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IN HIS LIFE, MEYER “Mickey” Cohen became known as one of the nicest killers of the mafia era. His generosity was only outweighed by his ruthless ambition. One must understand; however, that, unlike the systematic assumptions of the mob, Cohen was a philanthropist, suffered from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (requiring him to frequently wash his hands), and lived his life nearly illiterate. The latter of these he worked to improve constantly, but there was one other fact to truly create an interesting king of Los Angeles.
Meyer Cohen had trouble adding numbers.
Money was not counted, but divided bill for bill. Numbers fell upon other trusted friends. In many ways, he was an honest and clean man. He never drank. He never smoked. Cohen also made it a staunch rule never to use profanities in the presence of women. He surrounded himself with celebrities, and was often considered a genuine part of Hollywood. Rather than ignore or threaten the media, Cohen embraced them; always pausing for comments or photographs. His own autograph was treasured. There was little doubt danger surrounded all who were in his presence. A bomb demolished half his home during a large mafia war against Jack Dragna. Both opposing gangs and the police forces were after Meyer Cohen with a vengeance.
In the end; however, it was not for blood-chilling murders that he was brought to court. Like Al Capone, Cohen was jailed for tax evasion on several occasions. When he re-entered the world—supposedly reformed—he was often penniless; living off of the generosity of friends. Loyalty was priceless in his profession. A man under suspicion for betraying his friends was easily shot or tortured.
And yet, at the age of sixty-two, Meyer Cohen died in his sleep; not from bullet, nor murderous intent, but by complications to stomach cancer.
Biography. 2017. “Mickey Cohen.” Biography. https://www.biography.com/crime-figure/mickey-cohen.
Crime Investigation. 2021. “Mickey Cohen.” Crime Investigation. https://www.crimeandinvestigation.co.uk/crime-files/mickey-cohen.