Mickey Cohen Quotes

A collection of quotes by Mickey Cohen.

Mickey Cohen (1913-1976) was a notorious American gangster and a prominent figure in the criminal underworld of Los Angeles. Born Meyer Harris Cohen on September 4, 1913, in Brooklyn, New York, he later gained the nickname "Mickey" due to his short stature. In his early years, Cohen, who was of Jewish descent, associated himself with street gangs and began his criminal career as a petty thief and enforcer.

In the 1930s, Cohen relocated to the West Coast, where he became closely affiliated with the criminal organization known as the Jewish Mafia. He quickly climbed the ranks to become a trusted associate of prominent mobsters, such as Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel. After Siegel's assassination in 1947, Cohen assumed control of his criminal empire, primarily focused on gambling, racketeering, and extortion.

Known for his flamboyant lifestyle and frequent clashes with law enforcement, Cohen established a reputation for ruthlessness and violence. He heavily influenced the criminal landscape in Los Angeles, cultivating a network of corrupt police officers and politicians as protection. His activities often brought him into conflict with rival gangs, particularly the Italian Mafia.

Cohen's criminal empire began to crumble in the 1950s when he faced several criminal prosecutions, including tax evasion charges. Despite numerous attempts to evade the law, he was eventually convicted in 1961 and sentenced to prison. After his release in 1972, Cohen lived a more low-key life until his death from stomach cancer on July 29, 1976, in Los Angeles. Mickey Cohen's life and exploits have since become the subject of various books, documentaries, and films, solidifying his place in gangster lore.