| Human Profile | |
| Name: | Michael Franzese |
| Birthday: | May 27, 1951 (age 74 years), Born in Brooklyn, New York |
| Height: | 5'5" (165 cm) |
| Education: | Hofstra University (Dropped Out), Pre-Medicine |
| Subscribers: | 1.88M |
| Views: | 304,546,350 |
| YouTube Revenue: | $304.5K - $1.5M |
| Videos: | 1127 |
| Channel Created: | June 2007 |
Overview
Michael Franzese is an American former mobster, author, and motivational speaker, recognized as the son of Colombo crime family underboss John Franzese, who himself rose to the rank of caporegime in the same family, masterminding a lucrative gasoline bootlegging scheme that placed him on Fortune Magazine’s list of wealthiest mafia bosses, and uniquely for becoming a born-again Christian and publicly renouncing organized crime without witness protection.
Latest News (Jan 20, 2026): Michael Franzese recently uploaded a YouTube video on January 19, 2026, titled "I Was Big News In MAFIA DAYS," where he recounted being widely recognized during his time in the mob, including a specific instance in prison due to a news flash about his RICO act case. Other recent uploads include "10 Mafia Mistakes That Destroyed Cosa Nostra" from January 17, 2026, which garnered 69K views, and "Ranking the Most Powerful Underbosses in Mafia History" from January 14, 2026, with 115K views.
Early Life and Family
Michael Franzese was born on May 27, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, to John “Sonny” Franzese, an underboss in the Colombo crime family, and Cristina Capobianco-Franzese. Initially, Michael believed he was adopted by John Franzese and that his biological father was his mother’s first husband, Frank Grillo, leading him to use the name “Michael Grillo” until he was 18. It was later revealed that his father, John, who was already married, had Michael with Cristina, who then married Grillo to avoid a scandal. After John Franzese was permitted by the mob to divorce his first wife, Grillo disappeared, and John married Cristina.
His father did not want him to be involved in organized crime and encouraged him to pursue a medical career. Following this path, Franzese enrolled in a pre-med program at Hofstra University. However, his life took a different direction after his father was sentenced to 50 years in prison for bank robbery in 1967. Franzese dropped out of college to help earn money for his family.
Beginnings in Organized Crime
In 1975, on Halloween night, Michael Franzese was officially inducted as a “made man” into the Colombo crime family. The ceremony, which included a blood oath, was conducted under acting boss Tommy DiBella. He was briefly mentored by Colombo soldier Joseph “Joe-Joe” Vitacco. By 1980, Franzese had risen to the rank of caporegime, or captain, leading a crew of associates.
Rise and Criminal Enterprises
Franzese became a significant earner for the Colombo family, masterminding several lucrative schemes. His most notable operation was a sophisticated gasoline bootlegging racket that defrauded the federal government of gasoline taxes. In partnership with the Russian Mafia in Brooklyn, Franzese’s operation set up a complex “daisy chain” of wholesale companies, including 18 stock-bearer companies based in Panama, to sell gasoline tax-free between them on paper. A dummy company would forge tax documents, allowing Franzese’s crew to pocket the federal tax. When authorities attempted to collect from the dummy company, it would declare bankruptcy.
At its peak, this scheme generated vast sums of money, with Franzese claiming he personally made up to $8 million per week. In 1986, Fortune Magazine listed him as number 18 on its list of the “Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses.”
Indictment and Leaving the Mob
In 1985, Franzese faced indictments in both Florida and New York related to the gasoline scheme. He was charged with racketeering, counterfeiting, and extortion. In March 1986, he pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and tax conspiracy charges and was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. He was also ordered to pay $14.7 million in restitution.
While shooting the film Knights of the City in 1984, he met his future wife, Camille Garcia, a Christian dancer. Her faith was a significant influence on his decision to leave his criminal life. While in prison, a guard gave him a Bible, and he became a born-again Christian. After being released from prison in 1994, he publicly renounced organized crime and retired to California with his wife and children in 1995, a move prompted by receiving death threats. He is recognized as the only high-ranking official of a major crime family to have publicly walked away without entering protective custody and survived.
Post-Mob Life and Career
Since leaving the mob, Michael Franzese has built a career as a motivational speaker, author, and media personality. He speaks at Christian conferences, churches, schools, and prisons, sharing his story of transformation and warning against the dangers of a life of crime. His speaking topics include overcoming adversity and ethical business practices.
He has co-authored several books about his life, including his first autobiography, Quitting the Mob (1992), Blood Covenant (2009), and I’ll Make You an Offer You Can’t Refuse (2010). Franzese also established a YouTube channel in 2020, where he shares stories, conducts interviews, and offers commentary. He remains active as a public figure, appearing in documentaries and interviews to discuss his experiences. He lives in California with his wife, Camille; they have seven children together.