Miss Atomic Bomb: The 25-Year Search for Her Identity
After a 20-year search, News Directory 3 reveals the identity of “miss Atomic Bomb,” the iconic showgirl who captivated Las Vegas during the atomic age. Historian Robert Friedrichs has unearthed the true name of this elusive figure: Anna Lee Mahoney, also known as Lee A. Merlin. Discover how Friedrichs dedicated decades to uncovering her identity, a quest that included poring over archives, interviewing former showgirls, and tracking down the original photographer. Learn about Mahoney’s life, from her Bronx origins and ballet training to her starring role at the Sands Hotel in 1957; explore this story, which has become a symbol of nuclear tourism and old Vegas, and see the impact of this photograph.Discover what’s next when you can view this exhibit at the Atomic Museum.
Historian Reveals Identity of “Miss Atomic Bomb,” Iconic Las Vegas Showgirl
Updated May 31, 2025
for over 20 years, historian Robert friedrichs pursued a mystery: the identity of “Miss Atomic bomb,” the showgirl whose image became synonymous with Las Vegas’s atomic age allure. Friedrichs, 81, a retired scientist with roots in that era, finally uncovered her name: Anna Lee Mahoney, who performed as Lee A. Merlin.
The quest began around 2000, as Friedrichs, a founding member of the Atomic Museum in Las Vegas, hoped to invite her to the grand opening. The iconic 1957 photo, intended to promote nuclear tourism, featured mahoney in a mushroom cloud-shaped swimsuit. The image helped define Las Vegas, but the model remained anonymous.
friedrichs’s search involved sifting through archives, interviewing former showgirls, and even tracking down the original photographer. A breakthrough came when an obituary, mentioning a former lead dancer at the Sands Hotel, provided the crucial link.
Born in the Bronx in 1927, Mahoney trained in ballet and adopted the stage name Lee A.Merlin. By 1957, she headlined at the Sands Hotel’s Copa showroom, performing for celebrities like Frank sinatra and Louis Armstrong. After her dancing career, Mahoney worked as a mental health counselor, relocated to Hawaii, and eventually passed away in Santa Cruz, California, in 2001 after battling cancer.
The “Miss Atomic Bomb” photograph remains a popular image, inspiring costumes and even appearing in television shows. Friedrichs emphasized the impact of that single photograph.
“It’s just really amazing that one click of the shutter could have such an impact,” Friedrichs said.
The Atomic Museum will open a temporary exhibit on June 13,showcasing Friedrichs’s journey to uncover the identity of Anna Lee Mahoney. Joseph Kent, the museum’s deputy director, noted the exhibit highlights both Miss Atomic Bomb and Friedrichs’s dedication.
New friends and old stories
Friedrichs developed close relationships during his research. he befriended photographer Don English, who captured the original image. He also connected with other showgirls,who shared stories of vintage Vegas.
With assistance from private investigators, Friedrichs ultimately confirmed the link between all of Miss Atomic Bomb’s names and a single Social Security number. He described the completion of his search as a lifelong hope.
“it’s somthing I always hoped would be completed in my lifetime,” said Friedrichs.
Friedrichs emphasized that his motivation stemmed from a desire to complete the past record. He likened the missing name to forgetting the first U.S. president’s name.
What’s next
The Atomic Museum’s exhibit promises to shed further light on anna Lee Mahoney’s life and legacy, solidifying her place in Las Vegas history and honoring Friedrichs’s commitment to uncovering the truth behind the iconic image of Miss Atomic Bomb.