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James Caan Comes To Mafia Boss' Defense
By
Ben Yakas
Published Jan 26, 2011
Modified Jan 26, 2011
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By
Ben Yakas
Published Jan 26, 2011
Modified Jan 26, 2011
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One of the alleged mobsters arrested in last week's massive criminal sweep has been accused of "reaching out" to wayward mafia members prior to the bust, and threatening them if they didn't recommit to the family. Andrew "Andy Mush" Russo, the alleged acting street boss of the Colombo family, has a coldhearted and bloody reputation, but he has at least one big-name friend defending him: actor James Caan.
Caan, who famously played a member of the mob in The Godfather, says he has been friends with Russo for over 35 years, and wrote a note on his behalf to the court offering to pay his bail if possible: "Our two families are intertwined. My son Scott is his godson. [Russo] has always been the first to call when any member of my family has been ill or troubled, and always looked after me like a brother." Oh James Caan, star of legendary films such asSuperman, Taxi Driver, Kramer vs. Kramer, MASH, Elf, getting mixed up with a high-powered mafia boss wouldn't be the first mistake you ever made.
Tagged
andrew russo
colombo
james caan
mafia
mob
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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