Walter Davis Pidgeon (September 23, 1897 - September 25, 1984) was an American actor of Canadian birth, who lived most of his life in the United States, and eventually became a U.S. citizen.

Early life

Born near Saint John, New Brunswick, he attended local public schools followed by the University of New Brunswick, where he studied law and drama. His studies were interrupted by World War I and his enlistment in the 65th Battery of the Canadian Field Artillery. He never saw combat as he was severely injured when he was crushed between two gun carriages and hospitalized for 17 months. After the war, he moved to Boston, where he worked as a bank runner. His earnings financed his voice studies at the New England Conservatory of Music. He was a classically trained baritone.