40 Facts About Legs Diamond

Who Was Legs Diamond?

Legs Diamond, a notorious gangster from the Prohibition era, lived a life filled with crime, intrigue, and violence. His real name was Jack Diamond, but his nickname "Legs" came from his ability to escape dangerous situations.

1. Jack Diamond was born on July 10, 1897, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
2. He earned the nickname "Legs" due to his knack for escaping law enforcement.
3. Diamond was involved in bootlegging during Prohibition, smuggling alcohol into the United States.
4. He was known for his flamboyant lifestyle, often seen in expensive suits and driving luxury cars.
5. Diamond had a reputation for being charming yet ruthless, making him both feared and admired.

Early Life and Criminal Beginnings

Jack Diamond's early life set the stage for his future in organized crime. From a young age, he was involved in petty crimes, which eventually escalated.

6. Diamond's family immigrated from Ireland to the United States.
7. He dropped out of school at a young age and joined a street gang.
8. Diamond was first arrested at the age of 17 for burglary.
9. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I but was dishonorably discharged.
10. After the war, Diamond moved to New York City, where he became involved in more serious criminal activities.

Rise to Power

Legs Diamond's rise to power in the criminal underworld was marked by violence and strategic alliances. He quickly became a key player in the bootlegging industry.

11. Diamond worked for Arnold Rothstein, a major figure in organized crime.
12. He established his own bootlegging operation, smuggling alcohol from Canada.
13. Diamond's gang was known for its brutality, often using violence to eliminate rivals.
14. He survived multiple assassination attempts, earning a reputation for being nearly invincible.
15. Diamond was involved in the infamous Manhattan Beer Wars, a violent conflict between rival bootlegging gangs.

Personal Life and Relationships

Despite his criminal activities, Legs Diamond had a personal life filled with drama and scandal. His relationships often made headlines.

16. Diamond married Alice Kenny in 1920.
17. He had a long-term affair with Marion "Kiki" Roberts, a showgirl.
18. Diamond's wife, Alice, was known to be loyal despite his infidelities.
19. He was often seen in the company of celebrities and socialites.
20. Diamond's lavish lifestyle included parties at his luxurious apartment in New York City.

Legal Troubles and Imprisonment

Legs Diamond's criminal activities eventually caught up with him, leading to numerous legal troubles and stints in prison.

21. Diamond was arrested multiple times for bootlegging and other crimes.
22. He was convicted of kidnapping in 1929 but managed to escape from custody.
23. Diamond served time in Sing Sing prison but continued to run his operations from behind bars.
24. He was acquitted of murder charges in 1931, further enhancing his reputation.
25. Diamond's legal battles drained his financial resources, leading to increased tensions within his gang.

The Downfall of Legs Diamond

Despite his many escapes from death and the law, Legs Diamond's luck eventually ran out. His downfall was as dramatic as his rise to power.

26. Diamond's gang began to disintegrate due to internal conflicts.
27. He was shot multiple times in October 1930 but survived.
28. Diamond's enemies included both rival gangsters and law enforcement.
29. On December 18, 1931, Diamond was ambushed and killed in Albany, New York.
30. His murder remains unsolved, with many theories about who was responsible.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Legs Diamond's life and death left a lasting impact on popular culture. His story has been retold in various forms of media.

31. Diamond's life inspired the 1959 film "The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond."
32. He was portrayed by actor Ray Danton in the film.
33. Diamond's story was also adapted into a Broadway musical in 1988.
34. The musical, titled "Legs Diamond," starred Peter Allen.
35. Diamond's life has been the subject of numerous books and documentaries.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond the well-known facts, there are several lesser-known tidbits about Legs Diamond that add to his mystique.

36. Diamond was known to tip generously at restaurants and clubs.
37. He had a pet monkey named Jocko, which he often brought to parties.
38. Diamond was a fan of boxing and frequently attended matches.
39. He once escaped from a hospital after being shot, despite his severe injuries.
40. Diamond's final resting place is in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Queens, New York.

The Legacy of Legs Diamond

Legs Diamond, a name that still echoes through the annals of crime history, left an indelible mark on the Prohibition era. Known for his cunning, charm, and numerous brushes with death, Diamond's life was a rollercoaster of crime, luxury, and violence. His ability to evade the law and survive multiple assassination attempts earned him a legendary status among gangsters. However, his luck ran out in 1931 when he was finally gunned down in Albany, New York. Despite his criminal activities, Diamond's story continues to fascinate, offering a glimpse into the tumultuous world of early 20th-century organized crime. His life serves as a reminder of the era's lawlessness and the lengths individuals would go for power and wealth. Legs Diamond remains a captivating figure, embodying the perilous allure of the gangster lifestyle.