Vincent Albert "Buddy" Cianci Jr. was a prominent American politician who served as the mayor of Providence, Rhode Island for over 21 years, making him one of the longest-serving mayors in U.S. history. He was known for his charismatic personality and efforts to revitalize the city, particularly during his terms in the 1970s and 1990s. Cianci's political career was marked by controversy, including a conviction for racketeering in 2002, which led to his imprisonment. Despite his legal troubles, he remained a popular figure in Rhode Island politics and later hosted a radio talk show, continuing to influence public discourse until his death in 2016.