Geri Rosenthal, famously portrayed by Sharon Stone in "Casino," was far more complex than the film suggested. Before meeting Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal, she was a self-made woman who supported her daughter, mother, and extended family through hard work in Las Vegas.

Starting as a cocktail waitress at the Dunes and later becoming a showgirl at the Tropicana, Geri built financial independence, owning her home and maintaining investment portfolios. This contrasts sharply with her portrayal as merely a gold-digger in the film.

Her story began in Van Nuys High School's class of 1954, where she could have dated future stars like Robert Redford. Instead, she became involved with Lenny Marmor, had a daughter named Robin in 1958, and moved to Las Vegas in 1960 to forge her own path.

Her marriage to Lefty Rosenthal wasn't based on love but practicality. Despite this, they had two children together, and Lefty remained devoted to her until his death. Their relationship ultimately played a crucial role in dismantling mob control in Las Vegas, particularly through her affair with Tony Spilotro, Lefty's boss.

The FBI used this scandal to create discord within the mob, leading to significant consequences for all involved. The affair violated major mob rules and ultimately contributed to the downfall of their Las Vegas operations.

Geri's life ended tragically with a drug overdose in 1982 at age 46, while Lefty survived a car bombing the same year and lived until 2008, dying of heart failure at 79. Her story represents more than just a mob wife tale—it's a complex narrative of survival, ambition, and unintended consequences in Las Vegas's mob era.

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