Evalyn Knapp

Evalyn Knapp was an American actress known for her roles in films such as “Perils of Pauline,” “Smart Money,” and “His Private Secretary.” Her film career lasted from 1929 to 1943, where she became a leading lady in the B-movie serials of the early 20th century.

Personal and Family Life

Evalyn Knapp was born on June 17, 1906, in Kansas City, Missouri. She had a brother, Orville Knapp, a famous orchestra leader who tragically died in a plane crash. In 1934, Evalyn married Dr. George A. Snyder, with whom she remained until his death in 1977.

Acting Career

Knapp began her acting career in the late silent film era and transitioned to sound films. She gained recognition for her role in “Perils of Pauline” (1933) and was chosen as one of the WAMPAS Baby Stars in 1932, signifying her potential in Hollywood. Despite an accident in 1931 that left her with two fractured vertebrae, she continued to act in various films and became known for her roles in many B-movies.

Death and Legacy

Evalyn Knapp passed away on June 12, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, just days before her 75th birthday. Her ashes were scattered at sea, marking the end of her journey. Although her acting career faded by the early 1940s, she is remembered for her contributions to early cinema.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
One Frightened Night 1935-05-01 The Fake Doris Waverly
His Private Secretary 1933-06-10 Marion Hall
Smart Money 1931-06-11 Irene Graham
High Pressure 1932-01-10 Helen Wilson
Air Hostess 1933-01-15 Kitty King
Fireman, Save My Child 1932-02-20 Sally Toby
The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance 1941-03-06 Evelyn Jordan
Confidential 1935-10-16 Maxine Travers
Slightly Married 1932-10-15 Mary Smith
A Successful Calamity 1932-09-17 Peggy Wilton
Rawhide 1938-04-08 Peggy Gehrig
The Strange Love of Molly Louvain 1932-05-28 Doris
Perils of Pauline 1933-11-05 Pauline Hargrave
Corruption 1933-06-18 Ellen Manning
In Old Santa Fe 1934-11-15 Lila Miller
Ladies Crave Excitement 1935-06-21 Wilma Howell
The Millionaire 1931-05-01 Barbara Alden
Bulldog Edition 1936-09-13 Randy Burns
Three of a Kind 1936-05-19 Barbara Penfield
Dance, Girl, Dance 1933-09-01 Sally Patter
Side Show 1931-09-19 Irene
The Fire-Trap 1935-11-26 Betty Marshall
The Night Mayor 1932-08-18 Doree Dawn
Madame Racketeer 1932-07-23 Alice Hicks
Wanted by the Police 1938-09-21 Kathleen Murphy
River’s End 1930-11-01 Miriam
Hawaiian Buckaroo 1938-01-14 Paula Harrington
A Man’s Game 1934-06-16 Judy Manners
Taxi! 1931-12-29 Actress in Movie Clip (uncredited)
Sinners’ Holiday 1930-10-11 Jennie
Idiot’s Delight 1939-01-27 Nurse #4
Mothers Cry 1930-12-04 Jenny Williams
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington 1939-10-19 Reporter (uncredited)
Chills and Fever 1930-04-26 Betty
How I Play Golf, by Bobby Jones No. 11: ‘Practice Shots’ 1931-04-15 Herself
Girl in 313 1940-05-31 Arrested Girl
50 Million Frenchmen 1931-02-14 Miss Wheeler-Smith
Big City Blues 1932-09-18 Jo-Jo
Roar of the Press 1941-04-17 Evelyn
Meat and Romance 1940-10