Goodman made his reputation as a criminal defense attorney representing some of the biggest names in the mob world, including Anthony Spilotro, Meyer Lansky and Frank Rosenthal.

For decades Goodman tried, but ultimately failed, to keep Rosenthal out of Nevada’s Black Book.

Goodman played himself in the 1995 movie “Casino,” and whenever other filming projects came to Las Vegas, he did his best to secure a role. He appeared on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” also playing himself, and numerous other television shows and movies.

During his criminal defense attorney days, Goodman said he would rather have his daughter date Tony Spilotro, who was suspected of killing 22 people, than an FBI special agent.

Goodman said he decided to run for mayor because he was looking for a “sabbatical” from being a criminal defense attorney. He would later tell reporters that he had no idea what the mayor did, or even where City Hall was located, before he entered politics.

Goodman filed as one of nine candidates in 1999, and almost won outright by nearly taking the 50 percent-plus-one that guaranteed victory in Las Vegas municipal races.

When Steve Wynn backed Goodman, other casino owners followed.

During every State of the City speech, Goodman cited would name the projects he was particularly proud of bringing downtown. He often cited his effort to buy 61 acres behind the Plaza, a blank slate of undeveloped land for future projects.

“Life is short, and nobody knows it better than we do,” Goodman said. “In 35 years practicing law, it wasn’t work. It was all fun no matter how serious the case, no matter how difficult the trial. In 12 years as the mayor, working every day, seven days a week, every day I had fun.”

Goodman said his legacy as mayor was “bricks and mortar,” referring to the dramatic changes to the downtown Las Vegas skyline during his tenure.

The New York Times reported that Goodman once said "If I could finish all the gin I have in my home, I would live to be about 3,000 years old.”

After departing City Hall in 2011 and swearing in his wife, Carolyn Goodman, Goodman found a niche for himself and with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority as chairman of its Host Committee.

After the unveiling of his statue at Madame Tussauds House of Wax, Goodman remarked "I don’t look at myself as a celebrity. I look at myself as a rock star."

People often stopped Goodman in public to say hello, and he couldn’t move but a few yards in the courthouse without being greeted by someone, whether it be an attorney, a bailiff or a Las Vegas resident.

Significant construction completed during Goodman’s tenure as mayor included the World Market Center, the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health designed by world-famous architect Frank Gehry, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts and the Discovery Children’s Museum.

In preparation for Helldorado Days in 2009, Goodman emerged from a dressing room dressed head-to-toe in Western garb, looking the part of a well-heeled cowboy, and apparently wanting to play the part as well. "You look like you’re ready to play poker," said Jace Radke, a city spokesman. "Or shoot someone," Goodman responded. "Well, the news conference is at 11," Radke said. "You can probably find someone to shoot there."

When he became chairman of the LVCVA Host Committee, Goodman had free drink cards made up for the restaurant named after him, Oscar’s Steakhouse at the Plaza in downtown Las Vegas. In small print it said, “Your first drink is on me ... but I better see you order a second!”

“The truth is, I love Carolyn,” Oscar Goodman said in 2016. “It’s a real love affair. I love Las Vegas. It’s a real love affair.”

Photos currated by
Chase Stevens • Las Vegas Review-Journal
Design and development by
Tony Morales • Las Vegas Review-Journal