Patrick Walshe (July 26, 1900 – December 11, 1991) was an American dwarf character actor and circus performer who specialized in impersonating and portraying animals.

He made his first Broadway appearance in 1908 in Lew Fields's production of The Girl Behind the Counter, where he played "Thompkins", part of a quartet of comical waiters.

In following years, Walshe appeared in the cabaret revue Hell at the Folies-Bergère, and later was reunited with Lew Fields for Bunty, Bulls and Strings, where he played "Mr MacGregor", a Scottish farmer.

[5] In 1913, Walshe heard that the American Play Company was producing Within the Law, with an entire cast of dwarf actors, and he wrote to them hoping for a part.

[1] The same year, he appeared in the Broadway production A Good Little Devil,[4] starring Mary Pickford, where he played the roles of a gnome called "Huggermunk", and of a squirrel.

He subsequently spent time with the Frank A. Robbins Circus[4] and the following year he appeared, alongside Irwin Emmer and several other dwarf actors, at the 'Toyland' exhibit of the Panama–Pacific International Exposition.

Despite their prominence in the show, neither Gregory nor Walshe were credited in its program, but did receive billing on posters and were mentioned in press releases.

Walshe continued to perform in vaudeville, variety shows, circuses, and several Broadway productions, as well as the occasional screen appearance.

[12] In 1938, Walshe was cast in the most prominent role of his career: his feature film appearance in The Wizard of Oz, where he played Nikko, the leader of the Winged Monkeys.

[13] Walshe was sought after for the role due to his extensive vaudeville and circus experience and his acclaimed ape imitations.

[14] Unlike the other monkeys, Nikko was a credited role, serving as the Wicked Witch's (played by Margaret Hamilton) minion and second-in-command.

Though he had no spoken lines, performing only through physical movement, he received on-screen credit (rare for bit players at the time).

While the other monkeys wore simple rubber masks, Walshe needed to appear in closeups, so multi-piece prosthetic makeup was produced for him, moulded to his features and glued to his face.

[19] He also made some other film appearances, with minor roles in Pinky and Roseanna McCoy, and in addition to working as a stunt double.

Walshe eventually quit performing due to the physical demands of his work, but was still remembered for his appearance in The Wizard of Oz.