From Rodeo Star to Hollywood
Born in 1892 as Rose Wenger, Helen Gibson became an accomplished horse rider and performer in Wild West shows. Her skills caught the attention of filmmakers, and in 1915 she was cast as a stunt double for actress Helen Holmes in The Hazards of Helen, a popular action series. Gibson eventually took over the lead role, becoming one of the first women to perform dangerous stunts on screen.
Daring Feats on Camera
Gibson’s stunts included leaping from moving trains, scaling buildings, and riding at high speeds—all without modern safety gear. Her fearlessness and athletic ability set her apart in the early days of film when few safety protocols existed.
Hollywood’s First Stuntwoman
Gibson is recognized as Hollywood’s first professional stuntwoman, paving the way for future female stunt performers. She continued performing stunts throughout the silent film era and later appeared in minor roles in talkies.
Later Life in Entertainment
Though her career waned with the arrival of talkies, Gibson remained in Hollywood, occasionally acting in Westerns and working behind the scenes. She continued working in entertainment until her death in 1977, leaving a lasting impact on Hollywood’s action industry.
America’s First Stuntwoman
From Rodeo Star to Hollywood
Born in 1892 as Rose Wenger, Helen Gibson became an accomplished horse rider and performer in Wild West shows. Her skills caught the attention of filmmakers, and in 1915 she was cast as a stunt double for actress Helen… pic.twitter.com/MTYP56TyAg— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) November 1, 2024