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’