VIPs galore attend memorial for Lanni
August 17, 2011 - 1:01 am
One of the city's largest gatherings of the who's who of gaming and politics joined friends and family of Terry Lanni on Tuesday to pay tribute to his dynamic leadership.
The turnout, estimated at nearly 1,000, ranged from U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to longtime associates, horse racing partner Bernie Schiappa and Lanni's former secretaries.
After attending a memorial service at Mandalay Bay, they filled a massive ballroom to share memories of Lanni's stewardship at what is now the gaming empires of Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International.
Lanni died July 14 after a battle with cancer. He was 68.
Alan Feldman, vice president of communications for MGM Resorts, said he couldn't recall a gathering on such a scale of "old-time and longtime executives combined with the breadth of new people."
The old guard included Dan Cassella, Al Faccinto, Bob Moon, Alex Yemenidjian, Frank Fahrenkopf, Ken Rosevear, John Vidmar, Dave Cox and Bob Faiss.
From the political world: former U.S. Sen. Richard Bryan, former Gov. Bob Miller, former Nevada Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, Assembly Speaker John Oceguera, and state Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford.
At the reception, Lanni's favorite wine, Quintessa, a legendary Napa Valley red wine, was served at every bar.
'SOME LIKE IT HOT' ITEM
The yachtsman jacket worn by Tony Curtis during the infamous "Hitler" kiss with Marilyn Monroe in "Some Like It Hot" is up for auction.
It's expected to be among the hottest items at Curtis' estate sale Sept. 17 in Beverly Hills.
Curtis was watching retakes of the kissing scene with Monroe, Hollywood's biggest sex symbol at the time, when he was overheard saying the smooch was "like kissing Hitler."
During interviews over the years, Curtis changed his story about what he meant. The relationship between Curtis and Monroe reportedly ran hot and cold during filming. She was married at the time to playwright Arthur Miller.
Curtis died Sept. 29 last year in Las Vegas. He was 85.
A portion of the proceeds from the auction will benefit Shiloh Horse Rescue, a charitable organization founded by Curtis and his wife, Jill.
JERRY LEWIS TO BE HONORED
Comedy icon Jerry Lewis will be on hand to pick up his lifetime achievement award Saturday at the Nevada Broadcasters Association's Hall of Fame gala at Red Rock Resort.
The evening, which begins at 5:30 p.m., includes a tribute to Mark Smith, Scotty O'Neill, Mike Culotta and Paul Dymon, who passed away in the past year.
Dinner tickets only: $75. Information: 429-1623 or twb@lvrpco.com.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
After a two-year run at the Palms, the Adult Entertainment Expo (AEE), Adult Novelty Expo (ANE) and the AVN Awards are moving to The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel . The dates: Jan.18-21. ...
SIGHTINGS
Luxor headliner Criss Angel, launching his website, TheMagicPlace.com, on Monday night at Bare pool lounge at The Mirage. It's billed as the world's largest magic store. ... Retired baseball slugger Frank Thomas, at Marquee (Cosmopolitan) on Monday. ... Actress Jennifer Finnigan, with her husband, actor Jonathan Silverman, at Republic Kitchen and Bar on Friday. They were in town researching her role on the USA Network pilot "Wild Card." She'll play opposite Aussie Ben Lawson as attorneys who defend some misbehaving clients.
THE PUNCH LINE
"A new report shows that due to the weak economy right now, more Americans are canceling their cable television. Good luck trying to live without eight shows about cakes." -- Conan O'Brien
Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke.