Born as Benjamin Siegal on February 28, 1906 in Brooklyn, New York, Bugsy Siegel would go on to become one of the most notorious American gangsters in history. From a young age, Siegel showed a propensity for violence and criminal behavior, committing petty crimes as a teenager that would foreshadow his later activities in the criminal underworld.
As Siegel grew older, he became involved in organized crime, quickly gaining a reputation for his ruthless tactics and willingness to use violence to achieve his goals. He became a key figure in the development of Las Vegas, taking a stake in the construction of the iconic Flamingo Hotel, which would become a hotspot for high-profile gamblers and celebrities.
Despite his criminal activities, Bugsy Siegel also had a personal life that was filled with drama and controversy. He was married to Esta Krakower from 1929 to 1946, but his relationships were often tumultuous and marked by infidelity. Siegel was also known to be involved with other women, including Virginia Hill, a glamorous socialite who would become one of his most notorious mistresses.
Throughout his life, Bugsy Siegel's criminal empire continued to grow, expanding into various illegal activities such as bootlegging, gambling, and contract killing. His violent reputation and lavish lifestyle made him a feared and respected figure in the criminal underworld, but it also ultimately led to his downfall.
On June 20, 1947, Bugsy Siegel was shot and killed in his Beverly Hills home, in what remains one of the most infamous unsolved murders in American history. Despite his violent end, Siegel's legacy as a larger-than-life gangster and key figure in the development of Las Vegas continues to captivate and intrigue people to this day.