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.