Eugenia Gilbert (November 18, 1902 – December 9, 1978) was an American film actress of the silent era. She appeared as a leading lady in a number of westerns.[1] In at least three films, she was billed as Eugenie Gilbert.[2]
Biography
Gilbert was the daughter of William B. Knapp and Nellie Eugenia (Gilbert) Knapp.[3] Her birth name was Genevieve May Knapp. She attended schools in South Orange, New Jersey, and New York City[2] and the Marlborough School in Los Angeles.[4] She won 14 beauty contests, one of which was a national contest sponsored by Rudolph Valentino, which led him to consider her "the most beautiful girl in America."[5]
In 1924, Gilbert had her first role as leading lady in a film, after having smaller parts in westerns and comedies.[2] In 1925, she signed a contract with Mack Sennett to act exclusively in his comedy films "for the next several years."[6]