William E. Ritchie
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11 October 1871
William E. Ritchie | |
|---|---|
| Born | William Edward Ritchie 11 October 1871 Philadelphia, US |
| Died | 12 May 1943 (aged 71) New York City, US |
| Resting place | Kensico Cemetery |
| Other names | Billy Ritchie |
| Occupation | Showman |
| Known for | Comedy tramp cyclist act |
| Spouse(s) | Liska, Madeleine |
William E. Ritchie was an American trick cyclist who performed around the world, including the United States,[1] England,[1][2] continental Europe,[1][3][4][5][6] Africa,[1] and Australia.[1] He was one of the first to use the tramp cyclist routine on stage, where he appeared in vaudeville with Will Rogers and W. C. Fields.[7]
He is not to be confused with the tramp comedian William 'Billie' Ritchie.[8]
William Edward Ritchie was born in Philadelphia, United States, to George and Mary Ritchie (née May) on 11 October 1871.[9]
Career
He initially found fame in New York, appearing dressed as a tramp riding on various bicycles.[1] His main bicycle was a Cleveland,[10] possibly a model 69 made by H. A. Lazier Company.[11]
In London in 1899, he appeared in two short films: Ritchie, Tramp Cyclist, produced by the Warwick Trading Company,[12] and Ritchie the Tramp Cyclist, produced by the British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.[13]
He performed at various times in combinations with fellow trick cyclists Madeline Kilpatrick,[14] May Villion,[15] and W. H. Barber (aka 'Diavolo'[16]),[15][14] in acts called the Ritchie Duo,[17][18] the Barber-Ritchie Trio,[15] and the Four Ritchies.[19]
In both 1917 and 1918, he appeared in the Ziegfeld Follies alongside W. C. Fields, Marilyn Miller, Will Rogers and Eddie Cantor.[7]