Leona Helmsley: New York Hotel Queen Convicted of Tax Evasion Dies at 87

Leona Helmsley was an American hotelier and real estate investor known as the Queen of Mean. Born on July 4, 1920, in Marbletown, New York, she worked as a model and a real estate broker before marrying Harry Helmsley.

She helped run Harry's real estate empire, including the Helmsley Palace Hotel in Manhattan, and starred in advertisements as the hotel's demanding "queen." In 1989 she was convicted of tax evasion and served 18 months in prison. A former housekeeper quoted her as saying only little people pay taxes.

Helmsley died of heart failure at her home in Greenwich, Connecticut, on August 20, 2007, at age 87. Her will left $12 million to her Maltese dog, Trouble, which a judge later reduced.

Achievements: Ran the Helmsley hotel and real estate empire.

Birth: July 4, 1920 - Marbletown, New York.

Profession: Hotelier and real estate investor.

Interesting Facts: She left most of her estate to charity for the care of dogs.