Who Is Michael Franzese? Age, Biography and Wiki
Michael Franzese was born on May 27, 1951, making him 73 years old in 2025. He is widely recognized as an American former mobster, specifically associated with the Colombo crime family. Franzese made headlines for his criminal activities during the 1970s and 1980s, which included racketeering, extortion, and other illegal undertakings. After serving time in prison, he turned his life around and became a motivational speaker, author, and business consultant, sharing insights from his experiences in organized crime.
| Occupation | Motivational Speaker |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 27, 1951 |
| Age | 74 Years |
| Birth Place | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Michael Franzese's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Michael Franzese stands approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weighs around 200 lbs (91 kg). His physique reflects a balanced lifestyle that he has embraced in recent years, moving away from his past in organized crime. His body stats highlight a strong and healthy individual committed to fitness and well-being.
By the age of 35, in 1986, Fortune Magazine listed Franzese as number 18 on its list of the "Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses". Franzese claimed that at the height of his career, he generated up to $8 million per week.
In 1986, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison on conspiracy charges, released in 1989, rearrested in 1991 for a parole violation, and ultimately released in 1994. During his time in prison, Franzese became a born-again Christian.
Soon after being released, he walked away from the mob and retired to California, and became a motivational speaker, commentator, and writer.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Michael Franzese has a complex family history, having been married twice. He is currently married to his second wife, Camille, with whom he has two children. His first marriage to the late Sandra Franzese produced three children. In 2025, he enjoys a loving relationship and often shares insights about the importance of family on his social media platforms. There have been no reports of any extramarital relationships, and Franzese seems to be focused on his family and career.
Michael Franzese Sr. ( Grillo; born May 27, 1951) is an American former mobster who was a caporegime in the Colombo crime family in New York City, and son of former underboss Sonny Franzese.
Franzese was enrolled in a pre-med program at Hofstra University, but dropped out to make money for his family after his father was sentenced to 50 years in prison for bank robbery in 1967. He eventually helped implement a scheme to defraud the federal government out of gasoline taxes in the early 1980s.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Michael Franzese's estimated net worth is around $500,000. This figure reflects his success as an author, speaker, and consultant post-mob life, where he leveraged his notorious past to carve a niche in motivational speaking and entrepreneurship. His earnings come primarily from book sales, speaking engagements, and various business ventures, with his motivational speeches drawing attention from various organizations and events worldwide.
Iorizzo, who was already sentenced to five years and ordered to pay $1.7 million for his role in the theft of $1.1 million in gas taxes and placed in the witness protection program, began testifying against Franzese and others in their operation in March 1985.
On March 21, 1986, Franzese pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy and one count of tax conspiracy.
Franzese was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay $14.7 million in restitution on the federal charges, agreeing to sell his assets including a mansion in Old Brookville, New York, the Miami Gold production company, and use proceeds from the Knights of the City film.
He then reached a plea agreement and was sentenced to nine years in prison for state racketeering charges in Florida which would run concurrently with his previous conviction. He also was ordered to pay an additional $3 million in restitution to the state of Florida.
Career, Business and Investments
Franzese's career took a significant turn following his decision to leave the mob lifestyle. Since then, he has authored several books, including "I'll Make You an Offer You Can't Refuse," where he details his experiences and lessons learned from the criminal underworld. Moreover, he runs a successful business, focusing on providing consulting services to legal and corporate entities, drawing on his vast experience in negotiation and conflict resolution.
In recent years, he has invested in various real estate projects, capitalizing on his increased public visibility and expertise in business development. His journey serves as a case study for various entrepreneurs and individuals looking for success through integrity and hard work.
In 1981, Franzese was contacted by Lawrence Salvatore Iorizzo, who had developed a scheme to defraud the federal government out of gasoline taxes in 1985. Iorizzo was being hassled by criminals in California and offered Franzese a percentage if he would defend and solve the issue. The pair set up 18 stock-bearer companies based in Panama.
Under law at the time in Panama, gasoline could be sold tax-free from one wholesale company to the next. Franzese partnered with the Russian Mafia in Brooklyn in the gas scheme.
Social Network
Michael Franzese is quite active on social media, where he interacts with his followers and shares motivational content. He has a significant following on platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. His online presence has become a valuable tool for promoting his books, upcoming speaking engagements, and personal insights into leadership and perseverance. His ability to connect with people remains one of the most inspiring aspects of his post-mob life.
By 1980, Franzese was a partner with booking agent Norby Walters in his firm. Franzese's role was to intimidate existing and prospective clients. Franzese would later testify he provided the initial $50,000 to Walters to start his agency booking company with a 25% share of any profits.
Additionally, Franzese would assist with any entertainers Walters had problems with by meeting their agents. In 1981, Franzese successfully extorted a role for Walters in the US tour by singer Michael Jackson and his brothers.
In 1982, the manager for singer Dionne Warwick wanted to drop Walters as an agent; Franzese met with the manager and persuaded him to keep Walters.
Education
While specific details about his formal education have been minimal, Franzese’s life experiences have served as a profound education in itself. He often discusses the lessons learned from his past during his speaking events, emphasizing the importance of education in understanding one's choices and consequences. Michael continues to inspire audiences through his narratives of redemption and personal growth, highlighting education's role in shaping his new path.
Franzese was subpoenaed to testify at Walters' trial in March 1989, as Walters had invoked his name to frighten college athletes into signing management contracts, including Maurice Douglass. In exchange for his testimony, he was given immunity from prosecution in the Walters case.
Walters was found guilty, fined $395,000 and given a sentence of 5 years with the judge in the case citing the importance of Franzese's testimony. After Walters' conviction, Franzese was released from prison on parole after serving 43 months.
In September 1990, Walters' conviction was overturned by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals citing a technicality.
