Season 2, Episode 2 of 1923 introduced viewers to Sal Maceo, a Texas-based mob boss who could play a key role in Spencer Dutton’s journey back to Montana. But was Sal Maceo a real person? And if so, would the real-life version have helped Spencer Dutton?
The answer is yes—Salvatore Maceo was a very real figure in Texas history. He and his brother ran a major criminal operation in Galveston, making them some of the most powerful and influential crime bosses of the early 20th century.
Who Was Sal Maceo?
Salvatore Maceo, along with his brother Rosario Maceo, led the Maceo Syndicate, a criminal empire that thrived in Galveston, Texas, during the 1920s and beyond. The brothers, originally from Sicily, controlled much of the city’s underground economy, which included:
- Gambling
- Bootlegging (illegal alcohol distribution during Prohibition)
- Prostitution
- Nightlife and entertainment
At the time, Galveston was a major tourist destination, and the Maceos capitalized on this, creating a profitable underworld business that dominated the region until the 1940s.
Sal Maceo in 1923
In 1923, Sal Maceo is portrayed by Gilles Marini, a veteran TV actor best known for finishing second in Dancing With the Stars Season 8. His character is introduced as a powerful figure who might aid Spencer Dutton—but whether he truly helps or has his own agenda remains to be seen.
In the show, Spencer is sent to the Hollywood Dinner Club, a real-life nightclub opened by the Maceo brothers, which served as a high-end entertainment venue for wealthy visitors and celebrities.
How Did the Maceo Brothers Rise to Power?
Like the fictional Luca in 1923, the Maceo brothers came from Sicily. However, they arrived in America much earlier—around the early 1900s, well before their cousin Luca. Their criminal empire grew quickly, allowing them to control much of Galveston’s nightlife and even local government.
Some of their most famous ventures included:
- Hollywood Dinner Club – The nightclub featured high-end entertainment and gambling. It was a major hotspot for the wealthy.
- Maceo’s Grotto – Later renamed The Balinese Room, this speakeasy became one of the most famous gambling clubs in Texas until it was destroyed by Hurricane Ike in 2008.
Even though the Maceo brothers were involved in illegal activities, they were also well-respected members of the community. Their influence stretched beyond Texas—Salvatore Maceo even helped develop the Desert Inn in Las Vegas, a major milestone in the rise of casino culture.
What Happened to the Maceo Syndicate?
By the late 1930s and early 1940s, law enforcement began cracking down on organized crime, and the Maceos’ control over Galveston started to weaken. Eventually, Salvatore Maceo left Texas and became involved in Las Vegas’ growing casino scene.
He passed away from cancer in 1951 at the age of 57, marking the end of an era for the Maceo Syndicate.
Real-Life Figures in 1923
Taylor Sheridan, the creator of the Yellowstone universe, has a habit of incorporating historical characters into his storylines. Sal Maceo is just one example.
Here are some other real-life figures featured in 1923 and other Yellowstone prequels:
1. Marshall Jim Courtright (1883)
- Played by Billy Bob Thornton, this real-life lawman was active in Texas until his death in 1887.
- Known for both enforcing the law and being involved in shady dealings.
2. Charles Goodnight (1923)
- Played by Taylor Sheridan himself, Goodnight was a legendary rancher and cattleman.
- He could return in 1923, as his influence shaped the American West.
3. U.S. Marshal Mamie Fossett (1923)
- Played by Jennifer Carpenter, this character is based on a real U.S. Marshal from Oklahoma.
- Though little is known about her, she existed in real life.
4. Bass Reeves (Lawmen: Bass Reeves)
- This legendary lawman was one of the first Black U.S. Marshals in American history.
- The Yellowstone universe has dedicated an entire show to his story.