20 Facts About Lola Falana

Lola Falana was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1975 for her performance as Edna Mae Sheridan in Doctor Jazz.

Lola Falana was the third of six children born to Bennett, a welder, and Cleo Falana, a seamstress.

Lola Falana became a major star of Italian television in 1966 and cinema in 1967.

Lola Falana sang and danced on the TV show Sabato sera, next to singer Mina.

In 1969, Lola Falana ended her close working relationship with Sammy Davis Jr.

Lola Falana was the first black woman to model for the Faberge "Tigress" perfume ads.

Lola Falana appeared at the Val Air Ballroom sponsored by Black Pride, Inc.

Lola Falana often appeared on The Joey Bishop Show and The Hollywood Palace, displaying her talent for music, dance, and light comedy.

Lola Falana was the first supporting player hired by Bill Cosby for his much-anticipated variety hour The New Bill Cosby Show, which made its debut on September 11,1972.

Cosby had met Lola Falana in his college days when he was a struggling comic and she was a teenager dancing in Philadelphia nightclubs.

Lola Falana played to sold-out crowds at The Sands, The Riviera, and the MGM Grand hotels.

At the time, Lola Falana was the highest paid female performer in Las Vegas.

Lola Falana's show ran 20 weeks during the year, and it became a major tourist attraction.

Lola Falana was slated to star in a remake of the 1950s Vampira Show.

In 1995, Lola Falana recorded the song "Don't Cry, Mary" with Catholic artist Joseph Lee Hooker.

Lola Falana's last known musical performance was in 1997 at Wayne Newton's theater in Branson, Missouri.

Sometime between 1965 and 1968, Lola Falana had an affair with her then-mentor Sammy Davis Jr.

In June 1987, Lola Falana had a severe relapse of multiple sclerosis.

Lola Falana's left side was paralyzed, she became partially blind, and her voice and hearing were impaired.

Lola Falana's recovery lasted a year and a half, and she spent most of her time praying.