Walter Bentley (born William Begg; 7 October 1849 – 19 September 1927) was a Scottish actor who specialised in Shakespearean roles and productions.

Bentley wanted to be a stage actor but was met with disapproval from both his father and his aunt, the women's rights activist Emily Faithfull.

He found work as a jackeroo on a sheep station in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia and then, in 1871, settled with his brother in Dunedin, New Zealand.

He spent three years in the United States performing the lead role of Wilfred Denver in The Silver King.

Bentley lived in Sydney where he continued to promote the theatre through his drama school, with speaking engagements and by writing magazine articles.