[4] Franklin performed in variety theaters in London in 1894 and debuted in vaudeville in the United States in 1895.

She was named Most Popular Woman Vaudeville Artist in a contest organized by Percy G. Williams in 1908.

[5] Franklin's Broadway credits included Sweet Adeline (1929), The Greenwich Village Follies (1921), The Passing Show of 1917 (1917), Hands Up (1915), The Summer Widowers (1910), and The Orchid (1907).

She wrote lyrics for Sweet Adeline and The Passing Show of 1917 in addition to performing in those productions.

Her first screen appearance was in Irene Franklin, the American Comedienne (1929) in which she performed a bit of her vaudeville routine.

'[7]During her tenure in Los Angeles, Irene Franklin resided at 3093 Lake Hollywood Drive, built in 1927.