Steve Banerjee Biography: Son, Wife, Kids, Death, Wikipedia, Height, Parents, Nationality, Net Worth, Controversies

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Somen “Steve” Banerjee was an Indian-American entrepreneur and convicted felon, best known as the founder of Chippendales, the iconic male striptease dance troupe and nightclub. Before venturing into the entertainment industry, Banerjee worked at Mattel and later operated a gas station.

In 1979, he purchased a struggling Los Angeles club called Destiny II and rebranded it into Chippendales, a nightclub that initially featured attractions like female mud wrestling and “Female Exotic Dancing Nights.”

Over time, he shifted the focus to male striptease performances aimed at a female audience, transforming Chippendales into a cultural phenomenon.

Profile

• Full Name: Somen “Steve” Banerjee
• Stage Name: Steve Banerjee
• Born: October 8, 1946
• Death date: 23 October 1994
• Age: 48 years old
• Birthplace: Bombay, Bombay Province, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Indian-American entrepreneur and convicted felon
• Height: Unknown
• Parent: Mr. and Mrs. Banerjee
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Irene Banerjee (Deceased)
• Children: Lindsay Banerjee and Christian Banerjee
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $4 million to $5 million

Early Life And Education

Somen “Steve” Banerjee was born on October 8, 1946, in Bombay, Bombay Province, India. His parents’ names are not publicly known and are often referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Banerjee.

It is unclear if he had siblings, as their identities remain unknown to the media. While details about his educational background are not available, he was of Indian ethnicity and practiced Hinduism.

Career

Steve Banerjee gained prominence after immigrating to the United States, where he initially operated a Mobil gas station and later attempted to run a backgammon club, which ultimately failed.

In the late 1970s, Banerjee purchased a struggling Los Angeles nightclub called “Destiny II” and transformed it into a vibrant venue featuring unique attractions such as female mud wrestling and “Female Exotic Dancing Night.” In 1979, he revolutionized the entertainment industry by introducing a male stripper dance troupe aimed at female audiences, the first of its kind in the U.S.

In the 1980s, Banerjee married Irene, an accountant. However, his career took a dark turn when he became embroiled in a series of criminal activities. In 1987, he enlisted Ray Colon, a former Palm Springs police officer and lounge entertainer, to orchestrate the murder of Nick De Noia, a show producer.

Later, in 1990 and 1991, Banerjee plotted to kill Michael Fullington, a former Chippendales dancer and choreographer, along with two other ex-Chippendales performers, whom he perceived as threats to his franchise.

Banerjee eventually pleaded guilty to charges of attempted arson, racketeering, and murder-for-hire. As part of a plea bargain, he faced a sentence of 26 years in prison and forfeiture of his share in Chippendales.

Despite Irene’s desperate efforts to gather character witnesses to reduce his sentence, Banerjee’s fate was sealed, marking a tragic downfall in his once-groundbreaking career.
In 1994, while awaiting sentencing for his crimes, Banerjee died by suicide in his prison cell.

Social Media

Steve Banerjee does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Steve Banerjee was married to Irene Banerjee in the 1980s. She is believed to have supported her husband despite his legal troubles. After his death, Irene inherited the Chippendales brand and reportedly sold it for $2.5 million. The couple had two children, Lindsay Banerjee and Christian Banerjee.

Tragically, In 1994, while awaiting sentencing for his crimes, Banerjee died by suicide in his prison cell.

Net Worth

Steve Banerjee had an estimated net worth of $4 million to $5 million, at the time of his death in 1994.

His net worth is primarily from the success of the Chippendales clubs, merchandise, and television productions related to the brand. After his suicide in jail, his wife, Irene Banerjee, inherited his fortune and later sold it for $2.5 million.

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