POKER INFO - PROILE - Stu Ungar

I watched the movie last night and it stunk, they didn't even included a documentary or anything in the menu or show real pics of Stu in a photo gallery. Who ever was behind the movie was just trying to make a quick buck, the actor playing Stu had none of the charm, charisma or good looks of Stu in his prime or downfall. I would like to caution Steph and friends trying to do a good book or even make a better movie, don't let it become an unrealistic love for the man story, his life should speak for itself, it was roller coaster and celebration of the good and the bad in life and shouldn't be sugar coated or made a tragedy, it was a life and down the corridor of life, just a door along Stu's journey through it. I remember after Elvis died, all the close friends like J.D. Sumner and others saying Elvis never did drugs, he hid it from them that well but it was pretty obvious, pictures don't lie but family and friends are sometimes as blind as a greedy director trying to make a fast buck. Good luck with all your endeavors with getting the true story out there. He was a genious with numbers, tells and instincts and Luck was a Lady to him whenever the cards were in his hand. Shame on any who try to degrade him for having an addiction he couldn't overcome and not being able to gather his "Better Angels" to help him overcome his demons, but every man has them, no one is perfect, everyone has something they are ashamed of and that haunts them so any who try to make themselves better than Stu aren't really looking in the mirror and being honest with themselves.

Just watched the movie High roller tonight about Stu Ungar...He was indeed the best...I wish the best for his Daughter also..

The movie was hideous to anyone who has done any research on Stu Ungar. There was one silver lining however; a segment of the movie concerning the '97 World Series of Poker that was a testament to Ungar's brilliance that was not shown on ESPN's hour long edited coverage of the event. In a scene showing the final table, a voiceover said that Ungar raised the blind and/or bet on SEVEN CONSECUTIVE HANDS and each time the table folded around him. No one dared find out if he was bluffing or not. He had everyone at that table psychologically defeated before he officially defeated them. Not many people if any, could do that so effectively. Other highlights: Mr. Miyagi did a superb transition from Daniel San's mentor to the Billy Baxter character; the actor who played the Doyle Brunson character in the '80 WSOP looked 500 lbs. smaller and 500 years older than Brunson; Vince Van Patten turned in his usual sub-par performance as Ungar's golfing and poker buddy. I was looking forward to seeing this film when I first heard of it, but it turned out to be a waste of my time as it was a one-sided production that only shed light on the debauchery of his demons and failed(or didn't care)to focus on as an above poster stated his generosity, charasmatic, and charming attributes. If you haven't seen it, the name Stu Ungar will draw you in but that's as far as it goes. This movie could be light years better if only done by people who cared instead of quick-buck artists or 'college students that started the project the night before it was due'.

I agree that the movie high roller didn't reflect all of Mr Ungars good qualities, but did in someways reflect some of them such as his skill and the love he had for his family...

well i am never gambling again i turned 100 dollars into 1000 dollars and lost it all back from now on the only money i will ever have will come from my paychecks i still want to see vegas and will prolly still go but i had my final gambling experience and am now officially retired stefani when i get there i am gonna need a tour guide.

Hi Stefanie, Posted a question to you awhile back. Just wanted to say a couple of things...I understand why you must not like the movie, as apparently the director used your dad to make some money, if you want to look on the bright side, he did a rather poor job of it, so I doubt his work in the movie advanced his career one bit. I did see the movie, and yes I was dissapointed but I am sure it will inspire people to learn more about your dad and search for true information, so perhaps it is not all bad?? I imagine people on here do not believe your identity in part because there is so much rudeness on here, and probably it surprises them that anyone is willing to take this. I commend you for taking the bad in order to further the good (ie tell us more about your dad).One thing I was thinking about in reference to your dad and wanted to ask you was what do you think the appeal was of him gambling on losers? (craps, horses, sports etc) I understand why some uneducated people do this, but as bright as your dad was he surely knew he was taking much the worst of it in these gambles. Is wanting action the best explanation for it? Isn't poker enough action?Please don't take this point the wrong way, I'm not trying to criticize his choices, as many poker pros today make similiar ones, but wondered if you could shed light on what motivates a highly intelligent person to take these bad bets?Thanks for your time and contributions, David

If I am not mistaken I think the actor that played Stu in the high roller movie was also the lead actor in a movie called sweet nothing where he was a crack addict.

In response to chitter23, I already signed the life rights over. I still have alot of say still but I had to do that in order for Simon and Schuster and or any movie deal to go through. So there really isn't anything that I can talk to you about. Also, in response to David Fresne, the only thing I can think of why my dad bet sports and horses the way he did (betting on alot of losers) is because if he bet on something that the odds were against him the payoff would be better. This man beat the odds his whole life so he probably wasn't afraid to go against the odds while betting either. I wish poker was enough for him but it obovisiously wasn't. I wish you all could have seen what it was like for me growing up watching him bet on 3 different games at once. It was quite comical. He would have 3 T.V's going at one time. A big screen, a smaller T.V next to that one and a satelite T.V in the very next room. He would run back in forth from room to room to keep up with the scores. And even sometimes he would have the radio on listening to a game too. Just to let all of you know... We are not sugar coating the book at all. The book is very truthful. I'll be honest, some stuff I really didn't want in there but then I knew if I did it that way it would have defeated part of the main purpose why my dad agreeded to start this book in the first place. It was to help people who might find themselves going down a simuliar path as his. As far as I know at the moment the book will be released on June 19th. I told you all I would keep you posted so you know as much as I do as of now. To the guy who calls himself "DevilDriver" That's really not that cool of a name. Do you honestly want to be known as a Devil Driver? Anyway, mabey that's none of my business but the guy who played my dad in that movie was Michael Imperoli. He plays in the show "The Soprano's" I don't know about the "Sweet Nothing" movie though. Talk to you all another time. Stefanie

Stefanie, I ran a google search on the movie Sweet Nothing (1996) and it was the same actor (Michael Imperoli) As for the DevilDriver nick it is just the name of one of my favorite rock bands...Nothing sinister...I believe in trying to live as christian as much as possible.

His supper agressive style of play only worked in tournaments.In cash games, against real players, helost more than he won.

just like Stephanie said stu's life started downhill when he came t Las vegas....and I truly believe her..that city made many fine ppl bums and loser's. anyone who can will 3 WSOP titles and 3 of the other titles that were mentioned has to be the best therer ever was. cant wait for his book RIP Stuey

Stu was motivated by the challenge and the action of competition and out doing the other guy. The money to him was secondary, it was only the means to get into the excitment of things. Stu was an autistic card savant who had a heart and compassion of gold to boot, a person that if you spent time with would show you things about life and yourself that would change you. If he had a difficulty it wasn't the surface things that most talk about but rather the endless want of 'self' to have the high and 'fix' of challenge and compeating. I don't mean to offend any readers nor give the impression that I know all or have the right to say things about stu (because I don't)but just enough to say that many here who have made comments do so with out the full story. You will be in for a captavating experience when the book comes out by one of the most interesting human beings that has EVER graced the gambling world. pe

just wanted to say stefanie your dad was a great player. I know how hard it is to deal with a parant on drugs because you know what a great person they are outside of the drugs well i just wanted to say that and cant wait for the book oh yeah I used to goto high school with ya i was one of Fernandos (froggy) morenos friends probably dont remember but its cool but i was trippin when i found out he was your dad because i knew of him and how great he was....

After watching Stu Ungar win 1997 WSOP just this last few weeks, he was the first and only so far poker player I have ever searched for more info on via the internet.Wow what a find and interesting story, and hopefully a great movie someday.Theres just something about him, more than just the great plays he made, but some star quality.Although getting a movie to ever be close to the real life, is unlikely, I loved Bruce Lee and that Dragon movie was poor and missed out all the best Bruce Lee life story bits.Someday, some decent film makers will stumble on the Stu Ungar story, and well have a box office hit. It will be what sends Poker and texas holdem soaring even higher in growing popularity, bring a hude shoal of fish to the poker tables.

Above post was mine, forgot to put my name.Sorry it didnt work out for your father Steph, thats part of the tragedy of the story, hes the only player ive seen hold up a pic of his daughter after winning, and its a shame he didnt sort his life out, but seems that was his destiny.

The guy that played stu Ungar in the "High Roller" completely sucked ass. Just by watching the WSOP tapes of STu Ungar, that guy did a very poor job of trying to act like Stu Ungar. Also, his features does not loook anything like Stu Ungar. I think the personality is the most important part.

Although the movie high roller was poorly done I think because of that movie though which has been playing on satellite TV on the starz channels quite alot lately that it will serve to Stu and Stefanie's advantage by bringing the legend of Stu to millions more people in time for the book release and hopefully a better movie to come in the near future of Stu's life story...One thing that I really liked about the movie though was that I thought it had an awesome musical soundtrack

I think Stu may have had his priorities straight.Money is a tool in money-games...and so is fear. As it says in the book of Proverbs..."the timid become destitute, but the aggressive gain riches." I think Stu may have mastered selective aggression, and if I had a hero...he would be it.

to stefanie, your father would be proud. can't wait for the book!

its title should be wunderkind: the story of stu ungar

Dear Stefanie, I think it is great that you are going to write a book about your dad. A lot of people such as myself can not wait for it to come out. I never new your father, but in my gut I feel like I did. I read all these articles on the net and can't help but notice all the similarities we have. I think a lot of ignorant people are to quick to judge somebody. I also think it is a shame that when the name Stu Ungar comes up, people usually have something negative to say, overlooking his brilliance and all the great things he has accomplished. I recently took a trip out to Vegas to play poker and visit some family, and the funniest thing happened. I was playing in a NL tourney at Binion's and at the break I went over to the gallery of champions. I seen the picture they have your father, who I am the biggest fan of. I gently rubbed the name of the late great Stu Unger, and said "Rest in Peace Stuey". After that I went back to my table and the next five hands i recieved were all pocket pairs. There was an unbelievable fealing I got inside, that whenever I looked at my first card I just new the next card was going to pair. I ended up finishing in third place, but deep down in my heart I think your father had something to do with it. So at the end of the tourney I went back over to picture and said "Thanks Stuey". I never was fortunate enough to sit down and play with your old man, but just to have that exciting experiance I felt like I have. But anyways, I hope you get a chance to read my story and i wish you and your family nothing but the best. R.I.P Stu Ungar. Sincerely MPerot

Fabian,of course I remember you. Tell Fernando I said "hi." Is he still with Shirly? Anyway, that's cool you are a fan of my dad's. For the most part, all of you guys are really cool on here and that's why I come on this site to begin with. If I was a fan of someone and they had a website I would love to talk to them. Of course I am not my dad but I guess I am the next best thing to actually being able to talk to him. He is half of me right? There are so many stories about him out there that arn't true and I feel I can kinda cancle some of those out with sharing with you all ACTUAL TRUE stories about him and his life. My mom and I are planing an offical website of him. I'll keep you all posted on that too. Stefanie

I saw the Stuey movie its called high roller now. NOT TO GOOD.You can get it at a best buy or rent it at block buster. The goods are in the book. I know one thing that will be in the book, Stu and his friend walked around with 200k in a paper bag then...? lol cant say, but stefanie I used to talk with Nolan, its been about a year though. I know a few insiders about the book. I wrote on another site with you stefanie, if you remember, but I dont like that site anymore. I stop by your dads grve somtimes cause my aunt is buried on the other side. doesnt it say on his head stone 'a great man but an even greater loss and a beloved father. If you see Nolan befor this WSOP tell him Darren said hi if you dont mind..

Yes, that's what is says. I was the one who thought to put that. Because he was a great person, but an even greater loss. What I ment by that was he really was such a great person but he realy was a greater loss in so many ways... Poker World, My World, and many other ways. Stefanie

Did you ever meet your Dad's Mother befor stefanie? Do you know any of the Ungar side of your famly? Just wondering.

Hay frddifish, Ill see you in the 2007 wsop and make sure you lose. If you ever come to vegas post it and we will meet to play heads up.

No, she died before I was born. Both of my grandparents died before I was born. I met my dad's sister when I was 2 yrs old but that was it. She has died too.

Well I was reading what Mike said, what a weridOOO.. My girlfriend is being bugged by a man who she only talked to for about 5 min about me and her. Now he goes to her work mad at her cause she didnt go to his work to talk ever again. We might have to get a restraining order on him. Or beat him up. I dont think that would be good cause if that happens he might just follow her home and get worse. Damn, Stefanie you must get those kinda freaks asking or begging you to meet them every day.

Ok Mike, firt things first, you cant get loste in vegas and theres plenty of bumms who wouldnt mind being your friend just buy them a beer and thay will be yours forever.

Hi Stefanie, I'm glad to see what a gracious, spiritually grounded young woman you've turned out to be. I'm sure your dad has been grateful for who you are and that you're honoring his memory without trying to make him appear any different than he was. Thanks for continuing to communicate on this list and ignoring the foolishness. I knew your dad in '81-'83, when you were very little. You, his baby girl, were the one thing that seemed real and important to him. Yeah, he had money and action flying all around him, but he'd was living in an empty house and when he wasn't gambling he seemed much like a lost child. I was a professional blackjack player at the time, Stuey's age, and was in awe of him. We used to hang out some and had a bunch of mutual gambling acquaintances. Your dad could be totally self-absorbed yet also sweet and generous like people have said. One morning after gambling all night he invited me over for breakfast and had pretty much nothing but a couple of eggs in the refrigerator. He fried them up and showed me baby pictures of you. I don't remember anything else we talked about but I've remembered your name all these years. I have no doubt that you, the person who is posting on this list, are for real. Anyway, back then nobody would play gin with Stuey because he was known to be unbeatable, even when he offered them ridiculous advantages. So he'd turned to poker and had already won the WSOP. When I first met him he was learning backgammon by playing against the best players-- he lost to my friends at first, but he was learning from everything that happened and by the end of the week he may have recovered his losses to them with a little poker. But then he'd go and blow what seemed to me obscene amounts of money on some crazy golf bets. He seemed to be playing his own unique game with life and I could never figure it out. That wasn't my style at all-- I'd carefully save up my winnings and after one good tournement I moved to Santa Barbara and said goodbye to the casinos.I've felt a bit richer from knowing your dad. He had all the problems that everyone knows about, but he always seemed larger than life-- a reminder that even with brilliance and money we can put ourselves through hell, and yet with all its craziness this world can be magic. Even now I get a smile thinking about his grin and his sweetness and his intensity.May the Kid rest in peace, and may you, stefanie, live in the peace that you seem to have found. Kate