Commodore Nutt
Commodore Nutt | |
|---|---|
 Nutt in his stage costume, c. 1865 | |
| Born | George Washington Morrison Nutt April 1, 1848 |
| Died | May 25, 1881 (aged 33) New York City, U.S. |
Resting place | Merrill Cemetery, Manchester, New Hampshire |
| Occupation | Entertainer |
| Years active | c. 1854–1881 |
| Employers |
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| Known for |
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| Height | 29 to 30 in (74 to 76 cm) (1862) 43 in (110 cm) (1881) |
| Spouse | Lilian Elston (m. 1879) |
George Washington Morrison Nutt (April 1, 1848 – May 25, 1881), better known by his stage name Commodore Nutt, was an American entertainer with dwarfism who became one of the most popular attractions exhibited by P. T. Barnum during the mid-19th century. Known for his quick wit, military costumes, and charismatic stage presence, Nutt achieved international fame through performances at Barnum's American Museum and on world tours before European royalty alongside General Tom Thumb, Lavinia Warren, and Minnie Warren.
Barnum hired Nutt in 1861 after discovering him touring New England and transformed him into the fictional "Commodore Nutt", complete with miniature naval uniforms, a custom carriage shaped like an English walnut, and an extensive publicity campaign that promoted him as "The $30,000 Nutt". Although audiences frequently confused him with General Tom Thumb, the two performers often appeared together on stage and became among Barnum's best-known attractions.
Nutt's unrequited love for fellow performer Lavinia Warren, who instead married General Tom Thumb in one of Barnum's most celebrated publicity events, became one of the best-known stories associated with his career. After touring the world with Barnum's troupe between 1869 and 1872, Nutt left Barnum's employ, performed with theatrical companies, operated businesses on the American West Coast, and later returned to New York City, where he died of Bright's disease in 1881.