Childhood & Early Life
Meyer Harris Cohen was born on September 4, 1913, in Brooklyn, New York, into a Jewish family. He was raised by his mother Fanny after his father passed away within a year of his birth.
Cohen grew up with two brothers, Harry and Louie, in Los Angeles. In his childhood, he used to sell newspapers with his brothers in the neighborhood to help his mother. Being on the streets from an early age had its effects on him, and Cohen got involved in small crimes. He was sent to a reform school even before he turned ten.
Later, as he grew up, Cohen grew interested in boxing and participated in underground street fights to earn money. Winning a few fights gave him more confidence in his boxing skills and Cohen decided to pursue the sport professionally.
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Boxing Career
Mickey Cohen’s resolve to be a professional boxer grew stronger and at the age of 15, he moved to Ohio to train. On April 8, 1930, Cohen made his debut as a professional boxer against Patsy Farr in Cleveland.
In 1933, Cohen fought against Albert "Chalky" Wright and lost the bout. ‘Los Angeles Times’ mentioned Cohen as ‘Mickey Cohen from Denver, Colorado’, incorrectly, in their report of the match.
Cohen also fought against World Featherweight Champion Tommy Paul and was knocked out within two minutes twenty seconds into the match. However, during the match, Cohen was mentioned as ‘Gangster Mickey Cohen’, for his fearless fighting attitude against the featherweight champion, by the commentators. His last professional match was against Baby Arizmendi in Mexico in May 1933.
Criminal History
Mickey Cohen left boxing and entered the world of crime very quickly. He got involved with Italian-American mafia member Johnny Dio and his brother Tommy Dioguardi in their labor racketeering business.
He then found himself a place in the illegal gambling business run by the notorious mobster Al Capone. Mickey Cohen shifted to Chicago to run his gambling business under AL Capone’s organization.
During the period of “Prohibition” in US, Mickey Cohen became part of the organized crime run by the ill-famed Chicago Outfit. During his handling of an illegal gambling business, Cohen was charged by the police in a homicide case where multiple gangsters were killed. Cohen was sent to jail but he returned soon to run his business and extend it further.
Back in Cleveland, Cohen met Meyer Lansky and his associate Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel, the duo known for founding the infamous Bugs and Meyer Mob group. Cohen became Siegel’s right-hand man in Los Angeles.
Mickey Cohen was instrumental in setting up the Flamingo Hotel for Siegel. The hotel was opened in 1946 along with a casino. Later, Cohen also established the racing network for Vegas betting.
The Flamingo Hotel became the reason for Siegel’s fall. The Italian-American crime families didn’t like the way Siegel ran the hotel and the associated business. He became a greater threat to the mafia world and was ordered to be killed.
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Siegel and his girlfriend were killed in 1947. This sparked great anger in Mickey Cohen who tried to avenge Siegel, and in the process, drew the attention of many gangs. He faced many murder attempts in the next few years as a result.
Alongside other criminals, Cohen was also investigated by the famous Kefauver Commission and was charged for tax evasion. He went to prison for four years in the 1950s. After his release, Cohen set up many businesses, including casinos, gas stations, paint stores and other ventures.
Ten years after he was sentenced to prison for tax evasion, Cohen faced charges for the same reason once again and was sent to Alcatraz. He was released on bail from Alcatraz but after his appeals were rejected, Cohen was sent to a federal prison in Georgia. He faced multiple attempts on his life inside the prison.
Family & Personal Life
Mickey Cohen married Lavonne Weaver, a sex worker by profession, whom he met in Las Vegas while working for Siegel.
In the 1970s, Cohen was wrongly diagnosed with a stomach ulcer. Apparently, he had been suffering from stomach cancer. He died on July 29, 1976, due to complications from the disease. He was 62.
Facts About Mickey Cohen
Mickey Cohen was known for his love of animals, particularly his pet dogs.
He was often seen walking his dogs in the neighborhood and was known to be a caring pet owner.
Despite his reputation as a notorious gangster, Mickey Cohen had a passion for collecting rare and valuable coins.
He had an extensive collection that he would often show off to friends and associates.
Mickey Cohen had a talent for playing the piano and enjoyed entertaining guests with his musical skills.
He would often play jazz and blues tunes for friends at his home or at local gatherings.
Mickey Cohen was known for his impeccable sense of style and was often seen wearing custom-tailored suits and flashy jewelry.
He took pride in his appearance and was considered a trendsetter in the fashion world.
In addition to his involvement in organized crime, Mickey Cohen was also a philanthropist and was known to donate large sums of money to charitable causes in his community.
He supported various charities and organizations that helped those in need.
