The Underworld Podcast: Episode Summary
Title: Hollywood's Celebrity Gangster and the Battle for Los Angeles: Mickey Cohen
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Hosts: Danny Gold and Sean Williams
Introduction
In this riveting episode of The Underworld Podcast, hosts Danny Gold and Sean Williams delve deep into the life of Mickey Cohen, the infamous Hollywood celebrity gangster who played a pivotal role in shaping Los Angeles's underworld. Skipping the initial advertisements and banter, the hosts focus on Cohen's intricate journey from a street hustler to one of the most recognized mobsters of his time.
Early Life and Rise to Power
Birth and Upbringing
Mickey Cohen was born in Brownsville, New York, around 1911 or 1913, a neighborhood notorious for its violence and gang activity. After his father's death, his Ukrainian Jewish immigrant mother moved the family to Boyle Heights, East LA, in an attempt to escape the turmoil of Brownsville.
Entry into Crime
By the age of six, Cohen was involved in hustling, selling newspapers on street corners. The onset of Prohibition in 1919 saw him and his brothers shift to bootlegging, operating a gin mill in their family pharmacy shop. Danny Gold remarks, “He was clearly a savant. He's got an education on the street” (12:45).
Criminal Exploits and Associations
Expansion into Organized Crime
As Cohen grew, so did his involvement in more serious crimes, including armed robbery, gambling, and extortion. By his teens, he was running underground boxing matches and engaging in minor heists, which frequently landed him in reform schools and juvenile detention centers.
Association with Jack Dragna and Bugsy Siegel
Cohen's reputation caught the attention of Jack Dragna, who had ties with New York’s big mob families. However, dissatisfaction with Dragna's control led Cohen to ally with Bugsy Siegel, a key figure sent by the syndicate to dominate the West Coast. Danny Gold notes, “Cohen soon gets involved with the Hollywood moguls... intertwined in Hollywood business” (26:31).
Hollywood Ties and Media Savvy
Celebrity Connections
Nicknamed the "Hollywood celebrity gangster," Cohen courted fame by mingling with stars like Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Errol Flynn. His lifestyle, characterized by expensive wardrobes and lavish parties, made him a staple in both criminal and Hollywood circles. Sean Williams highlights, “He palling around with all these guys, but still getting himself in shootouts” (20:27).
Media Manipulation
Cohen was a master at using the media to his advantage. He engaged with journalists, wrote autobiographies, and even envisioned having a podcast if he were alive today. At [08:54], Danny Gold muses, “He used to write letters to editors. He would wine and dine journalists.”
Conflict with Jack Dragna and Syndicate Politics
Power Struggles
Cohen's refusal to fully bow to Dragna's authority led to ongoing conflicts. The struggle for control of Los Angeles's rackets frequently resulted in assassination attempts, many of which Cohen survived. Danny Gold recounts an attempt where Cohen was targeted while managing his clothing store, only to escape unharmed by hiding in the bathroom (07:05).
Syndicate Dynamics
The tensions weren't just between Cohen and Dragna but also involved higher echelons of the syndicate, including figures like Meyer Lansky and Frank Costello. The hosts discuss how these internal politics often led to shifting alliances and betrayals, with Cohen ultimately taking over as Bugsy Siegel’s successor after Siegel's murder (35:26).
Legal Troubles and Imprisonment
Tax Evasion Conviction
Despite numerous arrests for violent crimes, Cohen managed to evade serious convictions until 1951, when he was finally sentenced to five years for income tax evasion—the first gangster in California to face such charges. Danny Gold humorously comments on this, “Just pay your taxes, bro” (48:57).
Alcatraz and Continued Influence
Cohen served nearly four years at Alcatraz, where he maintained his influence, throwing parties and maintaining connections with high-profile individuals. Upon his release in 1972, he returned to a Hollywood still enamored with his legend, despite ongoing federal investigations.
Later Life and Death
Final Years
In his later years, Cohen attempted to project a more legitimate image, dabbling in businesses like tropical plants and continuing to engage with Hollywood elites. However, his past always loomed over him, leading to constant legal battles and media scrutiny.
Relationship with Sammy Davis Jr.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Cohen's later life was his relationship with Sammy Davis Jr. Despite pressures from mob-affiliated studio executives to sabotage this relationship, Cohen maintained his friendship with Davis, even serving as a character witness in later trials (46:51).
Death and Legacy
Mickey Cohen died of cancer in 1976, leaving behind a complex legacy intertwined with both Hollywood glamour and ruthless crime. His life story, marked by power struggles, media manipulation, and high-profile associations, remains a testament to the enduring influence of organized crime on American culture.
Notable Quotes
- Mickey Cohen: “I was a pretty fair replica of the devil. I killed a bunch of people, and I get away with it a lot on self-defense...” (08:54)
- Peter Noyes: “If you lived in LA in the 40s and you didn't know who Mickey Cohen was, you had to be in a mental institution.” (32:25)
- Danny Gold on Cohen’s Media Influence: “He used to write letters to editors. He would wine and dine journalists.” (08:54)
- Cohen on Killings: “In all of these what you would call killings, I had no alternative. It was either my life or their life.” (35:26)
- Danny Gold on Cohen’s Conviction: “Just pay your taxes, bro.” (48:57)
Conclusion
Mickey Cohen's life exemplifies the intricate dance between organized crime and mainstream culture in mid-20th century America. Through The Underworld Podcast, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how Cohen navigated power, fame, and the relentless pursuit of legitimacy amidst the chaotic backdrop of Los Angeles's criminal underbelly.
This summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't tuned in.