Evelyn Nelson was an American actress who is best known for her roles in the films Cyclone Bliss, The Desert Bridegroom, and Desert Rider. She had a short yet impactful career in the early 1920s.
Personal and Family Life
Evelyn, originally named Dorris Evelyn Nelson, was born on November 13, 1899, in Chloride, Arizona. Her family moved to Los Angeles during her childhood. She started her acting journey with Bull’s Eye films and appeared in various comedies, eventually becoming known for her work alongside Jack Hoxie in several westerns. Her older sister, Pauline “Dee Dee” Nelson, also pursued acting, contributing to the family’s show business legacy.
Career Highlights
Evelyn secured a role in the comedy Don’t Park Here in 1920 and signed with Vitagraph, where she co-starred with Oliver Hardy. Her relationship with actor Wallace Reid significantly affected her life and career, marking a passionate yet tumultuous chapter until his tragic death in early 1923 deeply impacted her. Following this, she completed her final film, Desert Rider, in June of that year, but it left her depleted both physically and emotionally.
Death and Legacy
On June 16, 1923, at the age of 23, Evelyn Nelson took her own life in her Los Angeles apartment. She left behind two poignant notes expressing her exhaustion and desire for rest, mentioning her late friend Wally. After her death, she was buried in an unmarked grave at Rosedale Cemetery, but in 2022, her fans raised funds to purchase her a headstone, honoring her memory and contributions to cinema.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1923 | Desert Rider | Carolyn Grey | 5.3 |
| 1923 | The Forbidden Trail | Isobel | 6.1 |
| 1923 | Peaceful Peters | Mary Langdon | |
| 1922 | The Crow’s Nest | Patricia Benton | |
| 1922 | The Desert Bridegroom | ||
| 1922 | The Desert’s Crucible | ||
| 1922 | Two-Fisted Jefferson | Mollie Miller | |
| 1921 | The Double O | Frances Powell | |
| 1921 | The Recoil | ||
| 1921 | A Motion to Adjourn | Louise Warner | |
| 1921 | Hills of Hate | Ann La Varre | |
| 1921 | The Broken Spur | ‘Angel’ Lambert | |
| 1921 | Dead or Alive | Beulah Stone, Tom’s Sister | |
| 1921 | Cyclone Bliss | Helen Turner | |
| 1920 | The Backyard | His daughter | 5.9 |