Frank Sheeran

Grew Up... as a “working stiff.” Frank served in World War II and then got a job as a delivery truck driver out of South Philadelphia in the 1950s.

Living... in the past. Frank is living out his old age in an unglamorous nursing home, where he spends most of his time thinking back on his younger years.

Profession... gangster and hitman. After proving his loyalty, Frank is hired by the Bufalinos, a powerful crime family in Northeastern Pennsylvania. He serves as a right hand man to leader Russell Bufalino, and his tasks include “painting houses” a.k.a. committing assassinations. Russell also assigns Frank to be the chief bodyguard to infamous and powerful teamster leader Jimmy Hoffa, who has his own ties to the Bufalino family.

Interests... nice steaks, his Catholic faith, and learning about Italian culture.

Relationship Status... happily married—twice. Luckily Frank’s first wife Mary and his second wife Irene get along like gangbusters. That makes it easy to spend time with his daughters, Peggy, Maryanne, Dolores, and Connie. Yet Frank’s criminal work sometimes drives a wedge between him and his family. Peggy is particularly judgmental of her father’s immoral acts.

Challenge... figuring out where his loyalties lie. By the mid-1970s, a rift has developed between Hoffa and the Bufalinos. As someone who feels deep familial bonds with both sides, Frank must decide where his loyalties lie—and what he’s willing to sacrifice for them.

Personality... loyal, practical, and flexible in his morals. Frank is deeply shaped by his time as a soldier, which gave him an orderly discipline but also required him to commit brutal acts of violence. In fact, when describing his work in the criminal underworld, Frank notes, “It was like the army. You followed orders. You did the right thing. You got rewarded.” Frank is more of a follower than a leader, although that doesn’t mean he cares much about legality or even morality. He’ll commit violence and murder without blinking an eye. But in a criminal world filled with big personalities, Frank has a more reserved, practical outlook on life. He doesn’t like to draw attention to himself or to ruffle any more feathers than he has to.