Gianni Russo, a mob ‘contractor,’ narrowly escaped death when he encountered Pablo Escobar after killing one of his henchmen.
Russo, known for his role as Carlo Rizzi in The Godfather, has had a lengthy acting career and has associated himself with various Mafia figures throughout the years.
Russo admitted to committing one real-life murder, which led him to come face-to-face with the notorious drug lord.
However, Russo managed to escape unscathed when Escobar revealed his admiration for The Godfather.
Despite the murder being ruled as justifiable, the victim’s family sought revenge and put a hit on Russo.
In his memoir, Hollywood Godfather, co-authored with former NYPD lieutenant Patrick Picciarelli, Russo recounts his childhood in New York City’s Little Italy, his friendships with mob figures like Frank Costello and John Gotti, and his involvement in various feuds.
Russo reflects on his upbringing on Mulberry Street and how the constant presence of mobsters influenced his perception of work and success.
He acknowledges that Hollywood has always glamorized the mob, and as an audience member, one can only hope that their portrayal is accurate.
The decision to release his memoir was long overdue, as Russo had been contemplating writing it since 1995.
However, he had to wait for certain individuals to pass away before doing so.
The book contains stories about mobsters like Carlo Gambino and focuses on the old timers who preferred to stay within their own neighborhoods for protection.
Although Russo was invited to join major mob families, he refused such associations, valuing his freedom and independence.
He believes that his faith in God has protected him throughout his life and considers himself a disciple.
Despite not wanting to be controlled, Russo acknowledges that once associated with the mob, it is difficult to walk away.
Russo recounts an incident where he killed a man who was attacking a woman in his Las Vegas club.
After returning home, he found a disturbing message indicating that the man worked for Escobar.
He then flew to New York City to seek help from John Gotti, who arranged a meeting with Escobar, hoping Russo would never return.
However, Russo took the risk and managed to survive the encounter.
Critics have questioned the authenticity of Russo’s stories, but he remains unfazed by their opinions.
He believes that the mob has changed significantly from its heyday, with the younger generation lacking respect and solely focused on money.
Russo emphasizes the destructive nature of drugs and the importance of staying away from them, as depicted in The Godfather.
Regarding the recent shooting of Frank Cali, former Gambino boss, Russo asserts that it could not have been a mob hit due to the unwritten rule of not killing someone at their family home.
He also reflects on the downsides of his association with the mob, such as drawing the ire of known criminals and being notified by the FBI about potential threats.
When asked about the future of crime families in America, Russo believes that with advancements in technology, they will eventually fade away.
He advises people to pursue legal careers instead.
