Easter Walters, born on March 25, 1894, in Iowa, USA, was a multi-talented actress known for her work in silent films and her exceptional motorcycle stunt riding skills. She moved to Hollywood around 1918 to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
Throughout her film career, Easter Walters made headway as an actress in notable silent films such as “Common Clay” (1919), “Hands Up!” (1918), and “The Tiger’s Trail” (1919). While her acting roles were appreciated, it was her extraordinary motorcycle stunt riding that set her apart in the eyes of the audience and the film community.
One of Easter Walters’ most famous performances was in the one-reel short film titled “Taken For a Ride.” In this short film, a Larry Seamon lookalike named ‘Bobby Emmett,’ portrayed by Robert Emmet Tansey, attempts to impress a girl by stealing a 1922 Henderson DeLuxe motorcycle with a sidecar. However, his girlfriend, played by Easter Walters, proves to be more knowledgeable about motorcycles than he is, leading to predictable and comical results.
Easter Walters’ exceptional motorcycle handling skills and fearlessness allowed her to perform daring stunts with verve and confidence. She was known for performing her own stunts, a rare and remarkable feat during that era of filmmaking. Her ability to handle motorcycles skillfully made her a sought-after talent for motorcycle-related scenes in films.
The publicity photos of Easter Walters “surfing” a 1919 Harley-Davidson Sport Twin became iconic and showcased her daring spirit and enthusiasm for motorcycles. She became a fixture in Hollywood gossip sheets during the “Teens,” gaining attention for riding around town on her motorcycles, which were possibly an Indian Model O or a Harley-Davidson Model J, as depicted in various photos.
The film industry took notice of Easter Walters’ passion and proficiency with motorcycles. In April 1919, “Moving Picture World” ran an article titled “Breaking the Speed Laws is Sport for Easter Walters,” further highlighting her involvement in motorcycle stunts.
Despite her talent and popularity, Easter Walters eventually left the film industry sometime after 1920. Her final film appearance was in “The Devil’s Riddle” (1920), and she married Harry Kinch the same year. After retiring from acting, Easter Walters continued to live in Southern California for the rest of her life, settling in San Diego.
Though she may be less well-known today, Easter Walters remains a testament to the pioneering spirit of early Hollywood and the daring women who contributed to the film industry’s growth and evolution. Her legacy as an actress and motorcycle stunt rider continues to be celebrated by film historians and enthusiasts, preserving the memory of this remarkable and fearless performer of the silent film era.