Hollywood Godfather: A Tale of Passion and Intrigue with Marilyn Monroe

Gianni Russo, the renowned actor known for his role in The Godfather, has revealed intimate details about his relationship with Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe.

In his explosive memoir, Hollywood Godfather: My Life In the Mob And Movies, Russo shares how he lost his virginity to Monroe at the age of 15 when she was 33.

He reflects on their close relationship, which continued until her tragic death at the age of 36 in 1962.

Russo, now 75, sat down with The Sun for an exclusive interview at his New York apartment.

Reflecting on their encounter, he acknowledges that if it had happened today, Monroe would likely have faced legal consequences due to the current #MeToo movement.

However, Russo is grateful for the experience, stating, “She taught me everything I know.

I thought I was the luckiest boy alive.”

Their fateful meeting occurred when Russo was working at a hair salon in New York.

Monroe frequented the salon, and their friendship eventually evolved into something more.

Russo vividly recalls the moment when Monroe invited him to join her in a luxurious suite at the Waldorf Hotel.

By then, Russo saw Monroe as more than just a movie star, but as a person with a “dynamite body.”

As Russo entered the suite, he was greeted by a scene of chaos, with clothes strewn everywhere and dirty dishes scattered about.

However, none of this mattered as Russo's attention was captivated by Monroe, wrapped in a white towel and holding a flute of champagne.

She enticingly dropped her towel and beckoned him into the bath, leading to a passionate weekend together.

Returning to work on Monday morning, Russo kept their affair a secret, unsure if anyone would believe him.

It wasn't until years later during the pre-production of The Godfather that Russo confided in Marlon Brando, another one of Monroe's lovers.

Brando, lamenting her early death, asked Russo if he had been intimate with her.

Proving it by showing a scar on his upper thigh, Russo divulged the details of their relationship.

Russo's memoir delves into his extraordinary life, including his involvement with the Mafia and encounters with notable figures like JFK and Frank Sinatra.

Born and raised in Manhattan's Little Italy, Russo had a great uncle who was a respected Mafia boss in Sicily.

His life took a dark turn at age 11 when he killed a paedophile hospital worker in self-defense.

Russo claims that the hospital covered up the incident, and he was hailed as a hero on the streets.

At 13, Russo began working for powerful Mafia boss Frank Costello, known as “The Kid” in the underworld.

Despite having no prior acting experience, Russo landed a role in The Godfather and went on to star in over 30 movies.

He also ran a successful casino in Las Vegas, rubbing shoulders with influential figures such as the Pope and Donald Trump.

However, Russo's life took a dangerous turn in 1988 when he killed a man who was abusing his date in his casino.

Although the killing was ruled justifiable, Russo found himself in trouble due to the victim's connections to the Colombian drug cartel and Pablo Escobar.

Threats were made against Russo and his daughter, leading him to seek peace with Escobar in Colombia.

Surprisingly, Escobar was a fan of The Godfather and spared Russo's life.

As our interview with Russo concludes, his phone rings—a famous screenwriter is interested in turning his memoir into a Hollywood blockbuster.

Russo envisions Leonardo DiCaprio playing his role and Charlize Theron portraying Marilyn Monroe.

It seems that Russo's thrilling life story will captivate audiences once again.

Hollywood Godfather: My Life In the Mob And Movies, published by John Blake, will be available starting tomorrow for £8.99.