During the Prohibition Era (1920–1933), speakeasies were clandestine establishments where people gathered to drink alcohol, often in defiance of the Volstead Act. These venues attracted a range of individuals, including famous actors, writers, musicians, and gangsters. Here are some notable celebrities who frequented speakeasies, as well as insights into the venues they visited and their culture:
Celebrities Known to Visit Speakeasies
1. F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald
• The Fitzgeralds were quintessential figures of the Jazz Age. They frequented speakeasies in New York City, and the wild parties described in The Great Gatsby are reflective of this culture.
• They were regulars at venues like the 21 Club.
2. Al Jolson
• The famous entertainer and singer known for The Jazz Singer would perform and socialize at speakeasies, blending with other notable figures of the time.
3. Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong
• Jazz legends who not only visited speakeasies but often performed in them, transforming these venues into hubs of cultural innovation.
4. Dorothy Parker and the Algonquin Round Table
• This group of writers and intellectuals, including Parker, Robert Benchley, and others, were known for their wit and their love of speakeasy culture, often stopping by New York hotspots.
5. Clara Bow
• The silent film star known as the “It Girl” was a prominent figure in the speakeasy scene, where her carefree image fit in perfectly.
6. Charlie Chaplin
• The comedic actor and director would frequent underground venues in Hollywood, mixing with stars and bootleggers.
7. Al Capone
• While more famous as a gangster, Capone’s influence on the speakeasy culture cannot be overlooked. He was often seen at Chicago venues like The Green Mill.
