Steve Rubell was an American entrepreneur and co-owner of the New York City disco Studio 54.
13 Facts About Steve Rubell
2.
Steve Rubell's father worked as a postal worker and later became a tennis pro.
3.
Steve Rubell attended Wingate High School and was an avid tennis player, but decided against playing professionally.
4.
Steve Rubell joined the National Guard, returning to New York after a tour of duty in a military intelligence unit.
5.
Steve Rubell worked at a brokerage firm after his return.
6.
Steve Rubell then decided to start his own business and opened two Steak Lofts restaurants, one in New York City, and the other in Mystic, Connecticut.
7.
Steve Rubell became a familiar face in front of the building, turning people away and only allowing entry to those who met his pedantic standards.
8.
Steve Rubell dealt with the club's celebrity patrons, ensuring that they were thrown lavish parties.
9.
Steve Rubell's approach worked and the club made $7 million during its first year.
10.
On December 14,1978, Studio 54 was raided after Steve Rubell was quoted as saying that only the Mafia made more money than the club brought in.
11.
In 1985, Steve Rubell, who was closeted for most of his life, discovered he had contracted HIV, which later progressed to AIDS.
12.
Steve Rubell began taking AZT, but his illness was exacerbated by his continued drug use and drinking, which affected his compromised immune system.
13.
Steve Rubell is buried at Beth Moses Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York.