T. E. Dunville
T. E. Dunville (born Thomas Edward Wallen; 29 July 1867 – 21 March 1924) was a leading English music hall comedian, described by Charlie Chaplin as "an excellent funny man". Life and career Thomas Edward Wallen was born at 32 New Street, Coventry, England on 29 July 1867, the son of a tailor. He was educated at Bablake School, and worked briefly for the bicycle manufacturer Rudge-Whitworth. He took his stage name from the whisky firm Dunville & Co. At first he worked in an acrobatic troupe, "The Merry Men", and then in pantomimes. Having established himself in the northern music halls, Dunville took his act to London in 1890, performing first at the Middlesex Music Hall in Drury Lane. He was billed as an "eccentric comedian and contortionist". His appearance accounted for the "eccentric" part: he had a high forehead, and wore a black wig with a wide parting on the left; he wore a loose black jacket with large buttons, tight black trousers, and large boots. A disabled arm contributed to the "contortionist" part: the arm would jerk and swing with a life of its own as he performed an eccentric dance. He used the same trademark costume