Michael Franzese

Michael Franzese, born on May 27, 1951, is a former caporegime of the Colombo crime family and the son of notorious underboss John Franzese. Initially pursuing a pre-med degree at Hofstra University, Franzese left his studies to support his family following his father's 1967 conviction for bank robbery, which resulted in a 50-year prison sentence. In the early 1980s, he orchestrated a significant scheme to cheat the federal government out of gasoline taxes, which became a cornerstone of his criminal enterprise.

By the mid-1980s, Franzese had gained considerable notoriety within organized crime circles. In 1986, Fortune Magazine recognized him as the 18th most wealthy and powerful mafia boss, estimating his earnings at a staggering $8 million per week at the peak of his operations. However, his criminal career was marred by legal troubles; he was convicted of conspiracy in 1986 and sentenced to ten years in prison, serving time until his release in 1989. Following a parole violation in 1991, he was re-incarcerated, ultimately being released in 1994.

After leaving the life of crime behind, Franzese relocated to California, where he transitioned into a successful career as a motivational speaker and author, sharing insights from his tumultuous past and advocating for positive life choices.