Mafia Secrets

A Mafia insider and authentic Hollywood tough guy reveals the explosive secrets he’s learned (and kept) for decades in this shocking tell all that unveils the hidden worlds of film and organized crime—from who shot JFK and murdered Jimmy Hoffa to the truth about Marilyn Monroe’s death.

Foreword by Steve Schirripa, star of The Sopranos, Blue Bloods, and Under the Boardwalk

The Kennedys, Marilyn, the Vatican, Vegas, The Godfather, the Mob, and more . . .

During a cursed childhood in a Manhattan neighborhood teeming with Italian immigrants, Gianni Russo fended for himself at an early age. It was a quality that didn’t go unnoticed by Frank Costello—father figure, mentor, and legendary crime boss. Thanks to Costello, Gianni was only twelve when his luck would change for a lifetime. All of it charmed—and thrilling. With it came Hollywood glamor, Vegas risk-takers, political conspiracies, sex, murder, shadow governments, and secrets. The stories Gianni Russo could tell . . . 

Now he does in this bombshell confessional. This is the inside account of the Sicilian Mafia, Cosa Nostra, what really transpired in those Mulberry Street clubs, and who whacked whom—including how mobster Tony Spilotro and his brother really died, finally revealed for the first time. This is Gianni, buddy of Frank Sinatra, and intimately more with Marilyn Monroe. What’s the cover-up behind her death, JFK’s, and Jimmy Hoffa’s? It’s all here. So is the clandestine role of the pope as the sacred boss of bosses, the glory days and downfall of Las Vegas, and the colorful behind-the-scenes tales of Gianni’s role in the greatest movie ever made, The Godfather.

The go-getter Frank Costello once called “The Kid” shares his shocking, exhilarating, sometimes violent, and always riveting life with the dealmakers of Hollywood and the Mob. Gianni Russo lives to tell, and spills it all.Praise for Gianni Russo

MAFIA SECRETS

“Gianni Russo has been a friend of mine for forty-three years. There is no one funnier, more charming, or more entertaining than my pal Gianni. Also, there is no better storyteller. You will love this book, I promise. Salute, my friend!” —Steve Schirripa, actor, The Sopranos

“Fantastic read! Besides being a great actor, singer, and businessman, Gianni Russo has not just witnessed major world events, but was part of them. Orphaned, but taken in by one of the most powerful Mafia families in history and then working his way to Hollywood and Vegas, he has been a part of so many historic events. He has seen things no one else has—a must-read!” —Al Sapienza, actor, The Sopranos

THE 6TH FAMILY

“A suspense-packed, what-if novel with twists and turns all around. Brilliant storytelling.” —Mark Shaw, bestselling author of The Reporter Who Knew Too Much

HOLLYWOOD GODFATHER

“Gianni Russo walks the walk and talks the talk. What a life. Fascinating. A worthy read.” ―Robert De Niro, two-time Academy Award-winning actor

“Gianni Russo has seen a lot, done a lot, and tells it all. Amazing.” —Nick Pileggi, author of Wiseguy and Casino and Academy Award-nominated screenwriter of Goodfellas

“Gianni Russo is a true character who has led a most colorful life.” —Gay Talese, New York Times bestselling author of Honor Thy Father

“In this robust, fast-paced memoir, Russo describes his life going from being a real-life mobster to landing a role playing one in The Godfather . . . [his] exhilarating memoir packs a punch.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Russo’s writing style reads like narration from Goodfellas . . . Fans of mob movies and unlikely success stories will find Russo’s account compelling.” ―Library Journal

“Recounting a life that reads like a narrative for a mob-movie script, a mobster, actor, and Las Vegas presence delivers numerous eye-opening revelations about national and world events . . . Russo is an engaging raconteur.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Russo tells a fascinating story about how a kid from New York’s Little Italy grew up to be a genuine mobster (and actor, singer, and restauranteur) . . . a hell of an interesting guy.” —Booklist

“An absolute blast . . . Great storyteller . . . Great read.” —Criminal ElementGianni Russo knows the Mafia inside and out. He grew up on Mulberry Street in Manhattan’s Little Italy, where Mafia boss Frank Costello took him under his wing. In 1962, he was privy to inside information regarding the murder of his friend Marilyn Monroe. A year later, he was acting as a messenger for New Orleans boss Carlos Marcello during the months and weeks leading up the JFK assassination. With Frank Sinatra as his singing teacher and Marlon Brando as his acting teacher, Russo landed the role of Carlo Rizzi in The Godfather. He is also the author of Hollywood Godfather, an autobiography written with Patrick Picciarelli.

Michael Benson is the acclaimed author of nonfiction history and crime books, including Gangsters vs. Nazis, Hollywood vs. Nazis, Evil Season, and Betrayal in Blood, as well as Moguls, co-authored with Craig Singer. He is also one of America’s most accomplished and popular Mafia experts, having co-authored numerous books on the subject, including Carmine the Snake, Mafia Hit Man, Lord High Executioner, Red Hook, Carlo Gambino, and Olive Oil King with Frank DiMatteo and Mafia Secrets with Gianni Russo. He is a regular commentator, appearing on numerous radio and television shows such as 20/20, On the Case with Paula Zahn, and Deadly Sins on the ID: Investigation Discovery channel. A recipient of the Academy of American Poets Award, he can be found on Facebook at /AuthorMichaelBenson.