I’m sitting down with the man behind one of the most famous names in FBI history - the REAL Donnie Brasco. While everyone knows Joe Pistone used the alias “Donnie Brasco” to infiltrate the mob for six years, what they don’t know is he borrowed that name from his own family. Dominic “Donnie” Brasco is Joe’s second cousin, and his father was actually a street associate who mentored young Joe before finding God and becoming a pastor. But here’s where it gets incredible - inspired by his famous cousin, the real Donnie Brasco became an FBI undercover agent himself, spending 21 years in the Bureau. From being hazed at the Academy because of his name, to working undercover cases while people questioned if he was “the rat,” to having criminals tell him stories about “Lefty” not knowing his connection - this man has lived in the shadow of his own name for 40 years. The untold story behind Hollywood’s most famous undercover operation.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices