Could you imagine living multiple lives before you even turned 21? Frank Abagnale Jr. didn't just imagine it; he lived it, becoming one of the most audacious con men in history. His story, immortalized in the book and subsequent film "Catch Me If You Can," continues to fascinate and serves as a stark reminder of the power of deception and the potential for redemption.
Born on April 27, 1948, in Bronxville, New York, Frank William Abagnale Jr. was the third of four children born to Paulette and Frank Abagnale Sr. His upbringing, initially comfortable, took a turn when his parents separated when he was 12 and divorced three years later. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Abagnale's descent into a world of cons and impersonations, a journey fueled by a desire to regain what he had lost and, perhaps, to prove something to himself.
| Frank Abagnale Jr. Biographical and Professional Information | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Frank William Abagnale Jr. |
| Date of Birth | April 27, 1948 |
| Place of Birth | Bronxville, New York, USA |
| Parents | Frank Abagnale Sr. and Paulette |
| Early Life | Grew up in Bronxville, NY. Parents separated when he was 12 and divorced when he was 15. |
| Infamous Period | Ages 15-21: Committed various frauds, including check fraud and impersonations. |
| Impersonations | Pan American World Airways Pilot, Doctor, Lawyer |
| Arrests & Imprisonment | Arrested in multiple countries; served time in French, Swedish, and U.S. prisons. |
| Expertise | Fraud Prevention, Secure Document Development |
| Current Occupation | Consultant and Speaker on Fraud Prevention |
| Notable Works | "Catch Me If You Can" (Memoir, 1980) |
| Inspiration for | The film "Catch Me If You Can" (2002), starring Leonardo DiCaprio |
| Website | Abagnale.com |
