Gianni Russo, known for his role as Carlo Rizzi in The Godfather, claimed he once killed one of Pablo Escobar's henchmen and survived a confrontation with the Colombian drug lord. The 82-year-old actor and singer detailed the incident, which occurred in 1988 at his restaurant, in his memoir.
Mob ties and a violent encounter
Russo, who played the abusive husband of Connie Corleone in the iconic mafia film, said he was indicted nearly two dozen times for organized crime associations but never convicted. In 1988, a man harassing a woman at Russo's restaurant led to a fatal altercation.
According to Russo, the man was a high roller who had been given a bottle of Cristal champagne. After an argument with his date, the man broke the bottle and threatened her. Russo intervened, and after a struggle, he shot the man multiple times.
Aftermath and meeting with Escobar
Russo later learned the man was an underboss to Pablo Escobar, and a price was placed on his head. He decided to travel to Colombia to speak with Escobar. Upon meeting him, Russo said he was knocked out and woke up in a room full of body bags.
Escobar, a fan of The Godfather, recognized Russo and let him go after they had dinner. Russo was not charged for the killing, as it was ruled justifiable homicide by the Nevada District Attorney's Office.
Since then, Russo has recorded a CD and published his memoir, Hollywood Godfather: My Life in the Movies and the Mob.
