Who Is Mickey Cohen? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Mickey Cohen, born on September 4, 1913, remains a noteworthy figure in the annals of American crime history. He became one of the most prominent crime bosses in mid-20th century Los Angeles, a key player in organized crime, particularly in illegal gambling, narcotics, and control over various vice operations. Cohen's influence and connections made him a significant figure in establishing the Las Vegas scene and shaping West Coast gangster mythology. He passed away on July 29, 1976, but his legacy continues to captivate audiences through films, books, and documentaries.
| Occupation | Criminals |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 4, 1913 |
| Age | 62 Years |
| Birth Place | New York, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 29 July, 1976 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Mickey Cohen's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While our knowledge about Mickey Cohen's specific body measurements might not be extensive, it is widely noted that he stood around 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall and weighed approximately 165 lbs (75 kg) during his prime. He was known for his charismatic presence, often dressed sharply, reflecting the fashion of his time, which added to his notoriety as a gangster.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Mickey Cohen was known to have had several romantic connections throughout his life. While details of his relationships may not be thoroughly documented, Cohen was married to actress and model Hattie until her death. His high-profile lifestyle and connections with various women always kept him in the public eye. After his marriage, various reports suggest Cohen enjoyed multiple dalliances.
Cohen's parents immigrated to the US from Kiev. He was first raised in New York, moving with his mother and siblings to the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles at an early age. At 8, he earned money as a newsboy, selling newspapers on the street.
One of his brothers, either Louie or Harry, would drop Mickey off at his regular corner, Soto and Brooklyn Streets (later Cesar E. Chavez Avenue). In 1922, Mickey was sent to reform school for petty crimes including shoplifting and theft.
Net Worth and Salary
At the height of his criminal career, Mickey Cohen's net worth was estimated to be in the millions. This wealth stemmed from his various illegal enterprises, including gambling and drug trafficking. While exact figures for his wealth remain elusive, some estimates indicate that by the late 1960s, his net worth could have reached over $30 million. Today, his legacy still generates interest and contributes to various media portrayals that feed into his enigmatic persona.
Career, Business and Investments
Cohen's career as a crime boss began in Chicago before he moved to Los Angeles, where he quickly ascended through the ranks of organized crime. His various ventures included nightclubs, bars, and gambling dens. He was heavily involved in the establishment of the Las Vegas Strip, influencing the evolution of entertainment and gambling in America.
Moreover, Cohen's business acumen extended beyond illegal activities, as he sometimes engaged in legitimate business endeavors, including ownership stakes in entertainment venues. His investments not only solidified his power but also created a lasting impact on the criminal underworld.
As a teenager, Cohen began boxing in illegal prize fights in Los Angeles. In 1929, the 15-year-old moved from Los Angeles to Cleveland to train as a professional boxer with the alias of 'Irish Mickey Cohen'. His first professional boxing match was on April 8, 1930, against Patsy Farr in Cleveland.
It was one of the preliminary fights on the card for the Paul Pirrone versus Jimmy Goodrich feature bout. In a match on June 12, 1931, Cohen fought and lost against future world featherweight champion Tommy Paul. Cohen was knocked out cold after 2:20 into the first round.
It was during this contest that he earned the moniker "Gangster Mickey Cohen". On April 11, 1933, Cohen fought against Chalky Wright in Los Angeles. Wright won the match, and Mickey was incorrectly identified as "Mickey Cohen from Denver, Colorado" in the Los Angeles Times sports page report.
His last fight was on May 14, 1933, against Baby Arizmendi in Tijuana, Mexico. He finished his career at 8-8 and 5 draws – 8 wins, 2 by knockout, 8 losses, 4 losses by knockout and 5 draws.
Social Network
Mickey Cohen was notoriously connected with various influential figures in American crime and law enforcement. His relationships included mobsters such as Bugsy Siegel, who was integral in the development of Las Vegas, and other crime families. However, Cohen's reputation also attracted the attention of law enforcement officials, leading to numerous arrests and legal battles, which became a significant aspect of his life story.
* In retired newspaperman Howard Scott Williams' 2017 memoir The Gangster's Butler, recounting stories he reported on from 1948 to 1976, he recounts posing as a butler for Cohen in order to get information for a story.
Education
Details regarding Cohen's education are not widely documented, likely due to the clandestine nature of his lifestyle. It is believed that he had a rudimentary education, as his formative years were spent in the rough neighborhoods that shaped him into a street-smart individual capable of navigating the complexities of organized crime.
