March 8th is International Women's Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
The theme for this year is #ChooseToChallenge, which encourages everyone to challenge gender bias and inequality, and to celebrate women's achievements.
In this blog post, we will celebrate some of the female icons in the casino world, who have made their mark in a male-dominated industry. We will focus on five women from South America and North America, who have excelled in different aspects of the casino business, such as gambling, entertainment, management and philanthropy.
Here are our five female icons in the casino world:
Carmen Miranda (1909-1955)
The Brazilian Bombshell Who Conquered the World
Carmen Miranda was a Portuguese-born Brazilian singer, dancer, and actress who became one of the most popular and influential performers of the 20th century. Her colorful costumes, exotic accent, and catchy songs made her an icon of Latin American culture and a symbol of Hollywood glamour. In this blog post, we will explore her life story, from her humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro to her dazzling career in Broadway and Hollywood, and her tragic death at the age of 46.
Carmen Miranda was born Maria do Carmo Miranda da Cunha on February 9, 1909, in Marco de Canaveses, a small town near Porto, Portugal. Her father, José Maria Pinto da Cunha, was a barber who emigrated to Brazil in 1907 to work in the produce business. Her mother, Maria Emília Miranda da Cunha, followed him two years later with their two daughters, Carmen and Olinda. The family settled in the then-capital city of Rio de Janeiro, where Carmen grew up in a modest but happy household. She attended a convent school and learned to play the guitar and sing at an early age.
Carmen Miranda had a turbulent love life that was often overshadowed by her fame and work. She had several affairs with famous men, such as actor John Payne, singer Dick Haymes, and producer Walter Wanger. However, she never married until 1947, when she wed David Alfred Sebastian, an American movie producer who was 12 years older than her. Their marriage was troubled by his jealousy, her depression, and their infertility. They separated in 1953 but never divorced.
Carmen Miranda also had a close relationship with her family, especially her younger sister Aurora Miranda, who was also a singer and actress. Carmen helped Aurora launch her career in Brazil and later in Hollywood. They appeared together in several films, such as The Three Caballeros (1944) and Copacabana (1947). Carmen also supported her brother Amaro da Cunha, who became a lawyer and politician in Brazil.
Carmen Miranda's breakthrough as a performer came in the late 1920s, when she started singing on Brazilian radio and recording samba songs with composer Josué de Barros. Her first big hit was "Taí (Pra Você Gostar de Mim)", written by Joubert de Carvalho in 1930. The song sold over 35,000 copies and made Carmen a star in Brazil. She soon became known as "A Pequena Notável" (The Remarkable Little One) for her petite stature (she was only 5 feet tall) and her powerful voice.
Carmen Miranda's popularity led her to be hired by the prestigious Casino da Urca, a glamorous nightclub that attracted high society and celebrities. There she performed nightly shows with her band Bando da Lua, composed of six musicians who played typical Brazilian instruments such as the cavaquinho, the pandeiro, and the cuíca. She also appeared in five Brazilian chanchadas , films that celebrated Brazilian music, dance, and carnival culture. Her most famous film from this period was Banana da Terra (1939), directed by Ruy Costa, which introduced her signature "Baiana" image: a colorful dress inspired by Afro-Brazilian women from Bahia, adorned with fruits and flowers.
Carmen Miranda's international fame began in 1939, when she was invited by Broadway producer Lee Shubert to perform in his musical revue The Streets of Paris after he saw her at the Casino da Urca. She accepted the offer and moved to New York City with Bando da Lua. She made her debut on June 19, 1939, at the Broadhurst Theatre, singing "South American Way", a song written for her by Al Dubin and Jimmy McHugh. She received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, who were enchanted by her exotic charm and vibrant personality.
The success of The Streets of Paris led Carmen Miranda to sign a contract with Twentieth Century-Fox in 1940. She made her first Hollywood film that year: Down Argentine Way , with Don Ameche and Betty Grable. Her role as a nightclub singer named Rosita Moreno showcased her talents as a singer and dancer, as well as her trademark fruit hat outfit that she wore in one of the musical numbers. The film was a box-office hit and earned Carmen an honorary Academy Award for "bringing to this country an appreciation of Latin music".
Carmen Miranda went on to make 14 Hollywood films between 1940 and 1953, working with some of the biggest stars and directors of the era, such as Alice Faye, Cesar Romero, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Busby Berkeley, and Vincente Minnelli. She became known as "The Brazilian Bombshell" and "The Chiquita Banana Girl" (after her endorsement of the United Fruit Company). She was also voted the third-most-popular personality in the United States in 1941, and the highest-paid woman in the country in 1945. She sang and danced to songs that became classics, such as "The Lady in the Tutti Frutti Hat", "Mamãe Eu Quero", "Chica Chica Boom Chic", and "I, Yi, Yi, Yi, Yi (I Like You Very Much)".
Carmen Miranda's impact on American culture was immense. She introduced millions of Americans to Brazilian music and culture, and influenced fashion, art, and entertainment. She inspired countless imitations, parodies, and tributes, from cartoons to drag queens. She also broke stereotypes and barriers as a woman, an immigrant, and a person of color in a male-dominated and racist industry. She was a pioneer of cross-cultural exchange and a symbol of diversity and joy.
Alice Ivers Duffield Tubbs Huckert (1851-1930)
The Life of a Legendary Poker Player
Alice Ivers Duffield Tubbs Huckert, better known as Poker Alice, was one of the most famous and successful poker and faro players in the American West. She was born in Devon, England, on February 17, 1851, to Irish immigrants who moved to Virginia when she was twelve. She received a refined education at a boarding school in Virginia, where she learned to speak French and play piano.
She married Frank Duffield, a mining engineer, when she was in her late teens and moved with him to Leadville, Colorado, during the silver boom. There, she became fascinated by gambling and learned to play poker from her husband. After he was killed in a mining accident, she had to support herself by playing poker in saloons and gambling halls across the West.
She traveled to places like Silver City, New Mexico; Deadwood, South Dakota; and Creede, Colorado, where she met famous outlaws like Bob Ford, the killer of Jesse James. She was known for her skill, wit, and charm at the poker table, as well as her fashionable dresses and hats. She often smoked cigars and carried a .38 revolver for protection.
She met her second husband, Warren G. Tubbs, a fellow dealer, in Deadwood. They married in 1890 and had four sons and three daughters. Tubbs was a painter who contracted tuberculosis from his work. Alice supported the family by running a brothel and a roadhouse near Sturgis, South Dakota, where she also hosted poker games. She was arrested several times for illegal gambling and prostitution, but always managed to avoid jail time by paying fines or bribing officials.
She became a widow again when Tubbs died of pneumonia in 1910. She married her third husband, George Huckert, a rancher who worked on her property, in 1913. He died in 1919, leaving Alice alone once more. She continued to gamble until her old age, often traveling to Rapid City to play. She claimed to have won more than $250,000 in her career, but also lost a lot of money on bad bets and lavish spending.
She died of complications from gall bladder surgery on February 27, 1930, at the age of 79. She was buried next to her second husband in Sturgis. She is remembered as a pioneer woman who defied the conventions of her time and carved a niche for herself in the male-dominated world of gambling. She is also celebrated as a folk hero who embodied the spirit of the Wild West.
Dorothy Mae Taylor (1928-2000)
A Life of Service and Leadership
Dorothy Mae Taylor was a trailblazing educator, activist, and politician in New Orleans, who dedicated her life to fighting for racial equality, women's rights, and social justice. She was the first African-American woman to be elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives, the first African-American woman to head a state department, and one of the first two women to serve on the New Orleans City Council. She also played a key role in desegregating the facilities of the New Orleans Recreation Department, the membership of Mardi Gras krewes, and the public schools in Orleans Parish. In this blog post, we will explore her remarkable journey from birth to death, highlighting her achievements, challenges, and legacy.
Dorothy Mae Taylor was born on August 10, 1928, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was the daughter of Charles H. and Mary Jackson DeLavallade, who were both active members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Dorothy grew up in a large and close-knit family, with six siblings and many cousins. She attended McDonogh No. 35 High School, where she excelled academically and participated in various extracurricular activities, such as drama, debate, and choir. She graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1946.
Dorothy married Johnny Taylor Jr., a World War II veteran and postal worker, in 1948. They had seven children together: Johnny III, Dorothy Ann, Charles Henry, Mary Louise, Patricia Ann, Barbara Jean, and Michael Anthony. Dorothy balanced her family responsibilities with her education and career aspirations. She enrolled at Southern University in Baton Rouge, where she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1952. She later pursued a master's degree in social work at Tulane University, but did not complete it due to financial difficulties.
Dorothy was not a gambler herself, but she had a keen interest in the casino industry in New Orleans. She saw it as a potential source of revenue and employment for the city and its residents, especially for minorities and women. She supported the legalization of gambling in Louisiana and advocated for fair taxation and regulation of the casinos. She also pushed for greater representation and participation of African Americans and women in the casino management and workforce. She believed that casinos could provide opportunities for economic development, cultural preservation, and social integration.
Dorothy Mae Taylor was iconic for her courage, conviction, and compassion. She was a pioneer in many fields and arenas, breaking barriers and opening doors for others to follow. She was a leader in the civil rights movement, challenging racial discrimination and segregation in various aspects of society. She was a champion of women's rights, promoting gender equality and empowerment in politics and public service. She was a voice for the voiceless, addressing issues such as health care, child care, prison reform, and environmental justice.
She was also a mentor and role model for many aspiring politicians and activists, especially among the African-American community. She nurtured and supported a network of ambitious Black political aides who would later go into public service themselves. Some of them include Sidney Barthelemy (former mayor of New Orleans), Marc Morial (former mayor of New Orleans and current president of the National Urban League), Irma Thomas (Grammy-winning singer), Cleo Fields (former U.S. congressman), Sharon Weston Broome (current mayor-president of Baton Rouge), Karen Carter Peterson (current state senator), LaToya Cantrell (current mayor of New Orleans), and Troy Carter (current U.S. congressman).
Dorothy Mae Taylor passed away on August 18, 2000, at the age of 72. She left behind a legacy of service and leadership that continues to inspire generations of people who share her vision of a more just and equitable society.
Elaine Wynn (1942- )
The Queen of Las Vegas
Elaine Wynn is one of the most influential and successful women in the history of Las Vegas. She co-founded two of the most iconic casino resorts in the world, Mirage Resorts and Wynn Resorts, with her former husband, Steve Wynn. She is also a renowned philanthropist, art collector, and education advocate. Here is a glimpse into her remarkable life and legacy.
Elaine Wynn was born as Elaine Farrell Pascal on April 28, 1942, in New York City. She was raised in a middle-class Jewish family. Her father was a businessman and her mother was a homemaker. She had a brother, Kenneth, who later became a lawyer.
Elaine was a bright and ambitious student who excelled in academics and extracurricular activities. She attended George Washington High School in Manhattan, where she was the editor of the school newspaper and the president of the student council. She also developed a passion for art and culture, visiting museums and theaters regularly.
Elaine met Steve Wynn when she was 19 years old and he was 21. They were both students at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where Elaine majored in political science and Steve studied English literature. They fell in love and got married in 1963.
The couple moved to Las Vegas in 1967, where Steve's father owned a bingo hall. They soon entered the casino business, buying a stake in the Frontier Hotel and Casino. They launched Mirage Resorts in 1973, which became one of the largest and most profitable gaming companies in the world. They opened landmark properties such as The Mirage, Treasure Island, Bellagio, and Beau Rivage.
Elaine played a pivotal role in the success of Mirage Resorts, overseeing the design, marketing, entertainment, and community relations of the properties. She also helped create some of the most iconic attractions in Las Vegas, such as the volcano at The Mirage, the pirate show at Treasure Island, and the fountains at Bellagio.
Elaine and Steve had two children, Kevyn and Gillian. They divorced in 1986 but remarried in 1991. They divorced again in 2010 after a bitter legal battle over their shares in Wynn Resorts, which they co-founded in 2000. Elaine retained a 9% stake in the company, making her its largest shareholder.
Elaine Wynn is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the casino industry. She has been dubbed "The Queen of Las Vegas" by Forbes magazine and "The First Lady of Gaming" by Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval.
She has been instrumental in shaping the image and reputation of Las Vegas as a world-class destination for entertainment, luxury, and culture. She has been involved in every aspect of the casino business, from operations to finance to human resources to public relations.
She has also been a pioneer in promoting diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility in the industry. She has championed causes such as women's empowerment, environmental sustainability, employee wellness, and community engagement. She has supported numerous charitable organizations and initiatives, such as The Shade Tree Shelter for homeless women and children, Three Square Food Bank for hunger relief, Keep Memory Alive for Alzheimer's research, and Opportunity Village for people with disabilities.
She has also been a vocal advocate for education reform and quality in Nevada. She has served on various boards and commissions related to education policy and funding. She has donated millions of dollars to schools and universities, such as UNLV, Nevada State College, The Meadows School, and The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.
She has also been recognized for her leadership and achievements with numerous awards and honors, such as:
- The American Gaming Association's Lifetime Achievement Award
- The Nevada Women's Fund's Woman of Achievement Award
- The Women's Leadership Council's Woman of Distinction Award
- The National Association of Women Business Owners' Hall of Fame Award
- The American Cancer Society's Humanitarian Award
- The UNLV Foundation's Palladium Award
- The LACMA Art + Film Gala Tribute
- The Kennedy Center Honors
Elaine Wynn is not only a successful businesswoman but also a passionate art collector and patron. She has amassed one of the most impressive and valuable collections of contemporary art in the world. She owns works by artists such as Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, David Hockney, and Cy Twombly.
She has also shared her love and appreciation for art with the public, by displaying her collection in her casino resorts, lending her works to museums and galleries, and donating generously to art institutions and causes. She is the co-chair of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), where she pledged $50 million in 2016 to build a new permanent collection space. She is also a trustee of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where she was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2011.
She has also made history by breaking records in the art market. In 2013, she acquired Francis Bacon's Three Studies of Lucian Freud for a staggering $142.4 million, making it the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction at the time. She later loaned it to the Portland Art Museum for public viewing.
Elaine Wynn is a remarkable woman who has left an indelible mark on Las Vegas and beyond. She is a visionary, a trailblazer, a philanthropist, and an icon. She is an inspiration to many and a legend to all.
Jennifer Lopez (1969- )
The Diva of the Strip
Jennifer Lopez is one of the most successful and influential celebrities of our time. She is a singer, dancer, actress, producer, fashion designer, and businesswoman. But how did she become the icon that she is today? In this blog post, we will explore her life story from her birth to her rise to fame in the casino scene and beyond.
Jennifer Lynn Lopez was born on July 24, 1969, in the Bronx, New York. She is the second of three daughters of Puerto Rican parents Guadalupe Rodríguez and David López. She grew up in a working-class neighborhood and attended Catholic schools. She started taking singing and dancing lessons at age five and performed in local productions of musicals like Annie and Evita.
Jennifer had a passion for performing from a young age and dreamed of becoming a star. She moved out of her family home at 18 and worked as a backup dancer for various artists. She also appeared in music videos and TV shows like In Living Color and Second Chances. She made her film debut in 1995 with the drama My Family, which earned her critical acclaim.
Jennifer's breakthrough role came in 1997 when she starred as the late Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez in the biopic Selena. She received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance and became the first Latin actress to earn over $1 million for a film. She also launched her music career with her debut album On the 6 in 1999, which spawned the hit singles If You Had My Love and Waiting for Tonight.
Jennifer's career reached new heights in the early 2000s, when she starred in several romantic comedies like The Wedding Planner, Maid in Manhattan, and Monster-in-Law. She also released more successful albums like J.Lo, This Is Me... Then, and Rebirth. She became known for her glamorous style and her high-profile relationships with celebrities like Sean Combs, Ben Affleck, and Marc Anthony.
Jennifer's involvement in the casino scene began in 2016, when she signed a residency deal with Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Her show All I Have was a huge success, grossing over $100 million in ticket sales and attracting celebrities like Beyoncé, Drake, and Lady Gaga. She also performed at the Super Bowl LIV halftime show in 2020 with Shakira, which was watched by over 100 million viewers.
Jennifer is widely regarded as a pop culture icon and a trailblazer for Latin artists. She has sold over 80 million records worldwide and has won numerous awards, including two Grammy nominations, four Latin Grammy nominations, two MTV Video Music Awards, three American Music Awards, and four Billboard Music Awards. She has also been named one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine and one of the most powerful women in entertainment by Forbes magazine.
Jennifer Lopez is an inspiration to many people who aspire to achieve their dreams. She has proven that with hard work, talent, and determination, anything is possible. She has also shown that she can balance her personal life with her professional life, as she is a mother of two children and a partner of former baseball player Alex Rodriguez. She continues to reinvent herself and surprise her fans with new projects and ventures.
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