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MICHAEL Franzese once ran the streets of New York City as a caporegime (captain) for the Colombo crime family.
Back in the 1970s, the city was a hotbed for organised crime, and now, years later, the former mob boss has opened up about it all on Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast.
Michael Franzese was born on May 27, 1951.
He was a caporegime, also known as a captain, for the Colombo crime family and is the son of a former underboss, otherwise known as second-in-command, John Franzese, who died in February 2020 aged 103.
After his father was sent to prison for bank robbery in 1967, Michael soon followed in his father’s footsteps as he moved up the chain and became a force to be reckoned with in the criminal world.
One of his biggest schemes was defrauding the government out of gasoline taxes in the 1980s, which he said earned him at least $8million USD a week.
But he soon paid for his exploits as he was arrested in December 1985.
Michael spoke to British entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den investor Steven Bartlett on his Diary on a CEO podcast in August 2024.
He revealed the “three words” that helped him survive prison, as he shared insights from his time behind bars, including a 29-month stint in solitary confinement.
He recalled advice from his father: “You know, my father taught me again.
“He said, ‘Mike, I’m gonna tell you three things that are gonna help you when you go to prison because you’re gonna go one day’.
“He said three words that are gonna go a long way – please, thank you, excuse me.
“And he said the reason for that, he said all these guys in prison that never got respect on the street, they want it all in there.”
He went on to stress the importance of politeness: “They want to show they’re people, you know, that they’re tough guys or whatever.
“You bump into somebody, ‘Excuse me’; you wanna cut somebody on the line, go to eat whatever, said, ‘Do you mind?'”
He added: “You know, ‘Excuse me; please, if I can come in front of you?’
“Don’t ever just get in front of them, you know, and somebody hands you… ‘Hey, thank you, thank you very much’. Be cordial.”
After pleading guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy and one count of tax conspiracy in March 1986, Michael was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison before he was released on parole in 1989.
That wasn’t his last stint behind bars as he violated his probation requirements and was sentenced to four years in 1991, before he was freed in 1994.
“I could have been locked away for the rest of my life or had a bullet in my head.”
Michael Franzese
In 1990, Michael was portrayed by Joseph Bono in the Martin Scorsese film Goodfellas.
Michael co-authored his first book, an autobiography titled Quitting the Mob in 1992.
In it, he opens up about his criminal past and his complex relationship with his father.
By 1995, he then decided enough was enough and retired from the Mafia with his family.
This came at a cost as he previously revealed his father disowned him when he chose to leave the life of crime behind.
Since then, the ex-captain has released seven books about his time in the Mafia and has also become a motivational speaker.
As of 2020, Michael Franzese’s net worth is approximately $1 million.
Speaking about his experiences to The New York Times in 2001, he said: “I’m very lucky.
“I could have been locked away for the rest of my life or had a bullet in my head.”
He also told the publication how he was able to be spared from further repercussions from the Mafia because he did not testify against his former colleagues.
When asked if he was worried about retribution from the mob, he added: “I really don’t worry about dying.
“But you know what? Who knows what’s going to happen tomorrow? I don’t know.”
Michael is married to actress Camille Garcia, his second wife.
She is a devout Christian and is at the head of the new family business of fitness.
The two tied the knot in July 1985 after meeting on the set of Knights of the City in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Michael has seven children, four with Camille.
SIR Rod Stewart’s son has opened up on his reasons for checking himself into rehab as he looks to kick a drug addiction which has followed him for “decades”.
Sean Stewart, 44, entered the £48k-a-month Cliffside Malibu rehabilitation facility after several battles with drug and pill addiction.
His family held an intervention for him, voicing their concerns for his health, and Sean has since admitted he needs help dealing with his issues.
Now, speaking for the first time since beginning his treatment, Sean has revealed the reasons behind his decision.
He told the Daily Mail: “This is something I have been dealing with for many decades and has been very painful, as I am sure many people can understand.
“I am here to deal with the pain that I had in my childhood that stemmed from suffering from ADHD and an overall feeling that I can’t succeed in life.”
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder which can affect various types of behaviour including attention and hyperactivity.
The disorder can also disrupt one’s chain of thought, and make social situations more challenging.
He continued: “I am in therapy now, I am focusing on working through the problems.
“Just because I have struggled with ADHD and dyslexia does not mean that I cannot have a successful life and I am learning how to cope with it now.”
Sean said he believes that being up-front and honest about his situation is the way of dealing with the disorder, taking advice from other public figures.
He added: “I appreciate public figures who are honest about what they have to deal with, and I want to do the same.
“I am grateful for this time that I can step away from my businesses so I can work on being a better person for my family.
“I feel it is very important for me to be honest about my situation so I can inspire others to get help and grow stronger.
“I hope to be a role model for people who need help.
“I hate to hear about people suffering in silence, it’s heartbreaking, and if my story helps even one person then I am happy.”
Sean previously revealed the story of his addiction beginning at the age of just 13.
He told how he began drinking while still a student at Beverly Hills High School, before transitioning to ecstasy and heroin.
At 19, he had developed a serious drugs habit, and alcohol addiction, which saw him checked into Meadows, a treatment centre in Arizona.
He has since had multiple stays in different rehabilitation facilities.
It comes just months after the end of his marriage with Jody Weintraub – daughter of the American film producer Jerry Weintraub.
He has since been dating Julia Stambler, the ex-girlfriend of Charlie Sheen, and owner of SkinSane.
A WOMAN who calls herself ‘the girl who’s OTT’ has revealed her kitchen is always so spotless because it’s just for show.
Lily took to TikTok to share a look at her pristine home, including her immaculate kitchen – with Harrods cups, fake cupcakes for decoration, china canisters for her tea, coffee and sugar and a white Smeg toaster and kettle.
However, in the clip, she revealed that all of those things are just for show and don’t get used.
Instead, she has an Asda kettle and toaster that she uses when she needs to, and puts away in a cupboard when it’s not in use.
“I know people are gonna have an opinion on this but just remember that this isn’t your house,” Lily said.
“You don’t live here.”
She went on to say that while she likes “the idea of Smeg” appliances, they aren’t “known for their quality”.
So she doesn’t want to use the kettle for fear it might stop working – especially when it set her back a whopping £140.
“That is why I have my Smeg for my looks, and my Asda for my use,” she explained.
Lily added she’s had plenty of trolls saying she’s “crazy” for her home setup, but insisted: “The girls that get it, get it!”
However, despite her explanation, there were still those in the comments section who couldn’t relate to Lily’s living situation.
“There are people that can’t afford these basic things, yet you buy them just to display them?” one questioned.
To which Lily replied: “Sorry but other people’s financial problems isn’t any of my business and nor is it my fault”.
But others insisted they were just “jealous”, with one writing: “I don’t understand why people get hate for being clean when that’s literally how your supposed to be.
“Because best believe if you were dirty they would be the first people to shame you – such divs!”
“WOW are you coming for her coz she has a nice home? What’s it to you if she has display appliances, sort your head out!” another added.
“All your kitchen looks amazing babe and I have display cups too,” a third wrote.
“Smeg stuff always catches my eye on your video – what’s chucking a 12-20 quid kettle compared to a 60 quid plus kettle?”
Renovations expert Andy Simms, from MyBuilder.com revealed the hottest interior design trends for this year.
COLOUR DRENCHING
Colour drenching involves using your colour across walls and ceilings to maximise the impact and create the illusion of a bigger space – doors, radiators, and even furniture won’t escape the paint job if you want the full effect. Brown, terracotta, beige – once the preserve of the 70s, earthy colours have been slowly gaining popularity. Similarly, bold greens and blues are also making a return, with the intention of colour drenching rooms.
STATEMENT WALLPAPER
Wallpaper divides designers, with some loving it and others preferring painted walls. 2025 will see a resurgence of wallpaper, and the bolder the better. For small spaces, such as downstairs loos or studies, choose a bold print and ignore any concerns about making the space look smaller. For larger spaces, consider a stunning mural theme.
BROKEN LIVING PLAN
Open plan living has been popular for over a decade now, but while it hasn’t quite had its day, many are returning to smaller, functional spaces – with a twist. “Broken plan” is when a bigger space is cut into various parts using screens, archways, crittal-style windows and doors or textured glass.
“The kettle is £140, imagine chucking that! No way,” Lily replied.
“Omg I love this! I want a display kettle and toaster!” someone else said.
“With the appliances that you do use, do you put them away in cupboards after use?” another asked, to which Lily replied that she does.
“I need your toaster cleaning tutorial I saw no crumbs in that “used” toaster,” someone else said.
As Lily laughed: “Well that’ll be because it’s only a month old and I only have cooked crumpets so far!”
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman was found dead in his Los Angeles home recently, with his wife and dog. While the tragic news has obviously shaken the industry, it has also led to many speculations. Although the authorities ruled out foul play, people were still suspicious. Especially because the veteran actor and his family were found […]
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