Doris Evelyn Nelson, a talented American silent film actress and dancer, left an indelible mark on the industry despite her tragically short career. Born in a bygone era, Nelson's family relocated to Los Angeles, California when she was still a child, which marked the beginning of her journey into the world of dance. She started her professional career in the Bull's Eye Follies, where her skills as a dancer were honed and refined.
Nelson's foray into the world of film began in 1920 with a comedy short titled "Springtime," in which she shared the screen with none other than the legendary Oliver Hardy. This marked the beginning of her brief but illustrious film career, during which she appeared in a total of 20 film productions. Her talent and charm on screen left a lasting impression on audiences, and her name became synonymous with excellence in the silent film era.
However, Nelson's personal life was marred by a passionate and tumultuous affair with married actor Wallace Reid. The relationship ended in tragedy when Reid succumbed to a drug overdose in January 1923. Nelson's grief was overwhelming, and she was unable to cope with the loss. On June 16, 1923, Evelyn Nelson took her own life by turning on the gas in her apartment, leaving behind a legacy that was both fleeting and remarkable.