The Duncan Sisters – 1920s Vaudeville Stars
Rosetta (right) and Vivian (left) started their vaudeville stage
careers at the ages of 17 and 14, respectively. Rosetta took on the persona of
the comedienne, and Vivian played the stereotypical dumb blonde. They were
quite popular as singers and actresses and performed in night clubs in both New
York and London, on Broadway, and eventually in films.
Their most well known film was the 1923 musical comedy Topsy and
Eva, which was based on the novel Uncle Tom's Cabin. Rosetta played the role of
Topsy in black-face, and Vivian played Eva. For this show, they wrote and sang
some of their own songs. One of them, "Remembering" was a huge
popular hit of the era.
In addition to their own popularity, they also influenced other
entertainers who also became darlings of the state such as Judy Garland.
Those of you who have seen Topsy and Eva will
recognize some of the lines as the sisters reminisce about their careers.
The Duncan Sisters Look Back
The Duncan Sisters Look Back
