Lola Falana is a legendary American actress, singer, and dancer who made a huge impact on the entertainment industry. Born in Camden, New Jersey, she rose to fame with her Broadway debut in “Golden Boy” alongside Sammy Davis Jr. and went on to star in iconic films like “Lady Cocoa” and “The Liberation of L.B. Jones.” Lola also became a household name with her appearances on popular TV shows like “The New Bill Cosby Show” and “The Flip Wilson Show.”
Known as the Queen of Las Vegas, she was one of the highest-paid performers in the 1970s, earning up to $100,000 per week. Despite facing the challenges of multiple sclerosis, Lola’s legacy remains strong. Today, her work and faith-driven efforts inspire many, and her estimated net worth is $10 million, showcasing her enduring influence.
Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Loletha Elayne Falana |
| Stage Name | Lola Falana |
| Date of Birth | September 11, 1942 |
| Age | 82 years old (as of ) |
| Place of Birth | Camden, New Jersey |
| Ethnicity | African-American and Cuban descent |
| Parents | Cleo Falana (father), Bennett Falana (mother) |
| Education | Germantown High School |
| Religion | Devout Christian |
| Current Residence | Lives privately, focusing on faith and humanitarian work |
| Net Worth | Approximately $10 million |
| Top Titles | Queen of Las Vegas, Top-paid female performer |
| Highest Earnings | Earned up to $100,000 per week during Las Vegas shows |
| Film Roles | “The Liberation of L.B. Jones,” “Lady Cocoa,” “Lola Colt,” “The Klansman” |
| Tony Award Nomination | Received for her role in “Doctor Jazz” |
| Nickname | The Queen of Las Vegas |
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Loletha Elayne Falana, better known as Lola Falana, was born on September 11, 1942, in Camden, New Jersey. She grew up in a family of six children, where her father, a Cuban immigrant, fostered her love for music early on. Her mother, Cleo Falana, encouraged her talent by bringing her to church choir performances, where Lola began to develop her singing voice.
During her teenage years, while attending Germantown High School, Lola’s passion for music and dance flourished. A pivotal moment came when she met legendary entertainer Sammy Davis Jr., who became her mentor. He later cast her in the Broadway musical “Golden Boy” in 1964, marking the start of her rise to fame as a talented actress and performer.
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Education
Although Lola did not pursue formal college education, she gained invaluable experience through her life journey and connections in the entertainment industry. After finishing high school, she relocated to Philadelphia, where she worked as a nightclub dancer and developed her performance skills.
Her meeting with Sammy Davis Jr. opened doors to a world of professional training that exceeded traditional education. Through mentorship from entertainment icons like Dinah Washington, Lola learned the nuances of stage performance and showmanship, which became vital to her career success.
Physical Appearance
Lola Falana was renowned for her striking beauty and charismatic stage presence. She stood 5’6″ tall, with a graceful and athletic build that suited her energetic dance routines. Her radiant smile and expressive eyes added to her captivating appeal, making her a sought-after performer and cover feature for popular magazines.
Her sense of style was as dazzling as her talent. Whether wearing elaborate costumes for her Las Vegas shows or glamorous outfits for TV appearances, Lola exuded elegance and confidence, becoming an icon of beauty and talent in entertainment.
Relationships and Personal Life
In 1971, Lola married Feliciano Tavares Jr., a musician from the R&B group Tavares, but the marriage ended in divorce. Despite personal setbacks, Lola maintained focus on her career and personal growth.
In the 1980s, after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), Lola sought strength in her Christian faith. She founded the Lambs of God Ministry, dedicating her life to humanitarian work, including helping orphaned children in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her faith-driven efforts marked a significant chapter in her life, as she shifted her focus to philanthropy and community service.
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Lola Falana, famously called the “Queen of Las Vegas”, achieved extraordinary success through her live performances and entertainment ventures. Her earnings peaked during her Las Vegas residency, contributing to her estimated net worth of $10 million. Her diverse income streams include Broadway performances, films, television appearances, and music.
| Source of Income | Details |
| Broadway Musicals | “Golden Boy”, “Doctor Jazz” |
| Films | “Lady Cocoa”, “The Klansman” |
| TV Shows | “The New Bill Cosby Show”, Variety TV |
| Las Vegas Residencies | MGM Grand, Sands Hotel |
| Music | Singles like “My Baby” |
Career Breakthrough
Lola Falana rose to stardom with her Broadway debut in “Golden Boy” alongside Sammy Davis Jr. Her lively performances and charm earned critical praise, making her a sought-after actress and performer. Her success on stage opened doors to roles in Hollywood movies and Las Vegas residencies, where her electrifying stage presence became legendary.
Beyond acting, Lola showed her musical talents, signing with Mercury Records and releasing hits like “My Baby.” Her versatility as a singer, dancer, and actress made her a household name in entertainment.
Career Achievements and Net Worth
Lola’s career included film, television, and live shows. She earned fame for roles in movies like “Lady Cocoa” and “The Liberation of L.B. Jones”. In Italy, she starred in the movie “Lola Colt”, earning the nickname “Black Venus” for her captivating performances.
During her time in Las Vegas, Lola became one of the highest-paid female performers, earning up to $100,000 per week at shows in iconic venues like the MGM Grand. Her current net worth is $10 million, reflecting her decades of success across entertainment fields.
Film and TV Career
Lola Falana was a familiar face on television. She appeared in popular shows like “The Joey Bishop Show,” “The Flip Wilson Show,” and “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” These appearances showcased her talent and humor, helping her reach a wide audience.
She starred in “The New Bill Cosby Show”, demonstrating her acting range. Lola’s ability to handle both comedy and drama was evident in roles on shows like “The Streets of San Francisco” and “Fantasy Island.”
Musical Career and Record Deals
Mentored by Sammy Davis Jr., Lola’s music journey began with performances in nightclubs and Broadway. She signed record deals with Mercury Records and Frank Sinatra’s label, releasing her debut single “My Baby”, which highlighted her vocal talent.
In Italy, she showcased her musical gifts on TV programs like “Sabato Sera” and “Hai Visto Mai?” These projects increased her popularity and earnings, cementing her as a versatile performer who excelled across different platforms.
Challenges and Legacy
In the 1980s, Lola was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), which caused relapses and even partial paralysis. Despite these health challenges, she relied on her Christian faith for strength and became a motivational speaker.
Lola’s story of perseverance continues to inspire many today. As a trailblazer for African American performers, she paved the way for stars like Diana Ross and Tina Turner.
The Lasting Impact of Lola Falana’s Net Worth
Lola’s financial success reflects her hard work and talent. Her $10 million net worth is a symbol of her influence on Broadway, Hollywood, and Las Vegas stages. She broke racial and gender barriers while setting new standards for live entertainment.
Although she retired from performing, her story continues to inspire fans who ask questions like “What happened to Lola Falana?” She now lives privately, focusing on her faith and humanitarian efforts.
Awards, Recognitions, and Nominations
Lola received a Tony Award nomination for her role in “Doctor Jazz,” solidifying her status in theater history. Her breakout role in “Golden Boy” earned widespread critical acclaim and marked her as a leading figure on Broadway.
She also made history as the first African American woman to headline Las Vegas, earning recognition for her talent and hard work. Despite facing health challenges, Lola’s achievements remain a significant part of entertainment history.
FAQ’s
Where is Lola Falana today?
Lola Falana lives a peaceful and private life, focusing on faith and charity work through the Lambs of God Ministry, which helps orphans in Sub-Saharan Africa.
What is Lola Falana’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is $10 million, earned through her legendary entertainment career and highly paid Las Vegas performances during the 1970s.
Why is Lola Falana famous?
Lola Falana is famous for her incredible work as a singer, dancer, and actress. She earned the title “Queen of Las Vegas” for her record-breaking shows and starred in Broadway hits like “Golden Boy.”
Did Lola Falana have multiple sclerosis?
Yes, Lola Falana was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the 1980s. Despite severe health issues, she recovered with faith and focused on spreading her message of hope.
Why was Lola Falana called the Queen of Las Vegas?
She earned the title due to her extravagant performances and was one of the highest-paid female performers, earning up to $100,000 per week during her time on the Vegas Strip.
Conclusion
Lola Falana is a legendary American actress, singer, and dancer known for her talent and versatility. Born in Camden, New Jersey on September 11, 1942, she gained fame starring in Broadway’s “Golden Boy” with Sammy Davis Jr. and appearing in films like “Lady Cocoa” and popular TV shows.
Crowned the “Queen of Las Vegas”, Lola became one of the highest-paid performers in the 1970s, earning up to $100,000 per week. Despite her fight with multiple sclerosis, her story inspires millions. With a net worth of $10 million, she continues to make a difference through faith-driven charity work and remains a symbol of strength and success.
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