Waco History - "Hello, Sucker" The story of Waco's first Hollywood actress

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Edmond Bear
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With acting credits in 43 films, usually westerns featuring strong-willed heroines, Marie Louise "Texas" Guinan was a hot property in New York and Hollywood. Her life would go on to be made into a movie Incendiary Blonde' starring Betty Hutton. And, her "character" would inspire portrayals of her life played by Mae West, Gladys George, and Diane Lane.



Born in 1884, outside of Waco, Guinan attended Sacred Heart Academy, located at 8th and Washington. Her father owned a grocery store in Waco and she spent her early year's roping, riding, and learning to shoot.



After vocal training in Chicago, Guinan started acting in Wild West Theater shows. For a time, she settled in New York performing as a chorus girl and then in vaudeville shows and musical reviews. Guinan was able to use her roping and shooting skills in many of her acts. Unfortunately, she shot herself in the foot while acting in Simple Simon Simple. During this time, she became known as "Texas Guinan" because of her roots and boldness.



By 1915, she caught the eye of Hollywood and began filming short-reel silent westerns. She spent the next eight years in Hollywood as a prolific actress starring in movies like Boss of the Rancho and The Heart of Texas.




While still acting, Guinan formed her own production company in 1921 and released two films.

By 1923, with her movie career winding up, she returned to New York to sing in the Beaux-Arts Club, eventually becoming the emcee. Known as the 'Queen of the Nightclubs,' Texas Guinan was a rarity in Prohibition-era America. It was extraordinary for a woman to host a nightclub and Guinan would go on to host several. Her well-known name, quick wit, and larger-than-life personality made her a natural.

She hosted mobster Larry Fay's nightclub, The Fey. While there, she started greeting customers with "Hello, Sucker. Come on in and leave your wallet on the bar." Her brassy style was funny and captivating. As emcee of The 300 Club, she would host Al Jolson, Jack Dempsey, and The Prince of Wales. At one point, the NYC police raided The 300 Club for serving alcohol and suggestive dancing. Guinan faced two years in prison but was acquitted.



In 1933, while playing in the show Too Hot for Paris, Guinan contracted amoebic dysentery and later died from the illness. She is buried in Queens, New York.

Guinan inspired movies based on her character. When Mae West played in Night After Night, a coat-check girl exclaims to West "Goodness, what beautiful diamonds." West responds "Goodness has got nothin' to do with it, dearie." West would become known for a style of comedy and bawdy double entendres that was influenced by Guinan.

In 1984's The Cotton Club, Diane Lane modeled her character, Vera Cicero, after Guinan.
Vera: I sing, tell a few jokes
Dixie: Tell me a joke.
Vera: [laughs] Hello, sucker

And most recently, Whoopi Goldberg plays a recurring character named Guinan in Star Trek episodes. And, yes, Whoopi's character, a bartender that brings warmth and comfort to The USS Enterprise is intentionally named after Texas Guinan.



Sources:
Waco History - https://wacohistory.org/items/show/216
Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Guinan
IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0347345/










trey3216
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mmm. Diane Lane.
Jackie Treehorn treats objects like women, man.
BUbearinARK
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her work is voluminous
Bexar Pitts
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Great Post, Edmond Bear! Thanks so much for taking the time to put it up!
Robert Wilson
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That's pretty cool. Surprised I'd never heard of her. Thanks for posting.
Limited IQ Redneck in PU
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thanks
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