Nelson Sardelli
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Nelson Sardelli (born September 20, 1934) is a Brazilian-born singer, actor, and comedian of Italian descent. Best known as an entertainer in Las Vegas,[1][2] Sardelli has acted in films such as Myra Breckinridge and The Professionals.[2] He was awarded the Golden Pillow Award from the International Entertainer School of Las Vegas in 2008.[3] Sardelli is the father of actress Mariska Hargitay.
Sardelli was born in São Paulo, Brazil, to parents who had immigrated there from Italy.[4]
Career
In 1956, Sardelli was working as an analyst for General Motors. He decided to immigrate to Pontiac, Michigan, but found out there had been widespread layoffs there.[3][4] After serving in the Army, Sardelli returned to Pontiac to work. Not liking his job, he returned to Arthur Murray's dance school before finding a short career performing at the Old Mill Tavern in Waterford, Michigan. He returned to Brazil after his uncle got him a well-paying construction job there.[4]
While back in Brazil, Sardelli met a sportscaster who wrote for a prominent sport publication. This publication ran a two-page story about Sardelli's burgeoning career in the United States. This story was a pivotal moment in boosting Sardelli's entertainment career, as it gave him more attention, and he soon returned to the country. Despite initial struggles, Sardelli found success performing at the Thunderbird in Las Vegas, which also led to him serving as an opening act for Judy Garland. His career would ultimately center on performances in Las Vegas, with one of his most notable routines being that of a "gay cowboy."[4] He became a regular at the Flamingo and performed throughout the world.[3][4]
Sardelli is a singer, actor, and comedian who is best known as an entertainer in Las Vegas.[1][2] He has acted in films including Myra Breckinridge and The Professionals.[2] Star Shine, Sardelli's fundraising event for mentally disabled children, was an annual spectacle in Atlantic City.[5] In 2008, he was awarded the Golden Pillow Award from the International Entertainer School of Las Vegas.[3]