from the original on January 20, 2026. Retrieved January 20, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Circus of Varieties, Newgate, Rochdale". Rochdale Observer. February 20, 1897. p. 1. Archived from the original on January 20, 2026. Retrieved January 20, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Stanley Theatre Daily News". The Daily Journal. Vineland, New Jersey. January 21, 1929. p. 4. Archived from the original on January 20, 2026. Retrieved January 20, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Walter and Annie Corri marriage". Ancestry.com. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
- ^ "1900 U.S. Census". Ancestry.com. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
- ^ "Val and Ernie Stanton Born in Show Business". Portland Sunday Telegram. February 10, 1924. p. 19. Archived from the original on January 20, 2026. Retrieved January 20, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.