Gilbert Genesta

Gilbert Genesta was an American escape artist and magician who died from performing a water milk can escape.

Early career

E. H. Weese allowed Genesta to perform on stage for Vaudette Theatre plays. Genesta began to operate the Genesta Theatre in Alma, Michigan. In March 1918, Genesta sold the Genesta Theatre to A. H. Ashley. Later on he would acquire Vaudette Theatre from E. H. Weese.

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.