Irene Banerjee: The Woman Behind the Chippendales Empire

Irene Banerjee was the wife of Somen “Steve” Banerjee, the founder and owner of Chippendales, the first and most famous male-stripper dance troupe in the U.S. She played a crucial role in the success of the business, but also witnessed its downfall due to her husband’s criminal activities. Here is her story.

Early Life and Marriage

Irene Banerjee was born on November 10, 1956, in Lackawanna, Erie County, New York, United States. She was one of the six children of Anna and Wolodymyr Tychowskyj, who were Ukrainian immigrants. She grew up in a modest home and attended local schools. She had a talent for numbers and became an accountant after graduating from college.

She met Steve Banerjee in the early 1980s through his company, Chippendales. Steve was an Indian immigrant who had started a nightclub in Los Angeles in 1975. He had the idea of featuring male dancers in skimpy costumes and bow ties to attract female customers. He hired Nick De Noia, an Emmy-winning director and choreographer, to create the shows and train the dancers. He also hired Dorothy Stratten, a model and actress, to design the logo and promote the brand.

Irene and Steve fell in love and got married in a lavish ceremony. They had two children, Lindsay and Christian, and lived in a luxurious mansion in Playa del Rey. Irene became involved in the management of Chippendales, handling the finances and the legal aspects of the business. She also supported her husband’s vision and ambition to expand the empire globally.

Chippendales Scandal and Tragedy

However, behind the scenes, Steve Banerjee was a paranoid and ruthless man who was obsessed with money and power. He was jealous of the success and popularity of his rivals and partners, especially Nick De Noia, who had left Chippendales to start his own male-stripper show. He also feared that someone would steal his idea or sue him for trademark infringement.

In 1987, Steve Banerjee hired a hitman to kill Nick De Noia in his office in New York. He also plotted to kill Dorothy Stratten, who had been murdered by her estranged husband in 1980, and several other people who he considered threats or enemies. He was also involved in arson, extortion, and racketeering schemes to sabotage his competitors and protect his interests.

In 1993, Steve Banerjee was arrested by the FBI and charged with multiple counts of murder-for-hire, attempted murder, arson, and racketeering. He faced a possible death penalty or life imprisonment. Irene Banerjee stood by her husband and tried to help him by organizing a group of character witnesses for his trial. She also maintained the operations of Chippendales, which was still a profitable and popular business.

However, in 1994, Steve Banerjee committed suicide in his jail cell by hanging himself with a bedsheet. He left behind a note that said, “I love you, Irene. I’m sorry.” He was 46 years old.

Death and Legacy

Irene Banerjee was devastated by her husband’s death and the scandal that had tarnished the reputation of Chippendales. She tried to move on with her life and raise her children, who were 9 and 7 years old at the time. She also continued to run Chippendales, which was still in high demand and had loyal fans.

However, in 2001, Irene Banerjee died of breast cancer at the age of 44. She left behind her two children, who were then sent to live with their maternal aunt and uncle in Buffalo, New York. They inherited their parents’ fortune, which was estimated to be around $26 million.

Irene Banerjee was a woman who had a remarkable journey from a humble background to a glamorous lifestyle. She was a smart and loyal partner who helped her husband build a successful and innovative business. She was also a loving and devoted mother who cared for her children. She was a victim of her husband’s crimes and a survivor of his suicide. She was a woman who deserves to be remembered for her own achievements and contributions, not just as the wife of Steve Banerjee.

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