Digital Victorian Periodical Poetry

Poet, comedian, and actor. Son of Jean Onésime Chevalier, a language teacher, and Ellen Louisa Mathews. Educated at Clanricarde College and St. Mary’s College. After brief stints as a clerk and teacher, he entered the theater, making his professional debut in 1877. Married Florence Isabel (b. 1868-1869) in 1894. He quickly became known for his comic roles, particularly in works by Arthur Pinero and in burlesques at the Avenue Theatre. Transitioned to music hall performance in 1891, where he introduced the character of the sentimental working-class costermonger. His music-hall career soared with writing popular songs including My Old Dutch and Wot Cher!, which he performed in numerous venues across London. Became one of the highest-paid stars of the era and toured extensively in the United States and Canada. He died in Stoke Newington, London. Biographical information: ODNB. (NM)