search

35 Facts About Mickey Cohen

Shoshanna Lum

Written by Shoshanna Lum

Published: 15 Sep 2024

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
35-facts-about-mickey-cohen
Source: Biography.com

Who was Mickey Cohen? Mickey Cohen was a notorious American gangster who rose to prominence in the mid-20th century. Born in 1913, he became a key figure in the Los Angeles underworld, known for his ruthless tactics and connections to the Chicago Outfit. Cohen's criminal career spanned various illegal activities, including bootlegging, gambling, and extortion. Despite numerous arrests and convictions, he managed to maintain a high profile, often appearing in the media. His life was a blend of crime, glamour, and violence, making him a fascinating yet dangerous character in American history. Ready to dive into 35 intriguing facts about Mickey Cohen?

Key Takeaways:

  • Mickey Cohen, a notorious gangster, led a life of crime, power, and intrigue. Despite his criminal activities, he remains a captivating figure in popular culture, inspiring books, movies, and even video games.
  • Mickey Cohen's legacy is a mix of crime, glamour, and controversy. His enduring mystique continues to fascinate and inspire new generations, leaving many aspects of his life shrouded in mystery and speculation.
Table of Contents
01Mickey Cohen: The Infamous Gangster
02Rise to Power in Los Angeles
03Legal Troubles and Imprisonment
04Personal Life and Legacy
05Mickey Cohen's Influence on Pop Culture
06The Complex Legacy of Mickey Cohen
07Mickey Cohen's Enduring Mystique
08Mickey Cohen's Lasting Impact

Mickey Cohen: The Infamous Gangster

Mickey Cohen was a notorious figure in the world of organized crime. His life was filled with drama, danger, and intrigue. Here are some fascinating facts about this infamous gangster.

  1. Born in Brooklyn: Mickey Cohen was born on September 4, 1913, in Brooklyn, New York. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was a child.

  2. Early Life of Crime: By the age of nine, Cohen was already involved in petty crimes, including stealing and selling newspapers.

  3. Boxing Career: Before becoming a gangster, Cohen pursued a career in boxing. He fought in the lightweight division and even trained under the famous trainer, Freddie Roach.

  4. Prohibition Era: During Prohibition, Cohen became involved in bootlegging, smuggling alcohol into the United States.

  5. Al Capone Connection: Cohen worked for Al Capone in Chicago, learning the ropes of organized crime from one of the most notorious gangsters in history.

Rise to Power in Los Angeles

Mickey Cohen's influence grew significantly when he moved back to Los Angeles. His connections and ruthless tactics helped him climb the ranks.

  1. Bugsy Siegel's Right-Hand Man: Cohen became the right-hand man of Bugsy Siegel, another infamous gangster. Together, they controlled much of the illegal activities in Los Angeles.

  2. Hollywood Connections: Cohen had many connections in Hollywood, including friendships with celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.

  3. The Flamingo Hotel: Cohen was involved in the opening of the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, a project spearheaded by Bugsy Siegel.

  4. Siegel's Murder: After Siegel's murder in 1947, Cohen took over his operations, becoming one of the most powerful gangsters in Los Angeles.

  5. Public Persona: Unlike many gangsters, Cohen enjoyed the spotlight. He often appeared in public, flaunting his wealth and power.

Legal Troubles and Imprisonment

Despite his power, Mickey Cohen faced numerous legal challenges throughout his life. His criminal activities eventually caught up with him.

  1. Tax Evasion: In 1951, Cohen was convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to prison. He served four years before being released.

  2. Assassination Attempts: Cohen survived several assassination attempts, including a bombing at his home in 1959.

  3. Second Imprisonment: In 1961, Cohen was convicted again for tax evasion and sentenced to 15 years in Alcatraz.

  4. Alcatraz Inmate: While at Alcatraz, Cohen was involved in several altercations with other inmates, including a stabbing incident.

  5. Release from Prison: Cohen was released from prison in 1972 due to health issues. He spent the remaining years of his life in relative obscurity.

Personal Life and Legacy

Mickey Cohen's personal life was as colorful as his criminal career. His relationships and lifestyle added to his legendary status.

  1. Marriages: Cohen was married twice. His first marriage ended in divorce, and his second wife, Lavonne Weaver, stayed with him until his death.

  2. Lavish Lifestyle: Cohen was known for his extravagant lifestyle, including expensive cars, luxurious homes, and flashy clothing.

  3. Philanthropy: Despite his criminal activities, Cohen was known to donate money to various charities and help those in need.

  4. Media Attention: Cohen's life was the subject of numerous books, movies, and TV shows, cementing his place in popular culture.

  5. Death: Mickey Cohen died on July 29, 1976, from stomach cancer. He was 62 years old.

Mickey Cohen's Influence on Pop Culture

Cohen's life and crimes have left a lasting impact on popular culture. His story continues to fascinate people to this day.

  1. Books: Several books have been written about Cohen, including his autobiography, "In My Own Words."

  2. Movies: Cohen has been portrayed in numerous films, including "Bugsy" and "Gangster Squad."

  3. TV Shows: Cohen's life has been featured in various TV shows, including documentaries and crime dramas.

  4. Video Games: Cohen has even appeared as a character in video games, such as "L.A. Noire."

  5. Music: Some musicians have referenced Cohen in their songs, highlighting his influence on various art forms.

The Complex Legacy of Mickey Cohen

Mickey Cohen's legacy is a mix of crime, glamour, and intrigue. His life story continues to captivate audiences and inspire new generations.

  1. Controversial Figure: Cohen remains a controversial figure, admired by some for his charisma and condemned by others for his criminal activities.

  2. Cultural Icon: Despite his criminal background, Cohen has become a cultural icon, representing the dark side of the American Dream.

  3. Historical Impact: Cohen's activities had a significant impact on the history of organized crime in the United States.

  4. Law Enforcement: Cohen's life and crimes led to increased efforts by law enforcement to combat organized crime.

  5. Public Fascination: The public's fascination with Cohen's life continues, with new books, movies, and TV shows exploring his story.

Mickey Cohen's Enduring Mystique

Even decades after his death, Mickey Cohen's mystique endures. His life story remains a source of endless fascination and speculation.

  1. Unsolved Mysteries: Many aspects of Cohen's life remain shrouded in mystery, including the true extent of his criminal activities.

  2. Conspiracy Theories: Some conspiracy theories suggest that Cohen had connections to high-ranking government officials and was involved in secret operations.

  3. Family Secrets: Cohen's family has remained relatively private, adding to the intrigue surrounding his personal life.

  4. Hidden Wealth: Rumors persist that Cohen hid large sums of money before his imprisonment, leading treasure hunters to search for his hidden fortune.

  5. Enduring Legacy: Mickey Cohen's legacy endures, with his life story continuing to captivate and inspire new generations.

Mickey Cohen's Lasting Impact

Mickey Cohen's life was a whirlwind of crime, power, and influence. His rise from a small-time boxer to one of Los Angeles' most notorious gangsters is nothing short of fascinating. Cohen's connections with other infamous criminals, his brushes with the law, and his eventual downfall paint a vivid picture of the underworld during his time.

Despite his criminal activities, Cohen's story remains a significant part of American history. His actions influenced the way law enforcement approached organized crime, leading to changes that still resonate today. Whether viewed as a villain or a complex figure shaped by his environment, Cohen's legacy continues to captivate those interested in the darker side of history.

Understanding Mickey Cohen's life offers a glimpse into a turbulent era, reminding us of the complexities and consequences of a life steeped in crime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Mickey Cohen?
Mickey Cohen, a notorious figure from the mid-20th century, made his mark as a gangster in Los Angeles. Known for his involvement in various illegal activities, including gambling and racketeering, Cohen became a celebrity criminal, captivating public attention with his flamboyant lifestyle and frequent run-ins with the law.
What made Mickey Cohen famous?
Beyond his criminal enterprises, Cohen's fame stemmed from his high-profile connections in Hollywood and his knack for grabbing headlines. His charisma and bold antics, often covered by the media, turned him into a household name, blurring the lines between infamy and celebrity status during his era.
Was Mickey Cohen ever convicted of any crimes?
Yes, Cohen faced convictions for several crimes throughout his life. Notably, he served time for tax evasion, a common charge against organized crime figures who often had unreported income from their illegal activities. His legal battles and time behind bars were well-documented, adding to his notorious reputation.
How did Mickey Cohen's criminal career begin?
Cohen's foray into the underworld began at a young age in Los Angeles, where he quickly became involved in street gangs. His early criminal activities laid the foundation for his later ventures into more organized crime, including gambling rings and extortion schemes, under the mentorship of more established mob figures.
Did Mickey Cohen have any rivals?
Indeed, Cohen had numerous rivals, both within the criminal underworld and from law enforcement. His most famous rivalry was with fellow gangster Jack Dragna, which escalated into a bloody battle for control over Los Angeles' illegal gambling operations. These conflicts often led to violence and were a significant part of Cohen's life story.
How did Mickey Cohen's life end?
Cohen's life came to an end in 1976, not through violence, as many might expect given his tumultuous lifestyle, but rather due to natural causes. After surviving numerous assassination attempts and serving multiple prison sentences, he died in his sleep, marking the end of an era in organized crime history.
What is Mickey Cohen's legacy today?
Today, Cohen is remembered as one of the most colorful and controversial figures in the history of American organized crime. His life has been the subject of books, movies, and documentaries, illustrating the complex interplay between crime, celebrity culture, and the American Dream during the mid-20th century.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.