Former MGM Mirage CEO Lanni diagnosed with cancer

Staff and wire services

Published Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 | 5:15 p.m.

Updated Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 | 6:10 p.m.

Terry Lanni

A former chief executive of MGM Mirage has been diagnosed with cancer.

MGM Mirage said Tuesday that Terrence Lanni, 66, requires treatment, including chemotherapy and possibly surgery. Lanni retired last year after more than 13 years leading the Las Vegas-based company.

MGM Mirage CEO Jim Murren says Lanni's "spirits are strong."

More details about the diagnosis are not immediately available.

Lanni first disclosed his illness to casino industry newsletter Gaming Today. The longtime casino executive led MGM Mirage from a one-casino operation to its current state as the largest operator on the Las Vegas Strip.

Immediately after announcing his retirement, Lanni faced questions about whether he misrepresented his academic credentials. Lanni has said the issue of his degree had nothing to do with his retirement, nor was it because of health concerns.

Lanni retired last November after serving as MGM Mirage’s chairman and CEO for 13 years. He joined MGM Grand Inc. in June 1995 as president and chief executive officer and a member of the board. He guided MGM Mirage through mergers with Mirage Resorts (2000) and Mandalay Resort Group (2005). Opening this December, the $8.5 billion CityCenter project was Lanni’s vision.

Discussion: 17 comments so far…

By rejco100

10/13/09 at 6:49 p.m.

Comment removed by staff.
By burnemandturnem

10/13/09 at 7:04 p.m.

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Perhaps Mr. Lanni new of or suspected his condition when he resigned. So many people assumed (myself included) that he left because of the financial troubles of MGM and reports of his less than accurate resume. Maybe we were wrong.
By VegasGM85

10/13/09 at 7:39 p.m.

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Thats a shame anyway you look at it... no matter what your opinion on the company is... Cancer sucks...
By dgeinzer

10/13/09 at 7:57 p.m.

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Wishing Mr. Lanni a speedy recovery. He has done amazing things for MGM-Mirage, the gaming industry and Las Vegas. All of our hopes and prayers should be with him.
By That_Anonymous_Guy

10/13/09 at 8:29 p.m.

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Disappointing news. A truly classy guy all around. Wishing him the best.
By Phargo

10/14/09 at 12:10 a.m.

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Let's all say a prayer and keep a good thought.
By stevem

10/14/09 at 6:54 a.m.

Comment removed by staff.
By serious

10/14/09 at 9:35 a.m.

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Terry Lanni played a huge part in the success of Caesar's Palace, and then went on to MGM to lead that company to where it is today. A truly nice person, loved by his many employees, and smart as can be. When he retired, there were rumors of an illness. Let's all keep him in our prayers, and wish him well.
By American_Gaming_Guru

10/14/09 at 11:49 a.m.

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Get well soon.
By bighitter1

10/14/09 at 8:11 p.m.

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Well he has more than enough money to pay for all the medical bills he will be getting. He is fortune he was the CEO of MGM/MIRAGE and not a worker because he would be screwed as are the workers with the insurance they now have.
By MGMKID

10/15/09 at 12:15 p.m.

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My prayers are with you, Mr. Lanni..get better soon.
By misssula

10/15/09 at 12:42 p.m.

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My prayer is that Terry has a full recovery and long life. MGM MIRAGE has not been the same since he left his post. He proves that one person makes a difference in an organization. MGM MIRAGE misses your leadership Terry!!
By mojosparks

10/19/09 at 6:14 a.m.

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12 months ago Ihad to cancedl a trip to Vegas because I was diagnosed with cancer. Tomorrow I leave the UK for 11 days in your wonderful city.I had chemo and surgery and am now 4 months into remission, this guy has a tough journey ahead of him and I wish him well but I am a living example that it can be beaten.Keep positive,god speed.