Overview: Lola Falana rose from humble beginnings to international stardom as a singer, dancer and actress. This 1000+ word profile covers her early life, career highlights, health struggles, philanthropic turn, and an estimated net worth for 2025.
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| Full Name | Loletha Elayne Falana |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Lola Falana |
| Date of Birth | September 11, 1942 |
| Age (2025) | 82 (turning 83 on September 11, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Camden, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupations | Singer • Dancer • Actress • Entertainer • Minister |
| Years Active | Early 1960s – late 1990s (occasional appearances) |
| Known For | Las Vegas headliner, international TV & film work |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | ≈ US$10 million (public estimates) |
Early Life & Background
Lola Falana was born in Camden, New Jersey, in 1942 and grew up in Philadelphia. From a very young age she performed in church and local shows — singing and dancing with a natural flair. Her parents worked hard to support the family: her father had Afro-Cuban roots and worked as a tradesman, while her mother was a seamstress. Falana left school shortly before graduation to pursue performing full-time — a risky decision that led to work in nightclubs and, eventually, discovery by Sammy Davis Jr.
Sammy Davis Jr. helped introduce her to Broadway (she appeared in Golden Boy), and that early mentorship opened doors for film and international television work.
Career Highlights
Falana’s career spanned stage, screen and television. She recorded music, acted in films including dramatic roles that earned critical attention, and became a television favorite on variety programs during the 1970s. A memorable era of her career was spent in Italy, where she worked in television and film and developed a European fanbase — an unusual path for American entertainers at that time.
Returning to the U.S., she earned accolades and became a marquee Las Vegas performer in the late 1970s and early 1980s, reportedly commanding very high fees per engagement. Her headlining shows combined singing, choreography and star power — making her one of the most bankable female acts on the Strip.
Notable credits include her Broadway work with Sammy Davis Jr., a Golden Globe–recognized film performance in The Liberation of L.B. Jones, and numerous national television appearances.
For coverage of other modern entertainers and their career arcs, see our pieces on Soulja Boy and Young Thug.
Net Worth in 2025
Public celebrity finance sites estimate Lola Falana’s net worth in 2025 at roughly US$10 million. That estimate takes into account historic performance earnings, long-running Vegas contracts, television residuals, film royalties and any licensing income from archival footage and music. Because full financial records are private, this remains an estimate rather than an audited figure.
Valuation note: Celebrity net worth figures are compiled from public sources and reasonable assumptions. Treat them as informed estimates. .bar{fill:#6aa6ff}.lab{font-size:12px;fill:#222;font-family:Arial} $2–3M1975 $5–6M1985 $8M1995 $9M2005 $10M2025
Health & Later Years
In 1987, Falana suffered a severe relapse of multiple sclerosis that affected her mobility, speech and vision. After extensive rehabilitation and a shift toward faith-based life, she reduced public performances and dedicated time to ministry and philanthropic causes, including work to help children overseas.
Her transition from entertainer to minister and humanitarian changed public perception — adding depth to her legacy and elevating her trustworthiness in the eyes of many fans and peers.
Legacy & Impact
Lola Falana broke barriers as an African-American woman who headlined in Las Vegas, modeled in high-profile campaigns and built international appeal. Beyond awards and box office, her real legacy is the path she paved: crossing cultural boundaries, modeling versatility (dance + song + acting), and later using her platform for service.
Her story remains instructive for performers who want to combine artistry with resilience and purpose.
FAQs
How old is Lola Falana in 2025?
Born on September 11, 1942 — she is 82 for most of 2025 and turns 83 on September 11, 2025.
What is her net worth in 2025?
Estimated approximately US$10 million according to public celebrity finance aggregators.
Did multiple sclerosis end her career?
The 1987 relapse significantly reduced her ability to perform full time; she later focused on ministry and charitable work while making occasional appearances.
Outbound Resources & Internal Links
Primary references and further reading:
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