Sammy Gravano is a former underboss of the Gambino crime family, one of the most powerful Mafia families in the United States. Born on March 12, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, he became involved in organized crime at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks due to his criminal activities, including extortion and racketeering. In 1991, Gravano made headlines when he decided to cooperate with the government, becoming a key witness against John Gotti, the notorious boss of the Gambino family. His testimony helped convict Gotti and significantly weakened the Mafia's influence in New York City. Gravano's decision to turn informant was controversial and marked a turning point in the fight against organized crime.