Trivia

Daughter of vaudeville performers James Gribbin (1876-1939) and Elizabeth Houston (1875-1942).

Sister of actress Billie Houston.

Started performing in music hall in 1916 with her sister Billie.

Daughter of a liquor salesman, who, with his wife, later formed a variety song-and-dance act. On stage from 1914, with the Fyfe and Fyfe Company near Glasgow. Formed her own music hall double act with her sister Billie, as the 'Houston Sisters', her comedy based on sibling rivalry and Scottish working-class life. On screen after World War II in middle-aged roles as tough mothers and assorted harridans, also appeared as comic support in several instalments of the 'Carry On' series.

Sister-in-law of Brian Aherne.

She was due to play Mrs. Dukes, the dotty hotel resident in Carry on Girls (1973), but ill health caused her contract to be cancelled. Joan Hickson played the part instead.