Frank Cullotta, the notorious mafia hitman who appeared as a hit man in Martin Scorsese's 1995 film "Casino," has passed away at the age of 81 due to complications from COVID-19. The former mobster died on Thursday in a Las Vegas hospital.

Cullotta was a key figure in the Chicago and Las Vegas mafia, and his life was marked by violence and crime. He was involved in various illegal activities, including murder, burglary, and extortion. In the 1970s, he moved to Las Vegas and became a key player in the city's mob scene.

However, Cullotta's life took a dramatic turn when he turned against his former associates and became an FBI informant. In exchange for immunity from prosecution, he agreed to testify against his former boss, Anthony "Tony the Ant" Spilotro, who was indicted for conspiracy and obstruction of justice.

Cullotta's decision to cooperate with the authorities led to a significant reduction in his prison sentence, and he was eventually paroled into the witness protection program. He spent several years in hiding before emerging publicly as a reformed individual.

In his later years, Cullotta became a popular figure in Las Vegas, leading tours of famous mob locations and sharing his stories with visitors. He also co-wrote two books about his life as a mobster and had a YouTube show called "Coffee With Cullotta," where he shared his experiences and insights.

Despite his dark past, Cullotta seemed to have found redemption in his later years. In an interview with the Las Vegas Journal Review in 2015, he reflected on his mob period, saying that it was behind him now. "I'm clean today," he said. "If you do think about (his past), it'll put you in the (expletive) nuthouse."

Cullotta's legacy is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, he was a notorious figure who played a significant role in the Las Vegas mafia scene. On the other hand, his decision to cooperate with the authorities and turn against his former associates helped bring down several high-ranking mob figures.

Geoff Schumacher, vice president of exhibits and programs for Las Vegas' The Mob Museum, said that Cullotta was the last surviving figure from the Las Vegas mafia era. "He was well-spoken in a gruff, Chicago-accented way and he was able to tell a story effectively," Schumacher told USA Today., Frank Cullotta's life was marked by violence, crime, and redemption. He went from being a notorious mafia hitman to a reformed individual who shared his stories with the public. His legacy is complex, but it serves as a reminder of the power of human transformation and the importance of seeking redemption.

References:

• Alexander, Bryan (August 23, 2020). "Mobster Frank Cullotta, who appeared as a hit man in 'Casino,' dies at 81 from COVID-19 complications". USA Today. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
• Lupiani, Joyce (August 20, 2020). "Former Chicago and Las Vegas mobster Frank Cullotta has died". KTNV. Scripps Media. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
• "Ex-mobster Frank Cullotta, crony of Tony Spilotro, dies in Las Vegas". reviewjournal.com. August 20, 2020. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
• Forbes – "How An Infamous Mafia Hitman Rebuilt His Identity From Scratch"