She made her vaudeville debut in Scranton, Pennsylvania, at the age of 15. She performed in Oscar Hammerstein I's Victoria Theatre in 1911, although her performance was panned, mainly for her song choices. By age 17, she was a headliner.
Her early career began with a debut in Scranton, Pennsylvania, at the age of 15.  She gained recognition as a performer by age 17, despite initial negative reviews for her performance in Oscar Hammerstein I's Victoria Theatre in 1911.