Lucky Luciano was born on November 24, 1897, in Lercara Friddi, Sicily, Italy.
His family immigrated to the United States when he was nine years old.
Luciano got his nickname 'Lucky' after surviving a brutal attack that left him with a scar and a droopy eye.
He was instrumental in the development of the National Crime Syndicate in the United States.
Luciano established the Commission, a governing body for organized crime families in America.
He played a key role in the fall of his mentor, Joe Masseria, and rival, Salvatore Maranzano, during the Castellammarese War.
Luciano was convicted of compulsory prostitution in 1936 and sentenced to 30 to 50 years in prison.
During World War II, he allegedly helped the U.S. government secure the New York docks against sabotage.
Luciano was released from prison in 1946 and deported to Italy.
He continued to control American organized crime from Italy and Cuba.
Luciano's life and career have inspired numerous books, films, and TV shows.
He was heavily involved in the narcotics trade and international drug trafficking.
Luciano died of a heart attack on January 26, 1962, at Naples International Airport.
He was buried in St. John's Cemetery in Queens, New York.
Luciano's legacy continues to influence organized crime operations worldwide.