Elsa Benham

Who was Elsa Benham?

Elsa Benham was a dancer and silent movie performer from St. Louis, Missouri.

Benham was discovered by film director James Cruze as a member of the Kosloff Ballet when she performed in Hollywood in 1924. Cruz signed her to a small part in a movie he was making. Her career progressed quickly as she secured roles in Dick Turpin with Tom Mix and The Phantom of the Opera, which starred Mary Philbin and Lon Chaney.

In 1925 Benham won a popularity contest conducted by the West Hollywood Business Men's Association. It was entered by many film actresses. She was awarded a diamond ring for winning. Press reports compared her appearance to actress Barbara La Marr, though Benham was many years younger. Benham was about 5'5" in height, with hazel eyes, and black hair.

Benham had a brief tenure as a Hollywood actress. Most of her screen credits are in western films. Some of the titles are Fighting With Buffalo Bill, Speeding Hoofs, and Code of the Cow Country.