Mary Louise Cecilia "Texas" Guinan (January 12, 1884 â€" November 5,
1933) was an American actress, producer and entrepreneur. Born in
Texas to Irish immigrant parents, she decided at an early age to
become an entertainer. After becoming a star on the New York stage,
the repercussions of her involvement in a weight loss scam motivated
her to switch careers to the film business. Spending several years in
California appearing in numerous productions, she eventually formed
her own company.She is most remembered for the speakeasy clubs she
managed during Prohibition. Her clubs catered to the rich and famous,
as well as to aspiring talent. After being arrested and indicted
during a law enforcement sweep of speakeasy clubs, she was acquitted
during her trial.Guinan was one of four siblings born in Waco, Texas,
to immigrants Michael and Bessie (née Duffy) Guinan, who had
immigrated separately as adults, meeting and marrying in Colorado[FN
1]. Both parents were of Irish ancestry. They initially operated a
wholesale grocery business. Relocating to Texas, they ran a horse and
cattle ranch. As a child, she was nicknamed "Mamie", and attended
parochial school at the Loretta Convent in Waco, Texas . Growing up on
a ranch provided her with basic cowboy skills, and she honed her
marksmanship at a local shooting gallery. In 1898, her parents were
successful in securing her a two-year scholarship to the American
Conservatory of Music offered by Chicago businessman Marshall Field.
After developing her soprano vocal talents, and finishing her studies,
she joined a touring acting troupe that featured American "Wild West"
entertainment.
1933) was an American actress, producer and entrepreneur. Born in
Texas to Irish immigrant parents, she decided at an early age to
become an entertainer. After becoming a star on the New York stage,
the repercussions of her involvement in a weight loss scam motivated
her to switch careers to the film business. Spending several years in
California appearing in numerous productions, she eventually formed
her own company.She is most remembered for the speakeasy clubs she
managed during Prohibition. Her clubs catered to the rich and famous,
as well as to aspiring talent. After being arrested and indicted
during a law enforcement sweep of speakeasy clubs, she was acquitted
during her trial.Guinan was one of four siblings born in Waco, Texas,
to immigrants Michael and Bessie (née Duffy) Guinan, who had
immigrated separately as adults, meeting and marrying in Colorado[FN
1]. Both parents were of Irish ancestry. They initially operated a
wholesale grocery business. Relocating to Texas, they ran a horse and
cattle ranch. As a child, she was nicknamed "Mamie", and attended
parochial school at the Loretta Convent in Waco, Texas . Growing up on
a ranch provided her with basic cowboy skills, and she honed her
marksmanship at a local shooting gallery. In 1898, her parents were
successful in securing her a two-year scholarship to the American
Conservatory of Music offered by Chicago businessman Marshall Field.
After developing her soprano vocal talents, and finishing her studies,
she joined a touring acting troupe that featured American "Wild West"
entertainment.
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