Johnny Roselli: Hollywood Gangster

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode of Mafia Biographies, delve into the captivating life of John “Handsome Johnny” Roselli. Born Filippo Sacco in 1905, Roselli’s journey traversed organized crime during Prohibition, connections with mob figures like Al Capone, and ventures into liquor imports and labor racketeering.

Transitioning to Las Vegas, Roselli emerged as a key player in the casino scene and infiltrated Hollywood craft unions and production companies, showcasing his versatility. The narrative takes a surprising turn in the 1960s with involvement in a CIA plot to assassinate Fidel Castro, entwining mobsters and political intrigue.

Roselli’s appearance before a Senate committee in the 1970s shed light on his connections to espionage and criminal activities. His mysterious demise in 1976 near Miami further added layers of speculation to his intricate life, leaving a legacy that echoes the complexities of crime, business, and political power in American history. Join us for more underworld biographies as we unravel captivating stories of mobsters.
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Transcript
[0:00]
Welcome to Gangland Wire
[0:00]Well, hey, welcome all you wiretappers back here in the studio of Gangland Wire.
We’ve got another riveting episode of Mafia Biographies. You know,
I’m bringing you these little short Mafia biographies.
It’s your host, former intelligence unit detective, Kansas City Police Department, Gary Jenkins.
And today we’re going to delve into the intricate life of John Handsome Johnny Roselli.
He was a mobster who his life story weaves through the gritty streets of Chicago,
started in New York, of course, goes out to L.A., Las Vegas.
This is the gripping story of a man who was able to navigate both the criminal
underworld and the covert world of espionage.
But he also was able to navigate through the boardrooms and the film studios
of the Hollywood major motion picture producers.
It’s crazy. And we’re going to uncover the different layers of handsome Johnny
Roselli. He was born Filippo Sacco, July 4th, 4th of July, 1905.
I didn’t know he was that old. He’s born in Esperia, Italy.
[1:04]Roselli’s early life was marked by an immigration to Boston at the age of six.
He was raised in a world that was shaped by criminal undertones