Debbie Reynolds Las Vegas History

The sad news of Carrie Fisher passing away a few days ago was compounded by the news that her mother Debbie Reynolds had also passed away the next day.

Debbie Reynolds was a Hollywood mainstay appearing in countless films highlighted by Singin' in the Rain and her Academy Award nominated performance in The Unsinkable Molly Brown.

Reynolds also had an extensive history in Las Vegas. During the 1960's and early 70's she was a constant headliner at the Riviera performing a lounge act which included singing and comedy. She was famous for doing impressions of other female celebrities during her shows.

Debbie Reynolds was also a Las Vegas hotel owner in the 1990's. She purchased the closed Paddlewheel Hotel and Casino at auction in 1992. It was reopened in 1993 as Debbie Reynolds Hotel and Casino. The property was highlighted by a Hollywood Movie Museum and Debbie's Star Theater.

Unfortunately the property was never financially successful under Reynolds. The casino was closed in 1996 and the hotel was put up for auction again a year later. It was eventually re-branded as the Greek Isles in the early 2000's - ultimately becoming a Clarion before being imploded in 2015.