Michael Franzese is a former caporegime in the Colombo crime family who underwent a remarkable transformation to become a successful motivational speaker and media personality.
Once deeply involved in organized crime, Franzese left behind a life of corruption and violence to build a legitimate career.
His story of redemption and personal growth has captivated audiences worldwide.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Grillo (born as Michael Grillo) |
| Date of Birth | May 27, 1951 (age 73) |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Net Worth | $1 million |
| Parents | Sonny Franzese (father), Cristina Capobianco-Franzese (mother) |
| Siblings | John Franzese Jr. (brother) |
| Spouses | Maria Franzese (first wife) Camille Garcia (second wife, married in 1985) |
| Children | 7 |
How Much is Michael Franzese Worth in 2024?
Michael Franzese’s estimated net worth in 2024 is around $1 million. The significant variation stems from the complexity of his financial situation, including his earnings from past ventures and ongoing revenue streams.
- Successful business ventures
- Book sales
- YouTube revenue
- Speaking fees
While his current net worth pales in comparison to the fortune he amassed during his mafia years, Franzese has managed to rebuild his finances after forfeiting millions during his legal troubles.
His focus on maintaining legitimate income sources and sharing his story of redemption has allowed him to maintain financial stability and influence, albeit on a smaller scale compared to his mafia days.
View this post on Instagram
Early Life and Rise in the Mafia
Born into the world of organized crime, Michael Franzese was the son of John “Sonny” Franzese, a feared underboss in the Colombo crime family.
Michael’s early years were marked by privilege and exposure to the mafia lifestyle.
However, he initially sought a different path, attending college with aspirations of becoming a doctor.
This trajectory was derailed when his father was imprisoned, compelling Michael to drop out of school and enter the family business.
Franzese’s rise within the Colombo crime family was swift. He began as an associate, gradually proving his loyalty and strategic thinking to the higher-ups in the organization.
His notable contributions, particularly in the realm of gasoline bootlegging, earned him recognition and power.
By his mid-20s, Michael had become a caporegime (or “capo”), managing a crew within the family and overseeing various illegal operations.
His leadership and shrewd business acumen enabled him to amass wealth and influence, establishing him as a key figure in the mafia during the 1980s.
Key Sources of Income During Mafia Years
During his time in the mafia, Michael Franzese’s primary source of income was gasoline bootlegging.
In collaboration with Russian crime syndicates, he devised a sophisticated tax evasion scheme that allowed him to bypass state taxes on fuel.
At its peak, this operation reportedly generated $10 million per week in revenue, making Franzese one of the wealthiest mafia figures of his time.
Beyond gasoline bootlegging, Franzese was involved in several legitimate businesses that served as fronts for his criminal activities. He managed nightclubs, restaurants, and auto dealerships, all of which helped launder money and generate additional income.
He even ventured into sports management and entertainment production, extending his reach into mainstream industries.
By the mid-1980s, his wealth was estimated in the tens of millions, with his various operations feeding into his opulent lifestyle.
Legal Troubles and Prison Sentence
Michael Franzese’s meteoric rise in the mafia was not without its challenges. In 1986, he was indicted on federal racketeering charges, including conspiracy to commit fraud and extortion.
After a lengthy legal battle, Franzese was convicted and sentenced to a decade in federal prison. His incarceration marked a turning point in his life.
While in prison, Franzese experienced significant financial losses. He was ordered to forfeit most of his assets and pay millions in restitution for the crimes he had committed.
The government seized many of his legitimate and illegitimate businesses, stripping him of his primary sources of income.
Despite the hardships, it was during this time that Franzese began reflecting on his life choices. He ultimately renounced his ties to organized crime, vowing to live a reformed life upon his release.
Transformation and Post-Mafia Life
View this post on Instagram
Following his release from prison, Michael Franzese underwent a profound personal transformation. He converted to Christianity, an experience that solidified his commitment to leaving behind his former life.
His newfound faith played a central role in his post-mafia journey, as he sought to repair his personal relationships and build a career on a foundation of honesty and redemption.
Franzese quickly became a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing his story of crime, punishment, and redemption with audiences worldwide.
- Blood Covenant
- I’ll Make You an Offer You Can’t Refuse
- From the Godfather to God the Father
- Mafia Democracy
- The Treasure of Cabal Island
In these books he detailed his time in the mafia and his lessons on leadership and success. Regular appearances in documentaries, podcasts, and TV shows further cemented his status as a reformed figure.
Michael’s ability to connect with both former criminals and business professionals alike has allowed him to carve out a successful second act in life.
Business Ventures and Media Presence
In his post-crime life, Michael Franzese has launched several successful business ventures, including Slices Pizza and Franzese Wines, which reflect his entrepreneurial spirit. His businesses thrive on the narrative of redemption and hard-earned wisdom, helping him capitalize on his past experiences.
Franzese has also established a strong presence in media, particularly on YouTube. On his channel, he shares stories from his mafia days and offers life lessons on business, success, and personal growth.
His transparency about his past has resonated with a wide audience, earning him millions of followers and subscribers across social media platforms.
He continues to contribute to mainstream media with appearances in films such as God the Father, which chronicles his life story, and through public speaking engagements where he addresses corporate audiences, faith-based organizations, and universities.
The Bottom Line
Michael Franzese’s life experience from mafia capo to motivational speaker is a testament to personal transformation and resilience.
Despite losing the wealth and power he once held in the criminal world, Franzese has successfully reinvented himself as a businessman and media personality, leaving a legacy of redemption and reformation.
His ability to rebuild his life and continue generating wealth through legitimate means speaks to the power of change and second chances.