G. P. Huntley

George Patrick Huntley (13 July 1868 – 21 September 1927), always billed as G. P. Huntley, was an Irish actor known for comic performances in the theatre and the music halls. Some of his best known roles were in the Edwardian musical comedies The Circus Girl, A Runaway Girl, Three Little Maids, The School Girl, Lady Madcap, Miss Hook of Holland and Betty. He was successful in appearances on Broadway, as well as in the West End. His son was the film actor G. P. Huntley Jr.

Life and career Huntley was born into a theatrical family in Fermoy, County Cork. He made his stage debut at the age of six as Pike Rich in Under the Gaslight, and toured for some years with the theatrical troupe of his father, Frank Huntley. Moving to England, Huntley played in melodramas in London and on tour. He joined the company of William and Madge Kendal, and went with them to New York in 1891. He remained with the Kendals for four years, in London and on three further US visits. In the music halls he worked with his wife, Eva Kelly, in comic sketches, such as "Buying a Gun", "Selling a Pup" and "The Fairy Glen Laundry".

Huntley married married Evangeline (Eva) Margaret Kelly, an actress 12 years his junior, on 29 January 1902 at St Nicholas, Thames Ditton; they were engaged during the run of Kitty Grey. The couple had three children, but only one, the film actor G. P. Huntley Jr., survived to adulthood.

Huntley died on 21 September 1927 at the age of 59, in a London nursing home, after suffering from jaundice. He was buried at St Nicholas on 24 September.