Biography Season 3 Episode 22 Sammy "the Bull" Gravano
Throughout the 1990s, Salvatore Gravano was a prominent figure in the American Mafia. Better known as Sammy "the Bull" Gravano, he rose through the ranks of the Gambino crime family and became the underboss to John Gotti, one of the most infamous mob bosses in history.
In season 3, episode 22 of Biography, viewers are taken on a deep dive into Sammy "the Bull" Gravano's life and criminal career. Through interviews with law enforcement officials, former associates, and Gravano himself, the episode builds a detailed picture of the man and the world he inhabited.
The episode begins with Gravano's early life, growing up in Brooklyn's Bensonhurst neighborhood. He was one of five siblings born to Italian immigrants, and his family struggled financially. As a teenager, he became involved in petty crime, stealing cars and shoplifting.
Eventually, Gravano started hanging out with members of the Gambino crime family and was soon initiated into the organization. He quickly rose through the ranks, thanks in part to his reputation for violence. In the episode, former law enforcement officials describe how Gravano was feared by many, both inside and outside of the Mafia.
Gravano partnered with John Gotti, who became the boss of the Gambino family in 1985. Gravano rose to become the underboss, a position that gave him a tremendous amount of power and authority within the organization.
However, Gravano's world began to crumble in the late 1980s and early 1990s. An investigation by the FBI into the Gambino family was taking place, and Gravano became a primary target. In 1991, he was arrested and faced charges of murder, racketeering, and drug trafficking.
The episode chronicles Gravano's decision to turn on the Mafia and become a government informant. His testimony was instrumental in securing convictions against Gotti and other high-ranking members of the Gambino family. The move made Gravano one of the most notorious turncoats in Mafia history.
Despite his cooperation, Gravano was still sentenced to 20 years in prison and had to enter the witness protection program. He attempted to start a new life in Arizona, but trouble followed him. In 2002, he was arrested and charged with running a large-scale Ecstasy ring. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to an additional 20 years in prison.
Through exclusive interviews and archival footage, Biography season 3, episode 22 paints a compelling portrait of Sammy "the Bull" Gravano, one of the most notorious figures in American organized crime history. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the Mafia, true crime stories, and the inner workings of the criminal underworld.