Lola Falana

Early Life

Lola Falana was born on September 11, 1942 in Camden, New Jersey. She was the daughter of a minister and a seamstress. She was raised in a strict religious household and was taught to be independent and self-sufficient. She attended Camden High School and graduated in 1960.

Career

Falana began her career as a dancer in the early 1960s. She was a part of the chorus line in the Broadway musical "Golden Boy" and also performed in the musical "Cabaret". She then moved to Las Vegas and became a headliner at the Sands Hotel. She was the first African-American woman to headline a show in Las Vegas.

In the late 1960s, Falana began to focus on her acting career. She appeared in several films, including "The Liberation of L.B. Jones" (1970), "The Liberation of Lola Falana" (1971), and "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh" (1979). She also appeared in television shows such as "The Mod Squad" (1968-1973) and "The Dean Martin Show" (1972-1973).

In the 1980s, Falana began to focus on her singing career. She released several albums, including "Lola" (1980), "Lola Falana: Live in Concert" (1982), and "Lola Falana: The Best of Lola Falana" (1984). She also toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe.

Later Life

In the 1990s, Falana retired from show business and focused on her philanthropic work. She established the Lola Falana Foundation, which provides scholarships to underprivileged students. She also established the Lola Falana School of Dance, which provides dance classes to children in the Philadelphia area.

In 2004, Falana was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She has since become an advocate for those living with the disease. She has spoken at numerous events and has written a book about her experience with the disease.

Conclusion

Lola Falana is a legendary entertainer who has made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. She is a trailblazer who has broken down barriers for African-American women in the entertainment industry. She is also an advocate for those living with multiple sclerosis. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.