Evelyn Nesbit was a stunningly beautiful actress, model, and chorus girl who captivated the hearts of the American public during the Gilded Age. Born on December 25, 1884, in Tarentum, Pennsylvania, Nesbit grew up in a poor family and made her way to New York City by age 14 to pursue a career in modeling.
She quickly became one of the most sought-after models for photographers, artists, and advertisers. Her stunning figure, blonde hair, and innocent beauty made her the perfect subject for magazine covers and advertisements. She caught the eye of famous architect Stanford White, who became infatuated with her and eventually seduced her.
Their scandalous affair led to Nesbit's involvement in the infamous murder of White in 1906, which is still shrouded in mystery and controversy. Despite this tragic turn of events, Nesbit continued to act and model, and her net worth grew to an estimated $6 million by the time of her death in 1967. This complete biography of Nesbit includes details about her age, height, figure, and net worth, as well as the scandals and tragedies that marked her life.
Evelyn Nesbit: A Complete Biography
Evelyn Nesbit was an American actress, model, and chorus girl during the early 1900s. She appeared in several stage productions, including the hit musical "Florodora," and was known for her striking beauty and charisma.
However, Nesbit's life was not without controversy. At the age of 16, she was raped by renowned architect Stanford White, who was 47 at the time. This event would shape the rest of her life as she became embroiled in a scandal that would captivate the nation.
Despite the trauma she endured, Nesbit continued to have a successful career and even married the wealthy Harry Kendall Thaw. However, their marriage was tumultuous, and Thaw eventually murdered White in a fit of jealousy. The ensuing trial was dubbed "The Trial of the Century."
After the trial, Nesbit's career waned, and she struggled with addiction and financial troubles. She later moved to California and tried to start a new life, but her past continued to haunt her.
Evelyn Nesbit lived a fascinating and tragic life, leaving behind an enduring legacy as both a symbol of beauty and a victim of abuse.
Early Life and Career
Evelyn Nesbit was born on December 25th, 1884, in Tarentum, Pennsylvania. She was raised in poverty, and her father died when she was only eight years old. Her family moved to Pittsburgh, where her mother worked in a cotton mill and struggled to make ends meet.
Despite her difficult upbringing, Nesbit showed a talent for singing and dancing at a young age. In 1900, when she was just 16 years old, she won a beauty contest and was discovered by New York City artist Charles Dana Gibson. He hired her as a model for his illustrations, and her face soon graced the pages of popular magazines such as Harper’s Weekly and Cosmopolitan.
Nesbit’s beauty and charm quickly caught the attention of wealthy men, and she became involved in high society circles. She began acting on stage and in silent films, and her career took off. In 1903, she met the famous architect Stanford White, who became her lover and introduced her to New York City’s elite.
- Key takeaways:
- Evelyn Nesbit was born in 1884 and grew up in poverty.
- She won a beauty contest at 16 and became a model for Charles Dana Gibson.
- Nesbit’s career as an actress and silent film star took off, thanks in part to her relationship with Stanford White.
Marriage and Infidelity
Evelyn Nesbit married architect Harry Kendall Thaw in April 1905, despite objections from her mother and stepfather. Thaw was known for his violent temper and eccentric behavior, and he was obsessed with Nesbit's past relationship with Stanford White. Shortly after their marriage, Thaw began to exhibit signs of mental illness, including delusions and paranoia.
In June 1906, Thaw shot and killed Stanford White in front of a crowd at Madison Square Garden. Thaw's defense argued that he was justified in avenging Nesbit's honor, while others believed that Thaw's mental illness was to blame for the crime.
The scandalous trial received widespread media attention and Nesbit's past relationships were exposed for the world to see. It was revealed that she had been involved with several wealthy men, including White, while she was still a teenager.
Despite Thaw's conviction and imprisonment, he and Nesbit remained married until their divorce in 1916. Throughout their marriage, Thaw was known for his infidelity and abusive behavior towards Nesbit.
Later Years and Legacy
After the trials and scandals surrounding her life, Evelyn Nesbit largely faded into obscurity in the years following her heyday as a model and actress. She continued to work in vaudeville and on the stage for several years, but her popularity waned, and she struggled financially.
In her later years, Nesbit turned to writing, publishing her memoirs and several romantic novels. She made occasional appearances at public events and continued to be sought out for interviews by journalists.
Despite her tumultuous past, Nesbit's lasting legacy lies in her impact on the culture of her time. She was one of the most photographed and adored women of the early 20th century, and her image helped define the emerging concept of the "New Woman" – a self-possessed, independent woman who challenged traditional gender roles.
- Nesbit's influence can be seen in the popular fashion trends of the day, including the "Gibson Girl" look and the "flapper" style of the 1920s.
- She also inspired a generation of young women to pursue careers in the arts and other fields, and her story continues to captivate audiences today.
Despite the controversies that surrounded her, Evelyn Nesbit remains an enduring icon of beauty, style, and independence in American cultural history.
Evelyn Nesbit: Details of Her Age, Height, Figure
Evelyn Nesbit, born on December 25, 1884, was an American model, chorus girl, and actress. She gained fame in the early 1900s as a symbol of beauty and glamour in the New York City social scene. At the height of her career, she was known for her youthful appearance and ethereal figure, which were highly sought after by artists, photographers, and designers.
According to historical records, Evelyn Nesbit was of average height for her time, standing at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (167.6 cm). She was also known for her hourglass figure, with an estimated waist size of 24 inches (60.9 cm) and hips measuring around 36 inches (91.4 cm).
Despite her popularity and success, Evelyn Nesbit's life was not without controversy. She became embroiled in a scandal known as the "Trial of the Century" when her former husband, wealthy architect Stanford White, was murdered by her ex-lover, Harry Thaw. The sensational trial captivated the public's attention and helped to cement Evelyn Nesbit's place in history.
Today, Evelyn Nesbit's legacy is remembered not only for her beauty and talent but also for her resilience and courage in the face of adversity. Her net worth at the time of her death in 1967 is reported to be in the range of $25,000 to $100,000, a testament to her enduring popularity and influence even decades after her heyday.
Net Worth and Achievements
Throughout her career, Evelyn Nesbit achieved great success and amassed a significant net worth. Her talent as a model and actress was undeniable, and she quickly became one of the most sought-after figures of her time.
One of her notable achievements was her appearance in the musical comedy "The Wild Rose" in 1902, which earned her critical acclaim and cemented her status as a rising star. She also received praise for her roles in films such as "Redemption" and "Ragtime".
In addition to her successful career, Nesbit was also known for her social life and relationships with high-profile figures such as Stanford White and Harry Kendall Thaw. Her scandalous personal life only added to her allure and helped her to maintain her status as a popular figure in the public eye.
At the peak of her career, Nesbit's net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a significant sum for the time. Her success and achievements continue to be celebrated, and her legacy as an influential figure in the entertainment industry lives on.
FAQ
Who was Evelyn Nesbit and why is she famous?
Evelyn Nesbit was an American actress, model, and chorus girl who gained notoriety at the turn of the 20th century for her involvement in the murder of her ex-lover, architect Stanford White. She was also known for her beauty and was a popular model and muse for artists of the time.
What was Evelyn Nesbit's figure like?
Evelyn Nesbit was known for her youthful and shapely figure, with measurements reported to be around 34-24-36. She was often described as having a "Gibson Girl" look, with a small waist and curves in all the right places.
How tall was Evelyn Nesbit?
There is some debate about Evelyn Nesbit's exact height, with sources estimating anywhere from 5'1" to 5'6". However, it's generally agreed that she was on the shorter side for women of her time.
What was Evelyn Nesbit's net worth?
It's difficult to estimate Evelyn Nesbit's net worth, as she lived in a different era and her finances were not well-documented. However, during her heyday as a model and actress, she was reportedly making up to $2,000 a week, which would be equivalent to around $50,000 a week in today's money. She also received a settlement of $25,000 after the death of Stanford White, which would be equivalent to around $700,000 today.
