Lola Falana, known for her dazzling sequined gowns, captivating dance moves, and commanding stage presence, is one of entertainment’s most enigmatic figures. Born in Camden, New Jersey, to Cuban and African-American parents, she would go on to dominate Las Vegas stages, film sets, and television screens. Yet, behind the glamour and fame, Lola’s personal life and transformation into a spiritual leader tell a story of resilience, self-discovery, and devotion.
Lola Falana’s passion for performance began early. From the age of 3, she was dancing, and by 5, she was singing in the church choir. Raised in Philadelphia, she spent much of her youth accompanying her mother to nightclubs where she honed her craft. At 16, against her parents’ wishes, Lola moved to New York to pursue her dreams, marking the start of a career that would take her to the heights of fame.
Her breakthrough came in 1964 when Sammy Davis Jr. spotted her performing in a Broadway chorus line and offered her a starring role in Golden Boy. This partnership with Davis Jr. would prove pivotal, opening doors for Lola in both the music and film industries. By 1965, she had released her debut song, “My Baby,” and by 1966, she had made her film debut in A Man Called Adam. Her growing fame also took her to Italy, where she starred in several films, earning the nickname “The Black Venus.”
In the 1970s, Falana became the epitome of Las Vegas glamour. Performing at iconic venues such as the Sands, MGM Grand, and Aladdin, she was one of the highest-paid female entertainers in the city. Lola’s Las Vegas performances were nothing short of legendary, commanding up to $100,000 per week. At the time, she was second only to Wayne Newton in terms of earnings on the Strip.
Her diverse talents extended beyond the stage. Lola appeared regularly on television shows such as The Tonight Show, The Muppet Show, and The Flip Wilson Show, showcasing her abilities as a dancer, singer, and comedian. She also made history by becoming the first Black woman to appear in perfume advertisements for Tigress.
While Lola’s professional accomplishments were well-documented, her personal life remained more mysterious. Her most publicized relationship was with her mentor, Sammy Davis Jr., with whom she had an affair between 1965 and 1968. The affair was a source of much public speculation and ultimately contributed to the end of Davis’ marriage. After this relationship, Lola briefly married Feliciano Tarez Jr. in 1970, though the union ended in divorce by 1975.
Throughout her career, Lola’s romantic life was often the subject of rumors. Speculation about potential relationships with other entertainment icons, like Smokey Robinson, only added to the intrigue surrounding her personal affairs. However, Lola was known for fiercely guarding her privacy, leaving fans and biographers to piece together fragments of her love life.
In the mid-1980s, Lola’s life took a dramatic turn. She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a degenerative disease that caused paralysis, vision problems, and hearing loss. Her health struggles led to a series of medical challenges, including nearly dying from peritonitis in 1983. As her health declined, she took a step back from the limelight, and the public began to wonder about her well-being.
However, Lola’s journey through illness became a story of perseverance. With the support of friends, family, and her newfound faith, she committed herself to a strict physical therapy regimen and adopted a healthier lifestyle. Remarkably, by 1989, she was in remission, and she attributed her recovery to a combination of modern medicine and her spiritual faith.
Lola’s spiritual journey continued as she embraced Catholicism, becoming a devout believer. In 1988, she publicly declared her faith and began speaking about her spiritual transformation. She even considered a vocation as a nun, opting for a life of celibacy and devotion to God. During this period, Lola shed her former persona and adopted a more modest and reflective lifestyle, leaving behind the sequins and exposing outfits for a simpler life focused on faith and service.
Lola’s transformation was not just about personal healing but also about helping others. In 2002, she founded the Lambs of God Ministry, a non-profit organization dedicated to aiding orphans in Sub-Saharan Africa, a region devastated by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Through her ministry, Lola has worked tirelessly to provide food, housing, education, and medical care for thousands of children orphaned by the disease.
Her faith-driven charity work has continued to shine a spotlight on the plight of these children, bringing much-needed attention and support to the cause. Lola’s ministry, which also helps raise awareness about the emotional fallout from abortion, has been a testament to her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, Lola Falana is remembered as much for her spiritual journey as for her glittering entertainment career. While she faced numerous health challenges, including a relapse of MS in 1996, Lola’s resolve to continue her mission and spread her faith has inspired countless individuals.
Her wealth, amassed during her heyday as one of Las Vegas’ most bankable stars, was substantial, with an estimated net worth of $10 million. However, her true legacy lies in her transformation from a glamorous sex symbol to a spiritual leader dedicated to the well-being of others.
Lola Falana’s life story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of faith. From dazzling audiences in Las Vegas to ministering to orphaned children in Africa, she has proven that true fulfillment comes not from fame and fortune, but from the service of others and a deep connection to one’s faith.
