35 Facts About Sammy The Bull Gravano

Early Life and Background

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano's journey into the world of organized crime began in Brooklyn, New York. His early years set the stage for a life filled with intrigue and danger.

1. Early Life: Born on March 12, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, Sammy Gravano was the youngest of five children. His parents, Giorlando "Gerry" and Caterina "Kay" Gravano, had two older daughters and two other children who died before Sammy was born.

2. Family Background: Both of Gravano's parents hailed from Sicily. His mother, Caterina, arrived in the United States as a young girl from Puglia, Italy. His father, Giorlando, jumped ship in Canada and was smuggled into the US with the help of his older brother Alphonsio Gravano.

3. Family Business: Alphonsio Gravano was an established bootlegger and a made member of the Sicilian mafia. During Prohibition, he ran booze through the Hudson River and other New York waterways, selling it to speakeasies in New York City and on the West Coast.

4. Parental Influence: Gravano's parents maintained a good standard of living for the family. His mother was a talented seamstress, and they later ran a small dress factory.

Nickname and Early Criminal Activities

Gravano's early encounters with crime and his nickname "The Bull" were pivotal in shaping his future.

5. Nickname Origin: Gravano got his nickname "The Bull" at age 13 when local gangsters watched him get into a fight with several older bullies who had stolen his bike. One of the gangsters remarked that Gravano had fought "like a little bull."

6. Street Gang Involvement: At age 13, Gravano joined the Rampers, a prominent street gang in Bensonhurst. He quickly gained respect for his bravery and fighting skills.

7. School Life: Gravano was not a good student; teachers labeled him a slow learner, and he was held back twice. He later attributed this to severe dyslexia, which he says explains a lot of rage from his early days onward.

8. Bullying: Gravano was taunted about his abilities in school, but the bullying stopped after he fought back. For the next several decades, Sammy Gravano’s life would continue to be fueled by violence.

9. Early Crimes: Gravano began his criminal career with minor shoplifting and stealing two cupcakes a day at a neighborhood store on his way to school. He eventually graduated to more serious crimes.

Rise in the Mafia

Gravano's rise through the ranks of the Gambino crime family was marked by loyalty, violence, and strategic moves.

10. Mafia Involvement: Gravano first came to the attention of the Mafia at age ten, when local gangsters watched him get into a fight with several older bullies who had stolen his bike. This incident marked the beginning of his involvement with organized crime.

11. Rise Through Ranks: Gravano quickly established himself as a valuable asset to the Gambino family, using his intimidating presence and ruthless nature to carry out various criminal activities. He rose through the ranks and eventually became an underboss.

12. Relationship with John Gotti: Gravano's loyalty and effectiveness in carrying out orders earned him the trust of John Gotti, the boss of the Gambino family. Gotti promoted Gravano to the position of underboss in 1988.

13. Murder of Paul Castellano: In 1985, Gravano was part of the group that conspired to murder Gambino boss Paul Castellano. Along with John Gotti, Angelo Ruggiero, Frank DeCicco, and Joseph Armone, Gravano played a key role in planning and executing Castellano's murder.

14. Promotion to Captain: Soon after Castellano's murder, Gotti elevated Gravano to become an official captain after Salvatore "Toddo" Aurelio stepped down. Gravano held this position until 1987 when he became consigliere.

15. Underboss Position: In 1988, Gravano became underboss, a position he held at the time he became a government witness.

Turning Government Witness

Gravano's decision to cooperate with the authorities marked a significant turning point in his life and the Mafia world.

16. Government Witness: In 1991, Gravano agreed to turn state's evidence and testify for the prosecution against Gotti after hearing the boss making several disparaging and untrue remarks about Gravano on a wiretap that implicated them both in several murders.

17. Testimony Against Gotti: Gravano's testimony led to the conviction of numerous high-ranking mobsters. As a key witness for the prosecution, his testimony was instrumental in bringing down various members of the Gambino family and other organized crime syndicates.

18. Reduced Sentence: In exchange for his testimony, Gravano received a significantly reduced prison sentence. He was sentenced to five years in prison, but since he had already served four years, the sentence amounted to less than one year.

19. Witness Protection Program: Gravano entered the U.S. federal Witness Protection Program in Colorado but left after eight months and moved to Arizona with his family.

Life After the Mafia

Even after leaving the Mafia, Gravano's life remained tumultuous and controversial.

20. New Life in Arizona: Under the alias Jimmy Moran, Gravano started a swimming-pool installation company in Arizona. However, he disliked this quiet new life and left the Witness Protection Program just a year later.

21. Return to Crime: Despite his new life, Gravano became involved in criminal activities again. He was arrested for involvement in an ecstasy drug ring and served 17 years in prison for his involvement in drug trafficking.

22. Book and Media Appearances: Gravano wrote a book called "Underboss: Sammy the Bull Gravano’s Story of Life in the Mafia," which provided further insight into his life as a mobster and the events that led to his decision to cooperate with the government. His story was also the inspiration for the character Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano in the TV series “The Sopranos”.

23. Public Perception: Gravano is a polarizing figure. Some see him as a charismatic storyteller and a capable mobster, while others view him as a treacherous and self-serving individual who betrayed the code of silence (omertà) and cooperated with the authorities.

24. Legacy: Gravano's actions in becoming an informant sparked debates within the Mafia community. His betrayal of the omertà code of silence led to heated discussions and divisions among mobsters worldwide.

Personal Life and Public Appearances

Gravano's personal life and public appearances continue to draw attention and controversy.

25. Personal Life: Gravano's daughter, Karen Gravano, appeared on the reality TV show “Mob Wives,” gaining some level of fame by focusing on the lives of women with Mafia connections.

26. Public Appearances: Despite his past, Gravano has made public appearances, including YouTube videos and podcasts, where he shares his experiences and insights into the world of organized crime.

27. Controversy Surrounding His Testimony: Gravano's decision to cooperate with the authorities was met with both praise and criticism. Some saw it as a courageous act that brought down powerful mobsters, while others viewed it as a betrayal that undermined the code of silence.

28. Health Issues: Gravano has spoken publicly about his health issues, including his struggles with dyslexia and other personal challenges that have shaped his life.

29. Current Activities: Despite his past involvement in organized crime, Gravano continues to engage in public activities, including writing and speaking about his experiences. However, his actions remain controversial, with many questioning his motives and sincerity.

Historical Significance and Media Portrayal

Gravano's life and actions have left a lasting impact on both history and popular culture.

30. Historical Significance: Gravano's life and actions have significant historical importance. His role in bringing down John Gotti and other high-ranking mobsters marked a turning point in the fight against organized crime in the United States.

31. Media Portrayal: The character of Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano in “The Sopranos” was heavily influenced by his life and experiences in the Mafia. This portrayal highlights both the glamour and the brutal reality of life in organized crime.

32. Autobiographical Book: Gravano's book, “Underboss: Sammy the Bull Gravano’s Story of Life in the Mafia,” offers a detailed account of his life within the Gambino crime family. It provides insights into the inner workings of the Mafia and the events that led to his decision to cooperate with the government.

33. Public Reaction: The public reaction to Gravano's actions has been mixed. Some view him as a hero who brought down powerful mobsters, while others see him as a traitor who broke the code of silence and cooperated with the authorities.

34. Legacy in Popular Culture: Gravano's story has been referenced and portrayed in various forms of media, including books, TV shows, and documentaries. His legacy continues to fascinate true crime enthusiasts and spark discussions about loyalty and betrayal.

35. Current Status: Despite his past involvement in organized crime, Gravano remains a public figure, albeit one with a complex and often controversial legacy. His actions continue to influence discussions about the Mafia and its code of silence, with many questioning the morality and ethics of his decisions.

The Complex Legacy of Sammy The Bull Gravano

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano's life is a wild ride through the highs and lows of organized crime. Rising from a tough Brooklyn kid to the feared underboss of the Gambino crime family, his story is packed with power, betrayal, and violence. His decision to turn government witness and testify against John Gotti shook the Mafia world, sparking debates about loyalty and the code of silence. Despite his cooperation with authorities, Gravano couldn't escape his criminal tendencies, leading to further legal troubles. Today, his legacy remains controversial. Some see him as a hero who helped dismantle powerful mobsters, while others view him as a traitor who broke the sacred omertà. Gravano's tale continues to captivate, offering a gritty glimpse into the dark world of the Mafia and the moral dilemmas faced by those who live within it.