Meyer Lansky, born Maier Suchowljansky in 1902, immigrated to the United States from the Russian Empire in 1911. He became involved in organized crime, associating with figures such as Charles "Lucky" Luciano, Arnold Rothstein, and Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel. During the Prohibition era, Lansky and Siegel formed a bootlegging operation.
Lansky later transitioned into gambling operations and participated in conferences organized by Luciano aimed at establishing a nationwide organized crime syndicate in the U.S.
Before World War II, Lansky and his associates disrupted activities and rallies of pro-Nazi groups in the U.S. at the request of a New York judge. He reportedly declined payment for these actions, citing his Jewish heritage and the fight against Nazism in Europe. During WWII, Lansky was among several figures recruited by U.S. intelligence to counter potential sabotage on the docks in New York.
Following the war, Lansky developed significant interests in Cuba. Fulgencio Batista, a prominent political figure in Cuba, facilitated organized crime operations, including hotels, casinos, and racetracks, in exchange for compensation. Lansky became an operator of organized crime interests in the country, constructing hotels and managing various enterprises.
The Cuban Revolution, led by Fidel Castro in the late 1950s, altered this arrangement. On New Year's Eve of 1958, several of Lansky's properties in Cuba were subjected to looting and destruction. Lansky subsequently departed for the Bahamas on January 7, 1959. Shortly thereafter, the Castro government outlawed gambling in Cuba and initiated the arrest of numerous organized crime figures.
Lansky later attempted to immigrate to Israel but was deported to the U.S. based on his criminal history. He retired in Miami and passed away in 1983 at the age of 80.
His life has been depicted in various media, notably by actor Lee Strasberg as the character Hyman Roth in The Godfather: Part II. Strasberg received an Academy Award nomination for his performance. Lansky reportedly acknowledged Strasberg's portrayal but suggested the character could have been presented with more perceived sympathy.