Joseph D. Pistone, the real-life FBI agent who went undercover as Donnie Brasco, was born in 1939.
Joseph D. Pistone starts his undercover operation infiltrating the Bonanno crime family under the alias Donnie Brasco.
Joseph D. Pistone's undercover operation ends after six years infiltrating the mafia.
Joseph D. Pistone publishes his memoir detailing his undercover work and experiences with the mafia.
FBI agent Joe Pistone assumes the undercover identity of Donnie Brasco to infiltrate the mafia.
Donnie meets aging mobster Lefty Ruggiero, who becomes his mentor and close associate.
Donnie gradually earns the trust of the mafia family by participating in various criminal activities.
Lefty introduces Donnie to powerful mob bosses, elevating Donnie's status in the family.
Donnie is involved in loansharking, hit contracts, and other mafia business to maintain his cover.
Joe Pistone struggles to balance his undercover identity and his family life.
Donnie helps the FBI build a strong case against mafia members by collecting incriminating evidence.
Lefty starts to suspect Donnie's true identity, creating tension between them.
Joe Pistone's undercover operation is terminated for his safety, and he is extracted from the mafia.
Donnie's betrayal causes fallout, leaving Lefty and others vulnerable to mafia repercussions.
