Evelyn Ruth Finley, a renowned figure in the western genre, was widely regarded as the most accomplished stunt rider of her time. Her exceptional skills on horseback earned her the respect and admiration of esteemed directors, including the illustrious William A. Wellman.
Growing up on her father's ranch, Evelyn developed a strong affinity for horses from a young age. As a tomboy, she spent her childhood surrounded by the majestic animals, which would later become an integral part of her profession. Her father's promise to put her into pictures seemed to be a distant dream, but Evelyn's path to Hollywood remains unclear.
One possibility is that her winning a beauty contest, earning her the title of "Miss Albuquerque," played a significant role in her arrival in the city of dreams. The year was 1936, and Evelyn's first foray into the film industry came as a stunt double for Jean Parker.
By 1940, Evelyn had secured a contract with Monogram, where her impressive equestrian skills quickly propelled her to leading lady status opposite notable actors such as Tex Ritter, Tom Keene, Johnny Mack Brown, and Buster Crabbe. Under the pseudonym Eve Anderson, she starred in one of the last serials produced at Columbia, Perils of the Wilderness, in 1956.
Despite her success as a leading lady, Evelyn's true passion lay in stunt work, particularly horseback riding. She often doubled for glamorous stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Loretta Young, demonstrating her remarkable ability to perform complex stunts with ease.
Evelyn's involvement in the film industry extended well into the 1980s, with stints as both an active stunt performer and technical adviser. When not working in Hollywood, she toured as an equestrian performer at various circuses, showcasing her impressive riding skills to audiences worldwide.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the stunt industry, Evelyn was inducted into the prestigious Stuntmen's Hall of Fame.
