Who Is Bugsy Siegel? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Bugsy Siegel, born on February 28, 1906, was an infamous American mobster who played a pivotal role in the development of Las Vegas as a gambling capital. Though he met a tragic end on June 20, 1947, at the age of 41, his legacy continues to fascinate historians and pop culture enthusiasts alike. He was known for his charisma, ruthless business tactics, and his significant relationships within the mob hierarchy. His life and crimes have been the inspiration for numerous books, movies, and documentaries.
| Occupation | Family Members |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 28, 1906 |
| Age | 41 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 20 June, 1947 |
| Died Place | Beverly Hills, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Bugsy Siegel's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Bugsy Siegel had a distinguished presence, standing at approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall. His weight fluctuated throughout his life, typically hovering around 175 pounds. Although specific measurements are not widely documented, his robust physique contributed to his intimidating persona in the mob world.
According to later reports by local observers, Siegel's "maniacal chest-puffing" set the pattern for several generations of notable casino moguls.
He boasted one day that he had personally killed some men; he saw the panicked look on the face of head contractor Del Webb and reassured him, "Del, don't worry, we only kill each other." Other associates portrayed Siegel in a different aspect; he was an intense character who was not without a charitable side, including his donations for the Damon
Runyon Cancer Fund.
Siegel's Las Vegas attorney Lou Weiner Jr. described him as "very well liked" and said that he was "good to people."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Bugsy Siegel was married to Virginia Himmel, and together they had two daughters, but he was also known for his numerous affairs and relationships with various women. One of his most notable romances was with actress and model, actress (or girlfriend), who further highlighted his glamorous lifestyle. As of 2025, Siegel's most significant relationships remain a subject of interest among historians and true crime enthusiasts.
Siegel traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he handled and financed some of the original casinos. He assisted developer William R. Wilkerson's Flamingo Hotel after Wilkerson ran out of funds. Siegel assumed control of the project and managed the final stages of construction.
The Flamingo opened on December 26, 1946 in a three day event that was well received. Without a hotel to accompany the casino, the Flamingo struggled and closed from February 6 until the hotel opened March 1, 1947.
Siegel’s mob partners were convinced that an estimated US$1 million of the construction budget overrun had been skimmed by Siegel's girlfriend Virginia Hill or by both of them. On June 20, 1947, Siegel was shot dead at the age of 41 by a sniper through the window of Hill's Linden Drive mansion in Beverly Hills, California.
Net Worth and Salary
During his lifetime, Bugsy Siegel was involved in various criminal enterprises, which contributed to a substantial net worth. Estimates suggest that his earnings fluctuated significantly, but in modern equivalent terms, it is speculated that his net worth could be in the multimillion-dollar range when accounting for inflation and the value of businesses he established, such as the Flamingo Hotel.
In Hollywood, Siegel worked with the syndicate to form illegal rackets. He devised a plan of extorting movie studios; he would take over local trade unions (such as the Screen Extras Guild and the Los Angeles Teamsters) and stage strikes to force studios to pay him off so that unions would start working again.
Siegel borrowed money from celebrities and did not pay them back, knowing that they would never ask him for the money. During his first year in Hollywood, he received more than $400,000 in loans from movie stars.
Career, Business, and Investments
Siegel's career began in the criminal underworld of New York City, where he quickly rose through the ranks of organized crime. He was a key figure in the formation of the Murder, Inc. group and later moved to California, becoming involved in the Hollywood scene. His most notable business venture was the development of the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, which laid the groundwork for the city's future as a gambling metropolis. His ambitious vision for Las Vegas has cemented his place in history even as many of his enterprises faced setbacks due to his violent methods and aggressive dealings.
In Hollywood, Siegel was welcomed in the highest circles and befriended movie stars. He was known to associate with George Raft, Clark Gable, Gary Cooper and Cary Grant, as well as studio executives Louis B. Mayer and Jack L. Warner. Actress Jean Harlow was a friend of Siegel and godmother to his daughter Millicent.
Siegel bought real estate and threw lavish parties at his Beverly Hills home. He gained admiration from young celebrities, including Tony Curtis, Phil Silvers, and Frank Sinatra.
Social Network
While Bugsy Siegel didn't have social media accounts as we know them today, his legacy endures through books, films, and various online platforms dedicated to true crime and mob history. His image and story have been shared widely, contributing to the public's fascination with organized crime during the early to mid-20th century.
During the trial, the newspapers also revealed information about Siegel's past, and referred to him as "Bugsy". Siegel hated the nickname because it was based on the slang term "bugs", meaning "crazy", and used to describe his erratic behavior. He preferred to be called "Ben" or "Mr. Siegel".
Siegel allegedly threatened Hollywood reporter Florabel Muir, "who knew [him] well" and was covering the trial, saying "You think because I'm locked up here a punk like you can write anything you please ... Maybe you won't be using that typewriter anymore. Maybe your fingers won't be on your hands.
I have people outside who'll break your legs or drop you in a hole if I say the word." ... I'm not as bugs as you think. I'm going to beat this rap and then I won't ever have to speak to you newspaper punks."
Education
Details about Siegel's formal education are limited, but it is understood that he was not particularly academically inclined. Instead, he developed his skills and smarts through life experiences and his involvement in organized crime from a young age. His street smarts and ability to navigate the criminal underbelly were pivotal to his success as a mobster.
