Gilbert Genesta
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gilbert Genesta (born as Royden Joseph Gilbert Raison DelaGenesta; March 29, 1878 – November 9, 1930) was an American escape artist and magician who died from performing a water milk can escape.
Born
March 29, 1878
Royden Joseph Gilbert Raison DelaGenesta
March 29, 1878
Ashland, Kentucky, U.S.
DiedNovember 9, 1930 (aged 52)
Frankfort, Kentucky, U.S.
Causeof deathDrowning
Resting placeFrankfort Cemetery
Gilbert Genesta | |
|---|---|
| Born | Royden Joseph Gilbert Raison DelaGenesta March 29, 1878 Ashland, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | November 9, 1930 (aged 52) Frankfort, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Drowning |
| Resting place | Frankfort Cemetery |
| Occupations | Illusionist, magician, stunt performer, escape artist |
| Years active | 1890-1930 |
Early career
Death
On November 8, 1930, Genesta was performing a trick in a vaudeville theater in Frankfort, Kentucky. He attempted to escape from a water-filled milk can in two minutes, a famous trick invented by Harry Houdini. However, prior to the performance his milk can had been dropped, damaging the secret escape hatch and rendering it inoperable. Genesta survived the initial incident due to three people breaking the milk can open in time, and was revived by an physician.[3]
