Eugenia Gilbert, born Eugenia Knapp on November 18, 1902, in East Orange, New Jersey, was a talented actress and beauty pageant winner who made a lasting impact in the early days of Hollywood.
Eugenia began her journey in the entertainment industry by attending high school in New York City and later enrolling in Mallborough College in Los Angeles. However, when her father fell ill, she had to put her studies on hold and take up a job as a dancer.
Her acting debut came in the short film Paul's Peril (1920),and she soon found herself entering beauty pageants. In 1923, she won the title of Miss Los Angeles, which led to her being signed to a long-term film contract with Mack Sennett's bathing beauties.
Eugenia went on to star in dozens of comedies, including A Rainy Knight (1925),Sinners in Silk (1924),and A Broadway Butterfly (1925),where she was often credited as Eugenie Gilbert. Her versatility as an actress earned her a reputation as one of the most talented starlets in Hollywood.
In 1927, Eugenia starred in the action serial The Crimson Flash and appeared as the leading lady in three Westerns alongside Leo D. Maloney. Despite her success, she never quite reached the level of stardom she had hoped for.
At the age of twenty-seven, Eugenia decided to retire from acting and pursue other interests. Her final film was the comedy Courtin' Wildcats (1929). During the 1930s, she worked as a model in fashion shows and eventually got married, changing her last name to Enders.
Eugenia spent her later years living in Santa Monica, where she passed away on December 8, 1978, due to heart failure. She was cremated, bringing an end to a life filled with glamour, excitement, and a passion for the arts.
