Happy 49th Birthday to Richard Wilk, the Man who has Made an Impact on Vegas for 20 Years
Celebrities get all the press and recognition, but how about those who yield the important role of taking care of these famous faces at any given moment? Richard Wilk is one of those people. Wilk, who recently celebrated his 49th year, has spent the last twenty taking care of the most famous names in movies, music, and sports, along with Vegas’ biggest high-rollers (Pictured: Richard Wilk with Rihanna – Photo courtesy of the D Casino Hotel) .
High Roller Don Johnson with Richard Wilk
Photo courtesy of the D Casino Hotel.
Richard has cultivated a trust with the biggest stars, whether that means aiding in throwing their parties or simply keeping their Vegas visit a secret. For example, Rihanna put her trust in Richard when it came to throwing Katy Perry’s bachelorette party without the secret leaking beforehand.
Justin Timberlake with Leor Yerushalmi and Richard Wilk
Photo courtesy of the D Casino Hotel.
His networking skills and charm proved to be the perfect cocktail, as he remains high on the exclusive invite lists for some of Hollywood’s biggest parties. He recounts his friend, and music mogul, Steve Rifkind’s birthday party at the Beverly Hills Hotel. It was there where Richard networked with everybody in the music business, one being Sean “Diddy” Combs, who he wound up taking care of in Vegas.
Olympic Medalists Ryan Lochte and Cullen Jones and Richard Wilk with Gold Medal
Photo courtesy of the D Casino Hotel.
Richard’s success was foreseeable when he was just a kid living in Toronto, Canada. As a pre-teen, he traveled with his father to Las Vegas, where his dad was a well-respected VIP. He initially learned all about how the casino game was played merely by observation. His experience in helping celebrities started, unknowingly at the time, at age 12, when helped an elderly man down the stairs at the Las Vegas Hilton. That man turned out to be George Burns.
President Bill Clinton with Richard Wilk
Photo courtesy of the D Casino Hotel.
The act of taking care of people must be embedded deep in his genes, as in his previous career he protected some of the biggest names in the world. His first job in the US was helping protect President Bill Clinton, along side of the secret service. He did the same for over four years with Bill Gates.
WWE Goldberg, Richard Wilk and Stone Cold Steve Austin in Las Vegas
Photo courtesy of the D Casino Hotel.
Some of Vegas’ coolest stories have one thing in common: Richard Wilk. Lady Gaga’s first-ever Vegas performance took place at the Hard Rock Hotel’s Rehab pool party, when she was introduced to Richard by rapper, Akon, as an upcoming artist on his record label. It was at that same pool where Richard watched the NFL draft in a cabana with some of the most famous Dallas Cowboys, such as Quarterback Tony Romo, Jason Whitten, and more.
NFL Tony Romo, singer Jessica Simpson and Richard Wilk in Las Vegas
Photo courtesy of the D Casino Hotel.
Despite Richard’s growing success in becoming a household name in Vegas, and a sought-after celebrity connection, the giving man remains humble and considers his network to be his wealth.
Casino Owner Derek Stevens, COO David Tuttle and Richard Wilk
Photo courtesy of the D Casino Hotel.
Currently, Richard holds the title of Director of Business Development & Buzz Marketing at the D Casino Hotel in downtown Las Vegas, working for one of the biggest names in the city and definitely the biggest name downtown; casino owner Derek Stevens. It’s here where Richard consistently helps in exposing their “sexy, cool, and fun” brand and atmosphere.
Richard Wilk, Skipper Kelp and UFC President Dana White
Photo courtesy of the D Casino Hotel.
It’s been nine years since Richard’s star-studded birthday bash at the Hard Rock Hotel, hosted by Sopranos star, Steve Schirripa. Akon and Gossip Girl actress, Leighton Meester, sang to Richard in the midst of celebrities ranging from UFC champs to football stars and musicians. The celebration doubled as a big “thank you” in front of 400 of Richard’s friends.
Richard Wilk and Tony Bennett
Photo courtesy of the D Casino Hotel.
This article may not be as spectacular as that birthday bash nine years ago, but we thought we’d take a moment to shine the spotlight on such a powerful force and awesome friend in this city. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for you next, Richard!