Behind Martin Scorsese's "Casino" lies a more complex story of Geri Rosenthal, whose real life differed significantly from Sharon Stone's Oscar-nominated portrayal.

Before meeting Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal, Geri McGee was a self-made woman in Las Vegas. She supported her daughter Robin (from a previous relationship), her mother, and extended family back in Los Angeles. Working first as a cocktail waitress at the Dunes and later as a showgirl at the Tropicana, she built her own financial portfolio, including home ownership and investments.

Unlike the film's portrayal, Geri's marriage to Lefty wasn't driven by love but practicality. Despite his wealth and influence, Lefty was described as an uncomfortable, sweaty figure - far from Robert De Niro's charismatic portrayal. Still, he remained devoted to her throughout their marriage and beyond.

Her affair with Tony "The Ant" Spilotro, Lefty's boss, proved pivotal in dismantling mob control over Las Vegas casinos. The FBI used this scandal, broadcasting it nationwide, to create internal conflict within the criminal organization.

The marriage ended dramatically when Geri pulled a gun on Lefty, emptied their safe deposit boxes, and fled to LA. She died of a drug overdose in 1982 at age 46. That same year, Lefty survived a car bombing and lived until 2008, dying of heart failure at 79.

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