Michael Franzese Sr. (born May 27, 1951) is a former mobster and caporegime in the Colombo crime family in New York City. He dropped out of Hofstra University‘s pre-med program to support his family after his father, Sonny Franzese, was sentenced to 50 years in prison.
In the early 1980s, he helped orchestrate a gasoline tax fraud scheme. By 1986, he was listed by Fortune Magazine as one of the “Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses.” After prison, he became a motivational speaker and born-again Christian.
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Michael Franzese Net Worth
Michael Franzese has a net worth of $4 million. He previously lived in an $18 million home in Corona Del Mar, California. The 8,341-square-foot estate included six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, an elevator, and an infinity edge pool on a .26-acre property.
He was likely renting the home, paying around $8,000 per month. In June 2021, he purchased a new home in Newport Beach, California for $2.89 million.
Early Life
Michael Franzese was born May 27, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, to John “Sonny” Franzese, a Colombo crime family underboss, and Cristina Capobianco-Franzese.
Michael initially believed his biological father was Frank Grillo, but it was later revealed that John was his real father. In 1971, he dropped out of college to support his family after John‘s 50-year prison sentence. In 1975, Franzese was inducted into the Colombo crime family under acting boss Tommy DiBella. By 1980, he became a caporegime with a crew of 300.
Career
In the 1970s, Michael Franzese became involved in legitimate businesses, including restaurants, car dealerships, auto repair shops, nightclubs, video stores, travel agencies, and movie production companies. By the mid-1980s, he had a stronghold in these industries. In 1980, Franzese partnered with booking agent Norby Walters and was tasked with intimidating clients and resolving issues with their agents.
In 1981, Franzese extorted a role for Norby Walters on Michael Jackson’s U.S. tour. In 1983, he helped the FBI with an investigation into Don King, but the operation collapsed. By 1985, Franzese became a silent partner in Walters’ sports management agency and served as president of the film production company Miami Gold, which produced “Knights of the City” in 1986.
Personal life
Michael Franzese is a Christian and has been married twice. He resides in Newport Beach, California with his wife, Camille Garcia, and their seven children. He met Camille in 1984 while shooting Knights of the City in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Camille, also a Christian, influenced his decision to leave the mob.
In 2010, Michael’s brother John Franzese Jr. testified against their father, Sonny Franzese, in a racketeering case, leading to Sonny’s conviction. Sonny was released in 2017 and died in 2020 at age 103.
Why did John Franzese testify?
John Franzese Jr. wanted a way out of his life and was approached by the FBI with a proposition to become an informant, which he accepted.
Conclusion
Michael Franzese’s life story is a testament to the possibility of change. From a feared mobster to a motivational speaker and author, his journey reflects a profound personal transformation. His experiences in organized crime and his subsequent redemption offer unique insights into the complexities of human nature and the power of change.
FAQs About Michael Franzese
1. What is Michael Franzese’s net worth? His net worth is estimated at $4 million.
2. How did Michael Franzese make his money? Franzese earned millions through criminal enterprises, notably a gasoline bootlegging scheme, and later diversified into legitimate businesses.
3. What movies has Michael Franzese been in? He appeared in “Let There Be Light” and “Whack the Don.”
4. Did Michael Franzese write any books? Yes, he wrote several books, including “Blood Covenant” and “Mafia Democracy.”
5. What does Michael Franzese do now? He is a motivational speaker and writer, focusing on themes of redemption and transformation.
In conclusion, Mich
