Lola Falana is a famous American actress, singer, and dancer. She is known for her impressive entertainment career. Born in Camden New Jersey she gained attention with her Broadway debut in “Golden Boy” alongside Sammy Davis Jr. Later starred in movies like “Lady Cocoa” and “The Liberation of L.B. Jones.”
She was often called the Queen of Las Vegas. Lola became one of the highest-paid female performers of her time. She is earning up to $100,000 per week. Even though she struggled with multiple sclerosis. She is a symbol of strength and perseverance. Today Lola Falana’s legacy continues to inspire many, with her net worth estimated at $10 million.
Profile Summary
Here is a profile summary of Lola Falana:
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Loletha Elayne Falana |
| Stage Name | Lola Falana |
| Date of Birth | September 11, 1942 |
| Age | 82 years old (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Camden, New Jersey |
| Ethnicity | African-American and Cuban descent |
| Parents | Cleo Falana (father), Bennett Falana (mother) |
| Spouse | Feliciano Tavares Jr. (divorced) |
| Children | None |
| Education | Germantown High School |
| Religion | Devout Christian |
| Current Residence | Lives privately, focusing on her faith and humanitarian work |
| Net Worth | Approximately $10 million |
| Health Condition | Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the 1980s |
| Profession | Actress, singer, dancer, entertainer |
| Broadway Debut | Starred in “Golden Boy” alongside Sammy Davis Jr. |
| Top Titles | Queen of Las Vegas, Top-paid female performer |
| Highest Earnings | Earned up to $100,000 per week during her Las Vegas shows |
| Film Roles | “The Liberation of L.B. Jones”, “Lady Cocoa”, “Lola Colt”, “The Klansman” |
| Television Appearances | “The New Bill Cosby Show”, “The Flip Wilson Show”, “The Muppet Show” |
| Tony Award Nomination | Received for her role in “Doctor Jazz” |
| Magazine Features | Featured in Playboy Magazine during her career |
| Record Label | Signed with Frank Sinatra’s label, released hit single “My Baby” |
| Languages | Fluent in English and Italian (after working in Italian television) |
| Nickname | The Queen of Las Vegas |
| Mentor | Sammy Davis Jr. |
| Signature Performance Style | A mix of singing, dancing, and acting |
| Charity Work | Founder of Lambs of God Ministry, supporting orphans in Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Iconic Movie | Starred in “Lola Colt”, a Spaghetti Western |
| Broadway Legacy | Broke barriers as an African-American actress on Broadway |
| Health Recovery | Overcame a major relapse of multiple sclerosis through faith and determination |
| Legacy in Vegas | First African-American woman to headline and dominate the Las Vegas Strip |
| Recognition | Known for breaking racial and gender barriers in entertainment |
| Current Focus | Faith-based humanitarian efforts and ministry work |
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Lola Falana was born on September 11, 1942, in Camden, New Jersey. Her parents Cleo Falana and Bennett Falana supported her love for music and performance. Lola attended Germantown High School. She discovered her passion for acting and dancing. Her talent caught the attention of many and she soon began performing professionally.
Her big break came when she starred in the Broadway show “Golden Boy” alongside Sammy Davis Jr.. This led to roles in films like “Lady Cocoa” and “The Liberation of L.B. Jones.” As she became known as the Queen of Las Vegas, Lola’s career soared to new heights.
Education
Lola Falana attended Germantown High School in Philadelphia. She worked hard and excelled in her studies, showing her talent early. Even as a young student, she was passionate about theater and performance. Her time in school helped shape her future career in entertainment, especially in acting, singing, and dancing.
After high school, Lola did not attend college. Instead, she focused on building her career. She made her Broadway debut in “Golden Boy,” where she starred alongside Sammy Davis Jr.. Her connections with Davis, along with her performances with artists like Dinah Washington and Davis, helped propel her into the entertainment industry.
Physical Appearances
Lola Falana was admired for her remarkable beauty and magnetic presence. At 5’6″, she had a graceful and fit body. She is perfect for her energetic dance performances. Her radiant smile and expressive eyes made her a standout in every crowd. She was often featured in well-known magazines like Playboy, where her photoshoots became iconic.
Her fashion sense was as dazzling as her talent. Whether on stage in her extravagant Vegas costumes or on TV, Lola always showcased her elegance and confidence. Her physical appeal added to her reputation as the Queen of Las Vegas, leaving a lasting impression on all who saw her perform.
Relationships and Personal Life
Lola Falana’s personal life has been both private and public. She married Feliciano Tavares Jr., a musician and member of the R&B group Tavares, but they later divorced. Lola did not have any children. Her relationship with her family, especially with her parents, was important. She always supported them in her career.
After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the 1980s, Lola turned to her Christian faith for strength. Her faith helped her through many tough times. Today, Lola focuses on humanitarian work. She founded Lambs of God Ministry, which helps orphaned children in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her strong faith continues to inspire many people.
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| Source of Income | Details |
| Broadway Musicals | “Golden Boy”, “Doctor Jazz” |
| Films | “Lady Cocoa”, “The Klansman” |
| TV Shows | “The New Bill Cosby Show”, Variety |
| Las Vegas Residencies | MGM Grand, Sands Hotel |
| Music | Singles like “My Baby” |
Career Breakthrough
Lola Falana’s big break came when she joined the Broadway show Golden Boy. She performed alongside Sammy Davis Jr., which helped her gain fame in the entertainment industry. This role opened many doors for her in film and television.
Afterward, Lola Falana signed with Mercury Records and released her hit single “My Baby.” Her performances in Las Vegas earned her the title of Queen of Las Vegas. She became a top star, earning $100,000 per week for her shows, showcasing her talents in singing, dancing, and acting.
Career Achievements and Net Worth
Lola Falana had a successful career in entertainment. She starred in Broadway shows like “Golden Boy” with Sammy Davis Jr. and appeared in popular films such as “Lady Cocoa” and “The Liberation of L.B. Jones.” As the Queen of Las Vegas, she became one of the highest-paid performers, earning up to $100,000 per week during her shows. Lola also made television appearances on famous shows like “The Flip Wilson Show” and “The Muppet Show.”
Today, Lola Falana’s net worth is estimated at $10 million. Despite health challenges, she remains an inspiring figure in the world of entertainment. Her talent, resilience, and legacy continue to impact African-American women in the industry.
Film and TV Career
Lola Falana became a familiar face on television, appearing in popular shows like “The Hollywood Palace,” “The Joey Bishop Show,” “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” and “The Flip Wilson Show.” Her guest appearances and variety specials introduced her to even more viewers.
She also starred in the comedy “The New Bill Cosby Show,” where she displayed her acting range and humor. Additionally, Lola took on dramatic roles in shows like “The Streets of San Francisco” and “Fantasy Island,” proving her versatility and talent across different genres.
Musical Career and Record Deals
Lola Falana’s musical career began with guidance from Sammy Davis Jr. and saw her sign with Mercury Records and Frank Sinatra’s label. She released the single “My Baby,” which highlighted her vocal talent. Her performances were a mix of singing, dancing, and acting, making her a standout on Broadway. She also showcased her artistry in Italy on popular TV programs like “Sabato Sera” and “Hai Visto Mai?”.
Her music career and television appearances in Italy greatly contributed to her net worth, establishing her as a versatile performer. Lola’s time in Las Vegas also solidified her as the Queen of Las Vegas, earning her the title of top-paid female performer.
Challenges and Legacy
Lola Falana faced many challenges during her career. She battled multiple sclerosis but never gave up on her dreams. Despite this illness, she continued to perform and inspire others. She became a symbol of strength and resilience, showing that nothing could stop her passion for acting, singing, and dancing.
Her legacy is unforgettable. Lola broke many barriers for African-American women in entertainment. She was the first African-American woman to headline the Las Vegas Strip. She also became the Queen of Las Vegas, earning a top place in the entertainment world. Today, Lola’s story continues to inspire millions worldwide.
The Lasting Impact of Lola Falana Net Worth
Lola Falana had a huge impact on the entertainment world. She was a talented actress, singer, and dancer. Known as the Queen of Las Vegas, she became one of the highest-paid performers of her time, earning up to $100,000 per week. Her net worth is now estimated at around $10 million. Despite facing a challenging health condition like multiple sclerosis, Lola never gave up and continues to inspire others.
Her career helped break racial and gender barriers in Hollywood. She starred in Broadway shows like “Golden Boy” and appeared in famous films such as “Lady Cocoa”. Lola’s legacy lives on through her work in both faith-based efforts and humanitarian work.
Awards, Recognitions, and Nominations in Her Career
Lola Falana gained significant recognition throughout her career. She was nominated for a Tony Award for her role in the Broadway show “Doctor Jazz”, marking a key moment in her theater journey. Her performance in “Golden Boy“ alongside Sammy Davis Jr. also drew praise, showcasing her extraordinary talent.
As a groundbreaking African-American performer, she made waves in Las Vegas by becoming the highest-paid female performer of the 1970s. While she didn’t win a Golden Globe, her roles in films like “The Liberation of L.B. Jones” proved her acting range, leaving a strong impact on theater, film, and live entertainment.
FAQ’s
Where is Lola Falana today?
Lola Falana lives privately, focusing on her faith and humanitarian work. She continues to inspire many with her resilience and dedication.
Is Lola Falana still married?
Lola Falana was previously married to Feliciano Tavares Jr., but they are now divorced. She has not remarried since then.
Who are Lola Falana’s children?
Lola Falana does not have any children. She has remained focused on her career and humanitarian efforts.
Did Lola Falana have multiple sclerosis?
Yes, Lola Falana was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the 1980s. Despite this, she continued to live an inspiring life.
Why is Lola Falana famous?
Lola Falana is famous for being a talented actress, singer, and dancer. She became the top-paid female performer in Las Vegas during the 1970s.
What is Lola Falana’s net worth?
Lola Falana has an estimated net worth of $10 million. Her wealth comes from her successful career in entertainment.
What happened to Lola Falana?
Lola Falana retired from public performances due to her health struggles with multiple sclerosis. She now focuses on faith and charity work.
Is Lola Falana still alive today?
Yes, Lola Falana is still alive today. She remains active in her religious and charitable activities.
Where was Lola Falana born?
Lola Falana was born in Camden, New Jersey on September 11, 1942. She grew up to become an iconic entertainer.
Did Lola Falana ever win a Tony Award?
Lola Falana was nominated for a Tony Award for her role in “Doctor Jazz” but did not win. Her performance, however, earned significant recognition.
What was Lola Falana’s relationship with Sammy Davis Jr.?
Lola Falana and Sammy Davis Jr. had a professional relationship. He mentored her and helped her gain recognition on Broadway.
Why was Lola Falana called the Queen of Las Vegas?
Lola Falana was called the Queen of Las Vegas due to her status as the highest-paid female performer during the 1970s. She dominated the Las Vegas Strip with her performances.
What roles did Lola Falana play in movies?
Lola Falana starred in movies like “The Liberation of L.B. Jones”, “Lady Cocoa”, and “Lola Colt”. She showcased her versatility in both action and drama roles.
Conclusion
Lola Falana is a pioneering American actress, singer, and dancer known for her amazing talent. Born on September 11, 1942, in Camden, New Jersey, she became famous on Broadway with “Golden Boy” alongside Sammy Davis Jr. She also appeared in films like “Lady Cocoa” and TV shows such as “The New Bill Cosby Show” and “The Flip Wilson Show.”
Called the Queen of Las Vegas, she was the highest-paid female performer of the 1970s, earning up to $100,000 per week. Even though she faced challenges with multiple sclerosis, her legacy still inspires many. Today, Lola Falana continues her faith-based humanitarian work and has an estimated net worth of $10 million.
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