She was a fixture on the Broadway stage who became a popular nightclub hostess during the Prohibition and starred in Queen of the Night Clubs.
She went from barnstorming in traveling companies to playing popular roles in plays, including Bob White and The Gay Musician, which made her one of the biggest Broadway stars of the age.
Her chain of alcohol-friendly nightclubs made her even more their, as did her friendly "Hello, sucker!" greetings to guests.
She was born in Waco, Texas and grew up with her siblings William Guinan, Thomas Guinan, Pearl Guinan, and Walter Harry. She was married twice, first to John J. Moynahan, then to Julian Johnson.
Her Prohibition speakeasies became a haven for Hollywood's well-to-do, hosting everyone from George Gershwin to Rudolph Valentino.