Florence Gilbert

Born: 20 February 1904, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Died: 27 February 1991, Sylmar, California, USA

Florence Gilbert spent much of her childhood in Chicago. When she was 14 her mother wrote to Mary Pickford who encouraged her to bring Florence to Hollywood. Florence looked older than her years and was soon cast in films as a young wife or working woman even though she was still only a teenager. In 1921 whilst working for Metro Pictures, Florence was cast in the very first short film to feature both Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, ‘The Lucky Dog’. Although they were not an official comedy duo for another 6 years, this is now recognised as the start of what was to become a great personal and working relationship between Laurel and Hardy, and Florence, unbeknownst to her, was their first female lead. Here is video about Florence.

The Lucky Dog (1921) as Poodle Owner

With Stan Laurel.

Florence Gilbert looks like the lead dancer in the dream sequence.

















Back Fire (1922) as Betty Hampton

With Jack Hoxie.

















Brilliantino the Bullfighter (1923) as Brilliantino's Sweetheart

Videos

The Ladies of Laurel and Hardy - Episode 1 - Florence Gilbert