Lola Falana born in Camden, New Jersey, United States in 1942 is one of America’s pioneering showgirls known for her acting, singing, dancing as well as modeling career. She was the third of six children born to Bennett, a welder and Cleo Falana, a seamstress.
Lola left home as a teenager to seek her fortune in entertainment. She often slept in subway stations before she got a job. Lola started her dancing career under Dinah Washington and with her unique style and personality she worked her way to the top of the country’s show business scenario. With time, she also garnered international recognition and became a global icon.
As a teenager she started dancing in nightclubs. Beautiful, graceful, and talented, it did not take her long to become a popular figure in the nightclub scene in Las Vegas. Soon enough, she forayed into acting as well.
Her big break came when she appeared opposite Sammy Davis Jr. in “Golden Boy” on Broadway in 1964. She then toured Italy and won fame there in two Italian movies. She toured with the Tavares Brothers in the 1970s and married Feliciano “Butch” Tavares. In 1979 she became the highest-paid entertainer in Las Vegas, thus earning her the title “First Lady of Las Vegas”.
She will be 82 years old on September 11, 2024.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the 1980s. After a brief period of apparent remission, the disease returned in 1996. She retired to her parents’ home in Philadelphia. A decade later, she had recovered sufficiently to return to live in Las Vegas.
Born in Camden, NJ, of African-American and Cuban descent. Her family later moved to Philadelphia. She attended Germantown High School there. Raised Episcopalian, she later converted to Roman Catholicism.
In later years she has turned to religion for comfort and solace, touring much of the time as an evangelist.
Lola Falana was nominated for Broadway’s 1975 Tony Award as Best Actress (Musical) for “Doctor Jazz.” And also for the 2022 New Jersey Hall of Fame in the Performing Arts and Entertainment category.
