What happened to the Chippendales? Discover the dark history behind the iconic men's strip club that's still 'thriving' today
Whether you've seen a live show or are more familiar with Chris Farley's SNL rendition, the all-male strip club Chippendales has been known for decades.
Photo by Denise Truscello/WireImageThe brand is known as the first stripper to cater to female desires with its iconic runway shows featuring buff men in cuffs and bow ties - without shirts.< /p>
Founder Somen "Steve" Banerjee first opened the strip club in Los Angeles in 1979, and the brand is still "thriving" today, representatives tell Entrepreneur< /em>, with its permanent show in Las Vegas and a world touring dance troupe.
The brand has attracted the likes of Hollywood, with Magic Mike taking inspiration from the iconic show, and some stars have even taken part in the live performance, including Jersey Shore's Vinny Guadagnino.
However, things were much less glamorous for Banerjee and the club behind the scenes, with several murders, arson and other club-related crimes.
Hulu is set to unveil the dark and twisted story behind Chippendales with its new series, "Welcome to Chippendales", premiering November 22, with new episodes weekly through January 3, 2023.
[embedded content] How did Chippendales start and who are the founders?Chippendales is the brainchild of Somen "Steve" Banerjee, played by Kumail Nanjiani on the Hulu series. Originally from India, Banerjee immigrated to the United States and worked as a gas station attendant before finding entrepreneurship, according to Entertainment Tonight.
Banerjee owned two gas stations and eventually opened a nightclub called Destiny II in 1975 with partner Bruce Nahin, according to LA Magazine. Nahin and his father bought 10% of the club to help Banerjee's cash flow, but he turned to acting in 1987, Nahin said in an interview with The Drill.
After trying out magic shows and other entertainment to attract customers, nightclub promoter and regular Paul Snider suggested an all-male strip club.
In 1980, they changed the name of the club to "Chippendales" - named after the British furniture brand - for a "classier" vibe, and Chippendales as we know it was born.
At the start of Chippendales, Snider and his wife, Dorothy Stratten, Playboy's 1980 Playmate of the Year, helped shape the look of the club. In fact, Stratten invented the dancers' iconic "cuffs and collars uniform" and even had Hugh Hefner participate.
Banerjee was considered the mastermind behind the operation, and he brought in producer Nick De Noia to choreograph the live shows in 1981. Although the duo helped shape the iconic brand into what it is today they constantly bumped into each other.
De Noia took credit for creating Chippendales' signature choreography and performing in New York City in 1983, according to LA Magazine.
The duo's contentious relationship led them to part ways after three years of working together.
De Noia was able to negotiate the rights to take Chippendales on tour with a cocktail napkin deal signed in 1984, according to The U.S. Sun. But when the tour turned out to be a success, generating $80,000 in profits a week, Banerjee was unhappy and fought to get the rights to the touring show back. He failed.
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Whether you've seen a live show or are more familiar with Chris Farley's SNL rendition, the all-male strip club Chippendales has been known for decades.
Photo by Denise Truscello/WireImageThe brand is known as the first stripper to cater to female desires with its iconic runway shows featuring buff men in cuffs and bow ties - without shirts.< /p>
Founder Somen "Steve" Banerjee first opened the strip club in Los Angeles in 1979, and the brand is still "thriving" today, representatives tell Entrepreneur< /em>, with its permanent show in Las Vegas and a world touring dance troupe.
The brand has attracted the likes of Hollywood, with Magic Mike taking inspiration from the iconic show, and some stars have even taken part in the live performance, including Jersey Shore's Vinny Guadagnino.
However, things were much less glamorous for Banerjee and the club behind the scenes, with several murders, arson and other club-related crimes.
Hulu is set to unveil the dark and twisted story behind Chippendales with its new series, "Welcome to Chippendales", premiering November 22, with new episodes weekly through January 3, 2023.
[embedded content] How did Chippendales start and who are the founders?Chippendales is the brainchild of Somen "Steve" Banerjee, played by Kumail Nanjiani on the Hulu series. Originally from India, Banerjee immigrated to the United States and worked as a gas station attendant before finding entrepreneurship, according to Entertainment Tonight.
Banerjee owned two gas stations and eventually opened a nightclub called Destiny II in 1975 with partner Bruce Nahin, according to LA Magazine. Nahin and his father bought 10% of the club to help Banerjee's cash flow, but he turned to acting in 1987, Nahin said in an interview with The Drill.
After trying out magic shows and other entertainment to attract customers, nightclub promoter and regular Paul Snider suggested an all-male strip club.
In 1980, they changed the name of the club to "Chippendales" - named after the British furniture brand - for a "classier" vibe, and Chippendales as we know it was born.
At the start of Chippendales, Snider and his wife, Dorothy Stratten, Playboy's 1980 Playmate of the Year, helped shape the look of the club. In fact, Stratten invented the dancers' iconic "cuffs and collars uniform" and even had Hugh Hefner participate.
Banerjee was considered the mastermind behind the operation, and he brought in producer Nick De Noia to choreograph the live shows in 1981. Although the duo helped shape the iconic brand into what it is today they constantly bumped into each other.
De Noia took credit for creating Chippendales' signature choreography and performing in New York City in 1983, according to LA Magazine.
The duo's contentious relationship led them to part ways after three years of working together.
De Noia was able to negotiate the rights to take Chippendales on tour with a cocktail napkin deal signed in 1984, according to The U.S. Sun. But when the tour turned out to be a success, generating $80,000 in profits a week, Banerjee was unhappy and fought to get the rights to the touring show back. He failed.
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