Meyer Lansky Biography: Obituary, Height, Ethnicity, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Children, Wife

Meyer Lansky was an American organized crime figure known for his financial expertise and role in shaping the modern Mafia.

He immigrated to the United States and became a key player in the National Crime Syndicate.

Profile

• Full Name: Meyer Lansky
• Stage Name: Meyer Lansky
• Born: July 4, 1902
• Age: 80 years old (At the time of his death)
• Died: January 15, 1983
• Birthplace: Grodno, Russian Empire (now Belarus)
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Organized crime figure, financier
• Height: 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
• Parent: Max Lansky, Yetta Lansky
• Siblings: Jacob Lansky
• Spouse: Thelma Lansky
• Children: Buddy Lansky, Paul Lansky, Sandra Lansky
• Relationship: Married until his death
• Net Worth: $300 million

Early Life And Education

Meyer Lansky was born on July 4, 1902, in Grodno, Russian Empire (now Belarus), and passed away on January 15, 1983, at the age of 80. He was born to Max Lansky and Yetta Lansky.

He had a brother named Jacob Lansky. His family was of Jewish descent, and they immigrated to the United States in the early 1910s, settling in the Lower East Side of New York City. Lansky was raised in a Jewish household and identified with his heritage throughout his life.

He attended public school in New York but did not pursue higher education. Instead, he developed strong mathematical skills, which later played a crucial role in his success in organized crime and gambling operations.

Career

Meyer Lansky was a key figure in organized crime in the United States, known for his role in developing a national crime syndicate. He was instrumental in establishing a vast gambling empire, both in the U.S. and internationally, with operations in Las Vegas, Cuba, and the Bahamas.

Lansky was closely associated with figures like Lucky Luciano and Bugsy Siegel, helping to shape organized crime into a more structured and business-like operation. He played a significant role in money laundering and financial management for the mob, ensuring that illegal profits were hidden.

Despite multiple investigations, Lansky avoided major criminal convictions, earning a reputation as one of the most elusive figures in organized crime. His influence lasted for decades, making him one of the most powerful crime bosses of his time.

Personal Life

Meyer Lansky was married twice in his lifetime. He first married Ana Citron in 1929, and the couple had three children together: Buddy Lansky, Paul Lansky, and Sandra Lansky. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1947.

In 1948, Lansky married Thelma Schwarz and remained together until his death. Despite his notoriety in organized crime, he kept a relatively low personal profile throughout his life. Lansky stood at approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall.

Filmography

Meyer Lansky did not have a film or music career, but his life has inspired numerous portrayals in films and TV shows, including:

• Bugsy (1991) – played by Ben Kingsley
• Lansky (1999) – played by Richard Dreyfuss
• The Godfather Part II (1974) – Hyman Roth, a character inspired by Lansky

Net Worth

Meyer Lansky amassed a significant fortune through his involvement in organized crime, with an estimated net worth of $300 million at the height of his influence.

His wealth primarily came from his extensive operations in illegal gambling, money laundering, and investments in casinos across the United States, Cuba, and the Bahamas.

Despite numerous investigations and attempts to prosecute him, Lansky was known for his financial acumen, ensuring that much of his wealth remained hidden from authorities.

He also had connections to major crime syndicates, which allowed him to control lucrative enterprises while maintaining a relatively low public profile.