Biography

Michael Franzese grew up the son of the notorious Underboss of New York's violent Colombo crime family. As Franzese rose within the ranks, he was estimated to have been making 5-8M per week from a gasoline bootlegging scheme, involving the Russian Mafia. He survived countless Grand Jury appearances, 3 state indictments, 2 federal racketeering trials, 8 years in prison and a Mafia death sentence. He is also the only high ranking "made man", while still in his prime earning years, to "publicly" walk away from the mob and live to tell about it. In 1986, Fortune Magazine ranked Franzese as #18 on its list of the 50 Most Wealthy and Powerful Mob Bosses." Today, he is the only man from that list who is not currently in jail or deceased!

Determined to use the compelling experiences of his former life for the benefit of corporate executives, professional and student athletes, at-risk youth, church audiences, and for anyone seeking the inspiration to beat the odds and make positive changes in their lives, he has become a highly regarded motivator and a source of invaluable information. Franzese candidly describes how he survived dozens of grand jury appearances, 5 major racketeering indictments, 5 criminal trials, 7 years in prison and a Mafia death sentence. He tells how he engaged bankers, corporate executives, union officials and professional and student athletes in a wide variety of financial scams. His open and honest presentations are fresh and unique. Audiences are captivated by stories of his personal experiences in organized crime and genuinely affected by his powerful anti-crime messages and eye opening revelations.

Michael Franzese Ministries relies on your donations to help proclaim the transformation power of Jesus Christ to at-risk and often uncharted audiences. You can help share the Franzese Family's authentic, gritty testimony to men, women and families around the world - with a special emphasis for at-risk populations like youth, prisoners and economically disadvantaged families.

- IMDb mini biography by: JST