Helen Gibson became famous as the first female what?

Helen Gibson (born Rose Wenger; August 27, 1892 – October 10, 1977) was an American actress and is considered to be the first American professional stunt woman.

She began riding rodeo horses at age 18 in Wild West Shows. She then found work as a cowboy extra in Hollywood.

In 1913, she met and married actor Edmund Richard "Hoot" Gibson (1892-1962). Hoot worked as a cowboy extra and double for actor Tom Mix.

In April 1915 while doubling for Helen Holmes in "The Hazards of Helen" adventure film series, Gibson performed what is said to be her most dangerous stunt: a leap from the roof of a station onto a moving train. She practiced the jump with the train standing still but it had to be moving for the shot. She leapt and landed correctly, but the train's motion made her roll. She caught hold of an air vent and dangled over the edge, suffering only a few bruises.

When Holmes took ill Gibson was asked to replace her for two pictures, she wound up performing in 69 episodes until the series end.

Her husband Hoot had joined the Army, and upon his return found his wife was now a successful movie star. His ego could not handle it, and the couple separated in 1920.

She then created Helen Gibson Productions to produce her own films. The money ran out before her first film was done, bankrupting her.

She continued to work as a stunt double for many famous female stars.

Her last role was in 1961's, "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance", she was 69 years old.