'Families of The Mafia' Full Cast List: Meet Sammy 'The Bull' Gravano and other stars of MTV show
When you think of the mafia, it's hard not to conjure up images from movies and series, where criminal activities are thought of like a family business, one in which there is no room for betrayal, or it could cost one's life.
But, for the cast of 'Families of The Mafia' season 2, this is not just fiction; it's reality. Mafia life is not as glamorous as TV shows and movies make it out to be; it's real people dealing the cards. And some are ready to leave the game behind. But it's easier said than done. However, the Gravanos, the O'Tooles, the LaRoccas, the Nayfelds and the Cutolos are hoping to change that. If you're looking for similar titles, you might want to check out 'Cold Justice: A Touch Of Evidence', 'Private Network: Who Killed Manuel Buendía?', 'Elize Matsunaga' and 'Sophie: A Murder in West Cork'.
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The Gravanos
Returning back to the show after season one is the Gravanos family, which consists of Karen Gravano, Karina Seabrook, Sammy "The Bull" Gravano and Ramona Rizzo. As per the official synopsis, this season, the family is setting out on a different path.
"On Staten Island, the Gravano name is synonymous with "mafia." Karen's father, Sammy, "the bull" Gravano, was the underboss of the Gambino crime family, and his dealings provided her a childhood in which she wanted for nothing. After the Gambino family was taken down, Sammy went to prison, and Karen moved to Arizona with her daughter Karina to escape her family's reputation. Now Karen is back in New York and has become passionate about prison reform. Using her wealth of experience in the justice system, she is working hard to help her boyfriend appeal the life sentence he's serving. Meanwhile, Karina is trying to distance herself from the Gravano family legacy in pursuit of a career in the competitive world of finance, while her grandfather Sammy is launching a podcast to divulge his notorious past, causing strife within the family."
As reported by Page Six, Karen Gravano spoke out about why she's working towards prison reforms. "Growing up … I kind of only looked at it through a one-track mind and that was the experiences that I was going through," she explained. "But when you really start to sit down and understand the justice system and the laws that have been changing and kind of just opened my mind up to really understanding, this became something that I was very passionate about," she added.
The O'Tooles
The O'Toole family consists of Joe O'Toole, Taylor O'Toole, Jessica Clare and will be joined by Matt O'Toole. As per the official synopsis, this season the O'Tooles are out for justice.
"Billy O'Toole's father, Italian-American mafioso William 'Wild Bill' Cutolo, partnered with the Irish mafia in Brooklyn to gain power and influence in the new york underworld. Because of his volatile upbringing, Billy quickly took to the criminal lifestyle and consequently developed a distant relationship with his twin children, Joe and Taylor, who were raised by his ex-wife jess. Despite his difficulties, billy was working hard to re-establish a relationship with his family and was showing signs of progress before he unexpectedly passed away. While his death was ruled a suicide, Jess, Joe and Taylor are launching an investigation, as they suspect the truth could be more complicated."
The LaRoccas
The LaRocca family is made up of memebers Gina LaRocca, Christian 'CP' Patterson, Trish Gelardi and Anthony Gelardi. For Christian 'CP' Patterson, known as CP, life has not been easy. As per the official synopsis, this season, the LaRoccas are trying to make amends, but are treading with extreme caution, as there is a lot on the line.
"Gina Larocca jumped into the drug world in Staten Island and Brooklyn, a decision that led her to serve nine months in Rikers and left her then-infant son, CP, without a mom. CP's father, Christian, is now back in the picture after serving five years for narcotics charges in upstate New York. With help from Gina, CP's aunt Trish and uncle Anthony — who raised him amidst his parents' legal issues — are trying to steer him away from further run-ins with the law while he navigates his relationship with Christian.
The Nayfelds
The Nayfelds consist of Eli Kiperman and his father, Boris Nayfeld. Eli now prepares for a bittersweet reunion with his father, Boris, who has been serving out his probation in Moscow. As per the official synopsis, this season, it's not going to be easy for the family to adjust just yet.
"Eli Kiperman is preparing to reunite with his father, Boris Nayfeld, one of New York's most influential Russian mafia bosses who has been serving out his probation in Moscow. Eli has chosen the legitimate route and is working hard to support his mother, Angela, who continues to struggle with the idea of a life without Boris.
The Cutolos
The Cutolo family consists of Billy Cutolo Jr, Billy 'Bills' Cutolo III and Layla Cutolo. As per the official synopsis, this season, for Billy Cutolo Jr, adjusting to life with his family after time in the witness protection program has not been easy. "Billy Cutolo Jr, the son of once-powerful underboss William 'Wild Bill' Cutolo, continues to reacclimate to life with his family after their time in the witness protection program. Billy is planning to return to New York for the first time since his father's infamous murder, to reunite with his estranged family and to tie up loose ends with his father's old associates."
Billy Jr's life might be at stake, seeing that even for his father, a seemingly innocent meeting ended up as fatal. Seeing that there was a fear that William 'Wild Bill' Cutolo would take over Alphonse Persico's family after Carmine Persico promoted him to underboss, the Persicos and DeRoss families decided to get rid of him. They called him for a meeting, and once he arrived, he was ambushed and murdered. His body was allegedly buried at an industrial park in Farmingdale, New York.
Season 2 of 'Families of The Mafia' premieres on July 15, on MTV.