Michael Franzese
WritingAbout Michael Franzese
Michael Franzese (born May 27, 1951) is an American former New York mobster and caporegime of the Colombo crime family, and son of former underboss John Franzese. Franzese was enrolled in a pre-med program at Hofstra University, but dropped out to make money for his family after his father was sentenced to 50 years in prison for bank robbery in 1967. He eventually helped implement a scheme to defraud the federal government out of gasoline taxes in the early 1980s. By the age of 35, in 1986, Fortune Magazine listed Franzese as number 18 on its list of the "Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses". Franzese had claimed that at the height of his career, he was making up to $8 million per week. In 1986, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison on conspiracy charges, released in 1989, rearrested in 1991 for a parole violation, and ultimately released in 1994. Soon after, he retired to California and is now a motivational speaker and writer.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Michael Franzese reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 2 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Michael Franzese's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 0% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Michael Franzese remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Let There Be Light, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Michael Franzese Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Michael Franzese's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Michael Franzese.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Let There Be Light | Pastor Vinny | Average | Similar → |
| 2012 | The Definitive Guide to the Mob | Host | Flop | Similar → |
Michael Franzese - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Michael Franzese?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Michael Franzese is "Let There Be Light" with a rating of 5.6/10.
How many movies has Michael Franzese acted in?
Michael Franzese has been featured in at least 2 major films throughout their career.

