Vincent Gigante the former boss of the Genovese crime family is one of the most notorious godfathers in New York Mafia history.
We take look back at the life and downfall of the famous Mafia leader often referred to as “The Oddfather” for his antics. Few mobsters tried harder then Gigante to avoid being part of Mafia news headlines. He reportedly took control of the powerful Cosa Nostra family back in the early 1980s and remained in control for the better part of 30 years. He controlled one of the largest and most influential American mafia families for decades yet is probably more known for his crazy act. The video includes footage of Gigante along with some very interesting news reports, interviews, and trial footage from various archives. Some very cool footage and a great look back into Mafia history.
Vincent “The Chin” Gigante
The former boxer turned mobster feigned insanity often wandering the streets of Greenwich Village in his bathrobe and slippers, mumbling incoherently to himself in an effort to throw off authorities. For years the legendary godfather’s shenanigans helped him avoid being convicted of various mob-related crimes. In 1990 after being hit with federal racketeering charges it was determined that he was mentally unfit to stand trial. But the feds maintained that Gigante also known as “The Chin” wasn’t insane but he was instead crazy like a fox.
The insanity act that kept Vincent Gigante out of prison for years came to an end in 1997. He was tried and convicted of racketeering charges and was sentenced to 12 years behind bars. This marked the beginning of the end for the powerful NY Mafia leader. He would plead guilty to new charges in 2003 and admitted that his elaborate claims of insanity were nothing more than an act. The now aging godfather’s health really began to fail and he passed away back in 2005 at a United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners.
When it comes to the New York Mafia and its leaders Vincent “The Chin” Gigante is certainly one of the names that immediately comes to mind. A lot of this historical footage will be new to many of us and is certainly worth the watch! The Genovese family is often referred to as the Ivy League of Organized Crime remains one of New York’s most powerful Italian Mafia families.
