Leona Helmsley

Date of Birth: July 4, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: August 20, 2007

Biography

Leona Helmsley, born Leona Mindy Rosenthal, was an American businesswoman known for her role as a hotelier and real estate magnate. She was born on July 4, 1920, in Marbletown, New York, and grew up in Brooklyn. Helmsley made a significant impact on the hospitality industry in the United States, particularly through her management of the Helmsley Hotels chain, which included the famous Helmsley Palace Hotel in Manhattan. Leona Helmsley began her career in real estate, working as a secretary before marrying her second husband, Harry Helmsley, in 1972, who was a prominent real estate entrepreneur. Together, they expanded their business empire, and Leona became known for her meticulous and often tyrannical management style, earning her the nickname “Queen of Mean.” Her career was not without controversy. In 1989, Helmsley was convicted of federal income tax evasion and other crimes. She served 18 months in prison, followed by house arrest. Despite her legal troubles, she remained a prominent figure in the business world until her death.

5 Interesting Facts about Leona Helmsley

1. Leona Helmsley’s dog, Trouble, inherited $12 million from her will, making the Maltese one of the richest pets in the world.

2. She was known for her strict and demanding management style, often insisting on perfection from her employees.

3. Helmsley was featured on the cover of Time magazine in 1989, highlighting her trial for tax evasion.

4. She was famous for her quote, “Only the little people pay taxes,” which became emblematic of her public image.

5. Leona Helmsley donated millions of dollars to various charities, including medical research and hospitals.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Leona Helmsley

1. “Only the little people pay taxes.”

2. “There is nothing like a good lawsuit to make you feel better.”

3. “People don’t pay for rooms, they pay for service. And service is my business.”

4. “You don’t have to be nice to people on the way up if you’re not coming back down.”

5. “I am tough, ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At her peak, Leona Helmsley’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 billion.

Children

Leona Helmsley had one son, Jay Panzirer, from her first marriage to attorney Leo Panzirer. Jay Panzirer predeceased her, dying in 1982 from a heart attack. She also had four grandchildren.