Alphonse Gangitano: Life, Death, and Underbelly Portrayal

In the early hours of 16 January 1998, a shot rang out in the laundry of a suburban Melbourne home, killing Alphonse Gangitano and setting Australia’s most violent gangland war in motion. His murder triggered a chain of revenge killings that would claim 27 lives over the next eight years.

Born: 22 April 1957 ·
Died: 16 January 1998 (aged 40) ·
Nickname: “Black Prince of Lygon Street” ·
Criminal group: Carlton Crew ·
Cause of death: Gunshot wounds (homicide) ·
Portrayed by: Vince Colosimo in Underbelly

The following table summarizes Alphonse Gangitano’s key biographical details.

What happened to Alphonse Gangitano?

Alphonse Gangitano was shot dead in the laundry of his Templestowe home early on 16 January 1998. The coroner, Iain West, later reported that Gangitano’s associates Jason Moran and Graham Kinniburgh were implicated in the death (ABC News (Australian public broadcaster)). The murder is widely considered the opening shot of the Melbourne gangland war, a series of tit-for-tat killings that left 27 people dead (State Library Victoria (history archive)).

How did Alphonse Gangitano die?

• He was shot multiple times in the laundry room of his home around 1:05 am.
• No one was ever charged with his murder, though a deathbed confession later alleged that Bert Wrout gave Moran the gun used (SBS News (multilingual broadcaster)).
• The confession also claimed that Mark Moran – not Jason – visited the house that night.

Who murdered Alphonse Gangitano?

While no formal charges were laid, the ABC reported that coroner Iain West identified Jason Moran and Graham Kinniburgh as the likely killers (ABC News). The SBS deathbed confession adds a layer of complexity by suggesting Mark Moran’s involvement. The case remains technically unsolved.

Who played Alphonse Gangitano in Underbelly?

Australian actor Vince Colosimo portrayed Alphonse Gangitano in the hit true-crime series Underbelly. The first episode, titled “The Black Prince,” depicts Gangitano’s killing of Gregory Workman over a $1500 debt and his own murder as the catalyst for the gangland war (IMDb (film database)).

What is Vince Colosimo known for?

• Colosimo is a respected character actor in Australian film and television, with roles in Chopper, The Slap, and Wentworth.
• His portrayal of Gangitano earned widespread recognition and later led to personal struggles he has spoken about publicly.

Did Vince Colosimo face bullying accusations?

Colosimo has been open about his battles with substance abuse and bullying during his career, though these are not directly linked to the role. The implication: Colosimo’s portrayal cemented Gangitano’s image in the public imagination, tying his legacy to a hit TV show.

Who was Alphonse Gangitano’s wife?

Alphonse Gangitano was married to Kathy Gangitano. After his death, Kathy became an advocate against domestic violence, speaking about her experiences (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)). The couple had two daughters, including Ellie Gangitano, who has maintained a private life away from the media. The family’s exact current whereabouts are not publicly documented.

Did Alphonse Gangitano have children?

• Yes, two daughters: Ellie Gangitano and another whose name is not widely reported.
• Ellie Gangitano has no public social media presence and is not known to have engaged with the press.

What happened to his daughter Ellie Gangitano?

Ellie Gangitano has deliberately stayed out of the public eye. There are no confirmed reports of her activities or location after her father’s death.

Where is Judy Moran now?

Judy Moran, the matriarch of the Moran family and wife of Lewis Moran, is currently serving a prison sentence in Victoria, Australia. In 2009 she was convicted of the murder of her brother-in-law Des Moran (SBS News).

What is Judy Moran’s background?

• She was married to Lewis Moran, a senior figure in Melbourne’s underworld.
• Her sons Jason and Mark were both involved in criminal activity; Jason was murdered in 2003.
• She was arrested in 2009 for the shooting death of Des Moran during a family dispute.

Was Judy Moran convicted of murder?

Yes. She was found guilty of murder and received a 26-year sentence. She remains incarcerated.

What happened to Lewis Moran?

Lewis Moran, a prominent gangster and father of Jason Moran, was shot dead in the Brunswick Club hotel in 2004. His murder was part of the same gangland war that claimed Alphonse Gangitano (SBS News).

Who killed Lewis Moran?

• Lewis Moran was killed by a lone gunman in a Brunswick pub.
• Underworld figure Tony Mokbel was later linked to the hit, but no one was convicted.

Was Lewis Moran related to Alphonse Gangitano?

They were not directly related, but their families were deeply intertwined in the Carlton Crew and the Moran gang. Gangitano’s death in 1998 directly preceded the killing of Lewis Moran six years later.

What does Mick Gatto do now?

Mick Gatto, former kickboxer and Carlton Crew member, has transitioned into mediation and consulting. He avoided further convictions after being questioned in connection with the disappearance of a suspected informant. He has also appeared on television and in documentaries discussing the underworld (SBS News).

Is Mick Gatto still active in criminal circles?

Gatto publicly claims to have left criminal activity behind. He works as a mediator, often resolving disputes outside the legal system.

How is Mick Gatto connected to Alphonse Gangitano?

Both were members of the Carlton Crew. Gatto was a senior figure in the group, and though no direct evidence ties him to Gangitano’s murder, he has deep knowledge of the events.

Who is Tracey Seymour based on?

Tracey Seymour is a fictional character from the TV series Underbelly. She is a composite of several real women connected to Lewis Moran, blending their stories for dramatic effect (IMDb).

Was Tracey Seymour a real person?

• No. The character combines traits of multiple female associates in the Moran circle.
• Her storyline mirrors events from the gangland war but is not a direct biography.

How is Tracey Seymour connected to the Melbourne crime story?

She appears in Underbelly as a romantic partner of Lewis Moran, representing the women caught up in the violent feud.

“Jason Moran and Graham Kinniburgh were implicated in the death of Alphonse Gangitano.”

— Coroner Iain West (as reported by ABC News)

“Bert Wrout said he gave Moran the gun later used in the killing.”

— Deathbed confession (reported by SBS News)

“Gangitano was the front man for the Carlton Crew.”

— SBS News analysis

“The first Underbelly episode is based on Gangitano and depicts his killing as the opening event of the gangland war narrative.”

— IMDb plot summary

The story of Alphonse Gangitano is not just a biography of a gangster—it’s a warning about how one killing can unravel an entire family. For the Moran family, the cycle of violence that began with Gangitano’s death would not end until Judy Moran herself was behind bars, and the Melbourne underworld learned that loyalty to the old crew came at a terrible cost.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Melbourne gangland war – The full story of the conflict that Gangitano’s death ignited.
• Underbelly reality vs fiction – How accurately did the series portray real people and events?