Hyman Roth

A partner for four decades who learned too late that business is personal.

Hyman Roth (born Hyman Suchowsky) is the primary antagonist of the 1974 film The Godfather Part II and a minor character in the 2004 novel The Godfather Returns. A Jewish mobster and investor, he serves as a long-time business partner to Vito Corleone and later his son, Michael Corleone. Based on real-life gambling kingpin Meyer Lansky, Roth was suggested for the role by actor Al Pacino, who recommended his former acting teacher Lee Strasberg. Roth's history begins in 1917 Little Italy, where he worked as a car mechanic before being introduced to Vito Corleone by a character named 'Johnny' in a deleted scene. In that scene, Vito suggests he change his name to 'Hyman Roth'.

Quick Facts

First

The Godfather Part II

Last

The Godfather II (video game)

Nickname

"Johnny Lips"

Occupation

Mob boss
casino-owner
financier
rum runner (formerly)

Spouse

Marcia Roth (1950)

Relatives

Sam Roth (brother)

Portrayed by

Lee Strasberg

Creator

Mario Puzo

Lore & Background

Roth's background is detailed in a deleted scene set in 1917 Little Italy, New York. Working as a car mechanic, he was noticed by a character named 'Johnny' and introduced to Vito Corleone. When asked whom he admired, Suchowsky cited Arnold Rothstein for fixing the 1919 World Series, prompting Vito to suggest he change his name from Hyman Suchowsky to Hyman Roth. Frank Pentangeli later revealed to Michael Corleone that while Vito grew to like and respect Roth over four decades of business, Michael explicitly tells Pentangeli that his father 'never trusted' Roth, contradicting any notion that Vito's feelings toward Roth were ambiguous.

Reader's Guide

Hyman Roth functions as an independent mobster and investor whose power stems from financial acumen rather than traditional family hierarchy. His relationship with the Corleones spans four decades, evolving from a Prohibition-era alliance to a fatal rivalry in The Godfather Part II. Roth's strategy relies on exploiting internal family weaknesses, specifically by recruiting Fredo Corleone via Johnny Ola to gather intelligence for an assassination attempt. His downfall is precipitated by the failure of the Batista regime in Cuba on New Year's Eve 1958 and his inability to secure asylum in Israel. He is ultimately killed at the Miami airport by Rocco Lampone, who poses as a reporter to execute Michael's order.

Did You Know?

Roth's famous quote "We're bigger than U.S. Steel" was based on a real statement made by Meyer Lansky.
The Israeli High Court rejected Roth's request to live in Israel under the Law of Return due to his criminal ties.