She spent much of her youth in European boarding schools, taking an interest in performance and often participating in private theatricals.

Her breakthrough role came in 1911, when she portrayed Becky Sharp in the film version of the novel Vanity Fair.

Following Cleopatra's success, Gardner continued to release popular films, specializing in feature-length motion pictures of at least five or six reels in length.

[8] Her sensual, commanding portrayal of female characters was entirely new at the time, leading to her classification as the screen's first vamp, predating Theda Bara, Valeska Suratt and Louise Glaum.

Her three most popular films — Cleopatra, A Sister to Carmen and A Daughter of Pan — all center female protagonists.

[9] Before Gardner embarked on an acting career, she married socially prominent businessman Duncan Clarkson Pell Sr., on October 16, 1902, in West Haven, Connecticut.

[10] The marriage took place shortly after Gardner's 18th birthday and one week after Pell's divorce from his first wife, Anna.