Juanita Hansen

About

Silent film-era actress who overcame a drug addiction to write a book and tour the country, talking about her experiences.

Before Fame

She was one of Mack Sennett's 'Bathing Beauties,' doing slapstick comedy, and eventually gaining fame along with a $1,500-per-week contract.

Trivia

Her taste for cocaine made her unemployable until she got clean in 1928; but by then a hotel accident left her injured and addicted to morphine.

Family Life

She was born in Des Moines, Iowa, moving with the family to California at a young age.

Associated With

One of her earliest roles was in a 1915 D.W. Griffith-produced film.