Along with the much-talked-about basement, Studio 54 also featured one room entirely made of rubber. According to certain sources, the odd furnishings made the room easier to clean. With topless dancers and women running around in see-through garments, it’s only logical that the most basic instincts might get the best of some Studio 54 patrons.
If a rubber room truly existed, we’ll leave it up to your imagination to think about what might have gone on in there. Despite what was going on in the club, many celebrities continued to flock to the place, drawn in by its aura of excess and indulgence. In the end, however, Studio 54’s reign as the hottest nightclub in New York City ended.
Diana Ross Often Took Over the DJ Booth
A huge fan of the loose environment in Studio 54, Diana Ross was a frequent patron of the club. Though she often made her way to the DJ booth, she could also be found tearing it up on the dance floor and belting out the lyrics to her favorite tunes. Before the club closed for good, Diana Ross attended the final party.
She serenaded the club owners one last time and fully embraced the carefree energy that was almost palpable within Studio 54. She was seen dancing the night away and soaking up the last moments of the carefree atmosphere that made the place so iconic.
Robin Williams Embraced a Night Out With His Wife
While plenty of single A-listers roamed the dance floor at Studio 54, Robin Williams decided an evening out was nothing without his wife. During the club’s heyday, Robin arrived with his partner in tow, dressed to the nines and ready to boogie all night long. Photos of Williams and his wife depict a happy couple who simply loved spending time together.
Their partnership continued long past evenings at Studio 54, and they even welcomed their first son into the world just three years after the club shut its doors forever. It's clear that Robin Williams' time at Studio 54 was not just about being seen and socializing with the famous but was about having fun and enjoying himself in the company of his loved ones.
The IRS Confronted Club Owners Rubell and Schrager in 1978
From an outside perspective, Studio 54 was a dream. It was filled to the brim with the rich and famous, and many people could only dream of stepping through its doors. To the government, however, the club was an illegal operation run by criminals. In 1978, the IRS confronted club owners Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager.
Studio 54 was a safe haven for celebrities from across the country. Unfortunately, it's popularity and carefree attitude didn’t stop the government from closing its doors. The club's license was revoked, and it shut its doors for good. The owners pleaded guilty to the charges and spent 13 months in jail.
Studio 54 Was the Best Party In NYC
While the club boasted plenty of wild antics on any given evening, Studio 54 also loved the opportunity to throw a real party. If you think a live horse running through the dance floor is crazy enough, think again. To celebrate the premiere of 'Grease,' Studio 54 hired men to ride motorcycles through the crowd of patrons. At one point, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre performed in the middle of the club.
Another time, the club organized a yacht party on the Hudson River featuring a live performance by Grace Jones. Studio 54's party planning skills were truly unmatched. Whatever the occasion, Studio 54 always found a way to go over the top and host the best party in the city.