Bugsy Siegel - American Mombster | Mini Bio | BIO

Summary

Benjamin 'Bugsy' Siegel was a notorious gangster who played a pivotal role in shaping modern Las Vegas. Born in Brooklyn in 1906, he started his criminal career as a teenager and later became a key figure in Murder Incorporated, carrying out numerous hits for the mob. Siegel's involvement in Hollywood, high society, and his extravagant lifestyle earned him both respect and fear. His vision led to the creation of the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, though excessive spending led to tension with the mob. In 1947, Siegel was killed in Beverly Hills, but his legacy as the father of Las Vegas endures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bugsy Siegel, born in Brooklyn on February 28, 1906, was a notorious gangster known for his charisma and violent tendencies.
• 😀 At 14, Siegel started his first gang, extorting pushcart peddlers for protection money, using violent tactics such as setting their carts on fire.
• 😀 Siegel's nickname, 'Bugsy,' meaning crazy like a bedbug, reflected his violent temperament. Few dared to call him by this name in person.
• 😀 In 1918, Siegel formed the Bugs-Meyer gang with Meyer Lansky, engaging in car theft and bootlegging activities.
• 😀 Siegel was one of the main players in Murder Incorporated, the hitman arm of the Luciano crime syndicate, involved in over 30 murders.
• 😀 Siegel played a key role in the assassination of mob boss Joe Masseria in 1931, a pivotal moment in organized crime history.
• 😀 In 1937, Siegel moved to Los Angeles and became heavily involved in the gambling industry, frequenting Hollywood circles and building ties with movie stars.
• 😀 Siegel's affair with Virginia Hill, who later became famous, was a key aspect of his personal life during his time in Hollywood.
• 😀 Siegel helped convince Meyer Lansky to invest in Las Vegas, and he spearheaded the development of the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in the mid-1940s.
• 😀 Despite its initial budget of $1.5 million, the Flamingo's construction cost soared to $6 million due to Siegel's excessive skimming from the budget.
• 😀 Siegel's violent lifestyle and financial mismanagement led to his assassination on June 20, 1947, marking the end of his criminal reign.
• 😀 Though his life ended violently, Bugsy Siegel is often regarded as the 'father of Las Vegas' due to his vision and involvement in its early development.
• 😀 The Flamingo Hotel became a cornerstone of modern Las Vegas, and Siegel's contribution laid the foundation for the city's transformation into a global entertainment hub.

Q & A

Who was Bugsy Siegel, and why is he significant in Hollywood and Las Vegas history?

Bugsy Siegel was a notorious gangster born in Brooklyn in 1906, known for his charismatic yet violent nature. He played a pivotal role in the development of Las Vegas, particularly through his involvement in building the Flamingo Hotel, which marked the beginning of the city's transformation into a gambling hub.

How did Bugsy Siegel start his criminal career?

At the age of 14, Bugsy Siegel began his criminal career by extorting pushcart vendors for 'protection'. When they questioned the need for protection, Siegel would violently set their carts on fire to show them the consequences of defying him.

What was the relationship between Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lansky?

Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lansky became close partners after meeting in 1918. Together, they formed the Bugs-Mier gang, engaging in activities like car theft and bootlegging. Their partnership played a crucial role in expanding their criminal empire.

What is the significance of the nickname 'Bugsy'?

The nickname 'Bugsy' was given to Siegel due to his volatile temper and unpredictable behavior, with 'bugsy' referring to the craziness of a bed bug. However, Siegel was notorious for punishing anyone who dared use the name to his face.

What role did Bugsy Siegel play in Murder Incorporated?

Bugsy Siegel was one of the key members of Murder Incorporated, the enforcement arm of the Luciano crime syndicate. He was involved in several high-profile murders, including the 1931 assassination of rival mob boss Joe 'The Boss' Masseria.

How did Bugsy Siegel contribute to the creation of Las Vegas?

Bugsy Siegel was sent by Meyer Lansky to scout Las Vegas for potential gambling ventures. He recognized the area's potential and convinced the mob to finance the construction of the Flamingo Hotel and Casino, which was the first major resort on the Strip.

What were the financial issues with the Flamingo Hotel?

The Flamingo Hotel's construction ran significantly over budget, initially estimated at $1.5 million but ultimately costing around $6 million. These cost overruns were mainly due to skimming by Siegel, which angered his East Coast backers.

Why did Bugsy Siegel's relationship with the East Coast mob deteriorate?

Siegel's increasing arrogance, extravagant spending on the Flamingo Hotel, and his skimming of funds led to growing dissatisfaction among his East Coast backers, particularly Meyer Lansky and other mob figures, who eventually decided to eliminate him.

What happened to Bugsy Siegel in the end?

On June 20, 1947, Bugsy Siegel was assassinated in his Beverly Hills home, shot multiple times while sitting on his sofa. His murder was ordered by the mob, marking the end of his violent and controversial life.

How is Bugsy Siegel remembered today?

Despite his violent life, Bugsy Siegel is often credited as the 'father of Las Vegas.' His vision and determination to build the Flamingo Hotel played a crucial role in transforming the city into a major center for entertainment and gambling.