Little Known Black History Fact: Real-Life Atlantic City Gangsters
HBO’s Boardwalk Empire has been a smash hit for the network, praised for its dramatic portrayal of Atlantic City in the Prohibition Era. In the program, Black characters play a prominent role in the intricate plot and are based on actual historical figures.
Actor Michael K. Williams, known for his role on The Wire plays savvy gangster Albert “Chalky” White on the program. Jeffrey Wright, who plays the distinguished yet mysterious Dr. Valetin Narcisse, joins him.
The real Chalky White was a Mexican-born boxer who served as a bodyguard to actress Mae West. West backed White’s career as a boxer, and he became a flyweight champion in the ’40s.
There have been rumors that White and West were lovers, a claim echoed by West’s ex-husband in a divorce filing. On the show, White is the de factor “mayor” of Atlantic City for the Black community and handles certain tasks for the notorious Nucky Thompson.
