We watch some of the stories that come to life on the big screen with astonishment, some with tension, and some with horror. Mafia stories are one of them... Here are the famous profiles that emerged from the dark pages of history and inspired movies...
FRANK COSTELLO (1891-1973)
Real name: Francesco Castiglia * Frank Costello, who came to the USA on a ship from his birth country, Italy, when he was nine years old; He entered the mafia world at the age of 13, committing crimes in many areas, and earned the title of 'Prime Minister of the Underground'. He later becomes the leader of the Luciano Family, which takes the name Genovese. He dies of a heart attack at the age of 82. Movies: The character bearing his name in 'Gangster Wars', 'Bugsy' and 'Mobsters'; He was the inspiration for the character Vito Corleone in 'The Godfather'.
VITO GENEVESE (1897-1969)
At the age of 20, Vito Genovese goes to prison for the first time for carrying a gun. Genovese, who became close to Mussolini and carried out many assassinations, later returned to the USA and gained great power. Movies: Another inspiration for Vito Corleone in the movie 'The Godfather' is Vito Genovese.
BUGSY SIEGEL (1906-1947)
Real name: Benjamin Siegelbaum * Siegelbaum is strong enough to join the Italian mafia, which includes none other than its citizens. At the age of 40, he founded the first large hotel and casino in Las Vegas. Film: There are traces of Bugsy Siegel's life story in the films 'Virginia Hill: Mistress to the Mob' and 'Once Upon a Time in America'.
DONNIE BRASCO (1939-)
Real name: Joseph Pistone * FBI agent Joseph Pistone played a key role in the fight against the mafia, impersonating Donnie Brasco for six years and tracking in the dark world. His fluent Italian allowed him to live incognito in the mafia world for many years. Movies: Johnny Depp played Joseph Pistone in the movie Donnie Brasco'.
FRANK 'LEFTY' ROSENTHAL (1929-2008)
Real name: Frank Lawrence Rosenthal * Although he is not a direct mafia boss, he becomes one of the mafia bosses' closest friends and secretly runs their casinos. He is found dead in his home in Florida. Movie: The character of Sam 'Ace' Rothstein in the movie 'Casino' directed by Martin Scorsese was inspired by Rosenthal.