Ride In Style
Studio 54 had a notoriously exclusive entrance policy, with people lining up in desperate hopes of getting in. If you were not famous, it was pretty difficult to get in. That’s why this guy came in riding a horse in order to try to stand out from the rest of the crowd.
Ride In Style
Disco Diva
In the 1970’s, Cher’s career was at its zenith, having already released ten successful albums, both as a solo artist and with then-husband Sonny Bono. By the late 70’s, she had begin to transition to acting and would later win an Oscar as well. Here she is dancing the night away at Studio 54.
Disco Diva
Amazing Show
One of the most exciting aspects of Studio 54 was the many performances and shows that were put on. Here two trapeze artists dangle from the ceiling along excited club goers. Some of the crazy things that went on would be unbelievable without the photos that show proof.
Amazing Show
Famous Couple
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger and then-wife model Bianca Jagger were frequent guests at Studio 54. The two were an unstoppable power couple that were always welcome at the exclusive nightclub.
Famous Couple
Child Stars
Brooke Shields became a household name when she was very young after appearing at age 12 in Pretty Baby and later in the film The Blue Lagoon and TV show Suddenly Susan. Here she is with Mariel Hemingway, the granddaughter of the acclaimed author, Ernest Hemingway. Mariel, also an actress, was nominated for a Golden Globe award when she was only 14 for her role in Lipstick. She also appeared in Woody Allen’s Manhattan.
Child Stars
Live Doves
There was no telling just what wild scenes you’d encounter at each visit at Studio 54. It was pretty commonplace to see live exotic animals, adding in to the already general mystique and excitement of the place. Here is Bianca Jagger among some white doves. Next to her is Steve Rubell, the owner of the club.
Live Doves
The Village People
The Village People were an unstoppable force during the 1970’s, with mega hit songs like “YMCA” and “Macho Man” topping the charts. They became icons for the LGBT community and were known for their flamboyant outfits that always made them stand out.
The Village People
Funny Man
Comedian and actor Robin Williams was already a household name during the 1970’s, particularly after he played Mork in hit TV show Mork & Mindy. Here he is with Valerie Velardi, his then-future wife, who he would go on to have a son with named Zachary Pym Williams.
Funny Man
Hollywood Heavyweight
Here we see a truly impressive collection of guests that would often be seen at Studio 54. Accomplished boxer Muhammad Ali is pictured alongside Bianca Jagger and fashion designer Calvin Klein. It was very normal to see the stars mingle while at the nightclub.
Hollywood Heavyweight
Smiles All Around
The 1970’s proved to a difficult time in American history, both politically and economically. Studio 54 gave people a release and a chance to enjoy pure hedonism during these hard times. Here is fashion photographer Franceso Scavullo laughing with singer Tina Turner.
Smiles All Around
Far Out-fit
Supermodel and fashion icon Grace Jones was known for her incredible outfits that certainly made her stand out. Fans and photographers would always to see what she would bring each time she showed up to Studio 54.
Far Out Fit
Leading Ladies
It was very common to see all of the famous faces of the day gather together while at Studio 54. Here we see Liza Minelli, Elizabeth Taylor, and First Lady Betty Ford. What a combination! We wonder what these ladies were discussing while this photo was being snapped.
Leading Ladies
Total Knockout
Sylvester Stallone is best known for the Rocky film franchise. Many have said that he was inspired to write the screenplay after watching Muhammad Ali fight Chuck Wepner. Here is Stallone at Studio 54 with Sheryl Slocum circa 1977.
Total Knockout
Music Legends
In the 1970’s, musicians Michael Jackson and Steven Tyler, pictured here together, were on top of the world. This was a bit before Jackson’s solo career took off, and it’s said that the time he spent at Studio 54 help shape his signature sound that would take over the music world during the 1980’s.
Music Legends
The Manager
Steve Rubell was the co-founder and owner of Studio 54 who was known for being the manager of the famous club as well. He held very exclusive standards for entrance and would often be the one deciding who was allowed in and who was not. He always wanted to ensure that the celebrity clientele were well treated. Here he is with Brooke Shields, Calvin Klein, and Andy Warhol.
The Manager
Dancing Queen
While Cher was known for her singing, she was also quite fond of dancing the night away, especially while at Studio 54. Here she is with Howard Himelstein. Before her career as a songstress, Cher started out her career as a dancer, working at clubs on Sunset Strip in Hollywood.
Dancing Queen
The Stage
Studio 54 was known for drawing huge crowds of people who wanted to get in, but also for the crowds that did manage to make it inside the exclusive club. People were happy to cram into the club for the chance to rub shoulders with the famous stars that frequented the club.
The Stage
Friends In High Places
Studio 54 was known for bringing together many famous people. For some reason, it’s fascinating to see famous people mingling together. Here are Tina Turner with Rod Stewart and his then0wife Alana. Tina Turner famously impersonated Stewart at the Ritz, where she wore a blonde wig and sang his songs.
Friends In High Places
White Out
Studio 54 was so exclusive that only celebrities would easily be able to get in, while the rest of the “mere morals” had to wait in a long line outside to maybe have a chance to get in. You would have to impress the doorman to be let in. This woman’s striking monochromatic outfit must have helped her get in.
White Out
Wild Horses
Studio 54 was known for its wild antics, which is what led it its legendary reputation. Bianca Jagger is seen here riding a white horse, which is what may have inspired the Rolling Stones song, “Wild Horses.” Jagger said that “It was a beautiful white horse that reminded me of mine.”
Wild Horses
St. Jacques & Jagger
Studio 54 allowed celebrities to let their hair down and relax without having to worry about being mobbed. Here we see actor Sterling St. Jacques dancing the night away along with Bianca Jagger. He starred in the film Eyes of Laura Mars and was also a model working for Givenchy.
St. Jacques & Jagger
Two’s Company
Suzanne Somers rose to fame when she appeared on hit sitcom Three’s Company. The show, on which she portrayed the character of Chrissy, made her a star, which granted her easy access to Studio 54. Later in life she turned to writing. Here she is with her husband Alan Hamel.
Two’s Company
The Space
Although Studio 54 was extremely exclusive, it was still able to fit a large amount of people inside. The club was inside what used to be an old theater and had a capacity of over 1000. Even when it was jam packed, there was still a line outside the door of hopeful people who were desperate to get in.
The Space
A Grand Show
One of the things that made Studio 54 so special was the fact that it was not just a nightclub, but also a source of entertainment. Lavish productions were put on, as we can see here. A dance troupe put on an over the top show with colorful outfits and choreographed moves.
A Grand Show
Liz’s Birthday
Elizabeth Taylor was an absolute superstar, which is why she was a regular at Studio 54. Here we see her celebrating her birthday alongside fashion designer Halston. An incredible birthday cake can be seen behind her, which impressively captured her countenance.
Liz’s Birthday
Fancy Tulle
Even though celebrities had easy access entry to Studio 54, it was a totally different story for the general public. In order to get in to the exclusive club, you really had to wow the bouncers, which led to many creative and outlandish outfits such as this one. These kinds of outfits were known for helping people get into the nightclub.
Fancy Tulle
Dame Bassey
Stirling St. Jacques certainly loved to enjoy himself and dance alongside other stars at Studio 54. Here he is with Dame Shirley Bassey, who by the end of the 1970’s had released 18 successful albums. She even named a Dame by the Queen of England in 1999.
Dame Bassey
The Wait
This giant mob of people who hoped to get into the club was quite the typical scene outside of Studio 54. Unfortunately for many of the waiting, only a few lucky handful would actually be able to get in due to Steve Rubell’s highly exclusive standards. They looked for exceptional style or beauty.
The Wait
Barbra Streisand
Barbara Streisand is an absolutely entertainment industry legend, with a singing and acting career that has garnered her Academy Awards, Grammys, Emmy Awards, and Golden Globes. Here she is at Studio 54 with producer Jon Peters, who she was in a relationship with briefly. Though they split, they stayed friends and she’s even his children’s godmother.
Barbra Streisand
Queens of the Club
Studio 54 was also known for being a tolerant place for being to express themselves and being a safe haven for members of the LGBT community. Famous drag queens Angel Jack and Hibiscus are seen here as a part of their performance group The Angels of Light. They became regular performers at the club.
Queens Of The Club
Teenage Clubber
Actress and model Brooke Shields is no stranger to fame, as she became well known when she was just 12 years old after appearing in Pretty Baby. She was a regular at Studio 54 when she was a teenager. Here she is with designer Calvin Klein, who she would go on to model for when she was just 15 years old.
Teenage Clubber
Liza Minelli
Once again we see model and actor Sterling St. Jacques who was a fixture at Studio 54. This time, he’s dancing the night away with Liza Minelli, who is the daughter of Judy Garland. Minelli became a star herself, starring in many productions such as Cabaret, which earned her an Oscar.
Liza Minelli
Dancing Debbie
Studio 54 gave people a chance to truly let go and enjoy themselves in a non-judgmental environment. Here we see actress and model Debbie Dickinson having a wonderful time dancing with club owner Steve Rubell. Debbie’s sister Janice Dickinson is also a famous model.
Dancing Debbie
Clown Around
When outlandish outfits weren’t enough, some people turned to actual costumes in order to try to impress the bouncers enough to get into the exclusive nightclub. This man decided to dress up as a clown and was able to wow the bouncers enough to gain access into the club.
Clown Around
Princess Diane
Diane von Furstenberg married Prince Egon von Furstenberg, making her royalty even before she was famous. After they separated, she kept the royal name and went on to become one of the most successful fashion designers of all time. Here she is at Studio 54 with her second husband Barry Diller.
Princess Diane
The Mobs
At the peak of its success, Studio 54 was so exclusive that many people were absolutely desperate to have a chance to get in. Doormen and security had to physically hold people back from trying to storm into the famous nightclub. People so badly wanted to get in that they didn’t care about getting arrested or hurt in order to get a chance to get in.
The Mobs
That’s Showbiz
Not only did Studio 54 put on impressive dance shows, but there were many stuntmen and women who would parade around the club as well. Here we can see an entertainer on stilts and people all around who are immersed in the lively club scene.
That’s Showbiz
Sheer Exhilaration
The fact that the 1970’s was a tumultuous decade in the United States helps explain why a place like Studio 54 was so successful. People were looking to forget the troubles of real life for a bit and just enjoy themselves. It’s clear that these women are having a fantastic time.
Sheer Exhilaration
Phyllis Diller
Phyllis Diller was a comedian and actress, and here we can see her danicng with historian Barry Landau. Diller was in her 60’s already when Studio 54 was a huge deal, but that did not stop her from showing up and having a fantastic time. She only retired when she approached 90, but she was an unstoppable dorce.
Phyllis Diller
Farrah & Ryan
Farrah Fawcett is one of the most legendary celebrities of the 1970’s. She became famous for appearing in Charlie’s Angels and becoming one of the most beloved actresses of her time. Here she is with her partner, actor Ryan O’Neal, who she had an on-again off-again relationship with until she passed away in 2009.
Farrah & Ryan
Diana Ross
Diana Ross is one of the legendary stars from the 1970’s, so of course she was one of the VIP guests at Studio 54. She first became known as a member of the Motown group The Supremes but later had a massively successful solo career as well.
Diana Ross
Bill Murray and Gilda Radner
Comedy legends Bill Murray and Gilda Radner sure knew how to let their hair loose and have a good time! The two were some of the early members of the Saturday Night Live cast. Radner sadly passed away in 1989, while Murray went on to become one of the most successful and prolific movie stars in the industry.
Bill Murray And Gilda Radner
The Jackson Five
The Jackson Five were some of the biggest stars of their day, so of course they were some of the celebrities that were seen spending their nights at Studio 54. Of course, Michael Jackson would go on to have one of the most successful musical careers of all time, becoming a pop star legend and becoming known as the King of Pop.
The Jackson Five
John Travolta
John Travolta rose to stardom in the 1970’s after he starred in the smash hit films Carrie, Saturday Night Fever, and Grease. After a brief hiatus, he went on to make a comeback after he appeared in Pulp Fiction, Get Shorty, The Punisher, Hairspray, and more.
John Travolta
Ian Schraeger and Steve Rubell
Without these two, Studio 54 would have never become the legendary club it was. Here are Ian Schraeger and Steve Rubell making plans for the nightclub that would become the favorite haunt of countless famous stars. Their hard work and planning clearly paid off.
Ian Schraeger And Steve Rubell
John F. Kennedy Jr.
Son of President John F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy Jr. was not only the president’s son, but a celebrity in his own right. The Kennedys were considered something like American royalty, so JFK Jr. was often treated like a prince. Here he is partying with the stars at Studio 54.
John F. Kennedy Jr.
Victoria Mahoney and Djimon Hounsou
West African model and actor Djimon Hounsou is seen with his then-girlfriend Victoria Mahoney at the 1997 relaunch of the iconic Studio 54. Hounsou is known for appearing in films like Guardians of the Galaxy and Aquaman.
Victoria Mahoney And Djimon Hounsou
Elton John
As a star who would often frequent the original Studio 54, it is no surprise that he would make an appearance at the 1997 relaunch of the club, which took place at the MGM Grand hotel in Las Vegas.
Elton John
Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli
Jennie Garth is best known for her role on Beverly Hills, 90210. She was married to fellow actor Peter Facinelli for 12 years before the two divorced in 2012. Facinelli is best known for playing Carlisle Cullen in the Twilight film franchise.
Jennie Garth And Peter Facinelli
Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John became a worldwide star when she appeared alongside John Travolta in the 1976 musical film Grease. Here she is at the premiere party of the film, which took place at the iconic Studio 54. She’s channeling her character’s style at the end of the film.
Olivia Newton John
Andy Warhol, Jerry Hall, Debbie Harry, Truman Capote, and Paloma Picasso
Here’s an incredible grouping of artistic stars: pop artist Andy Warhol, model Jerry Hall, singer Debbie Harry, writer Truman Capote, and fashion designer Paloma Picasso all pose together while attending a night out at Studio 54. What an incredible combination of talent.
Andy Warhol, Jerry Hall, Debbie Harry, Truman Capote, And Paloma Picasso
Joe Namath
As is the case today, sports stars are just as high profile as Hollywood celebrities. Joe Namath, NFL star who played for the New York Jets and Los Angeles Rams, can be seen here relaxing during some time off and enjoying a drink at the famed nightclub.
Joe Namath
Stevie Wonder and Steven Stills
Iconic singers and musicians Stevie wonder and Steven Stills joined forced for a live performance during a birthday party for 300 guests held at the nightclub. The intimate performance was surly quite entertaining, as we can see by the audience members’ faces nearby.
Stevie Wonder And Steven Stills
Carolina Herrera
Fashion designer Carolina Herrera is elegantly dressed for her night out at Studio 54, donning a silk cape gown. She is sitting beside Bolivian tycoon Antenor Patiño and his wife Beatrice on a night out at Studio 54 in 1977.
Carolina Herrera
Oscar de la Renta
Speaking of fashion designers, here is a young Oscar de la Renta wearing a pinstripe suit and he walks in with his date. This photo was taken at Studio 54’s First Anniversary party, which took place in April 1978.
Oscar De La Renta
Beverly Johnson & Steve Rubel
Model Beverly Johnson gives Steve Rubel a cheeky goodnight kiss as she heads out for the night after enjoying some time at Studio 54. Johnson is best known for becoming the first African-American model to grace the cover of Vogue in August 1974.
Beverly Johnson & Steve Rubel
Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall
After Mick Jagger and Bianca Jagger ended their marriage in 1978, he moved on to model Jerry Hall, who he started to date in 1977. Here he is with her on a night out at the nightclub. Jagger and Hall were together until the late 90’s.
Mick Jagger And Jerry Hall
Patti LaBelle and Nona Hendryx
Iconic songstresses Patti LaBelle and Nona Hendryx first became known for being members of Labelle, who were later named the Blue Belles. Here the two are outside of Studio 54 before their night of hosting the One to One Telethon in 1982.
Patti LaBelle And Nona Hendryx
Fleur Thiemeyer and Elton John
Elton John seems unimpressed by this cotton candy while attending the premiere party At Studio 54 for the film Grease in 1978. He is joined by costume designer Fleur Thiemereyer, who looks equally unimpressed.
Fleur Thiemeyer And Elton John
Michael Caine
Actor Michael Caine is known to younger generations as Bruce Wayne’s butler in the Batman film series. Here he is at a much younger age in 1980, dancing the night away with his wife Shakira.
Michael Caine