George "Machine Gun" Kelly Profession: Gangster Nationality: American Why Famous: Bootlegger, bank robber and kidnapper who made headlines in the 1930's for the kidnapping of oil tycoon Charles F. Urschel, collecting $200,000 in ransom. Born: July 18, 1895 Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA Generation: Lost Generation Star Sign: Cancer Died: July 18, 1954 (aged 58) Cause of Death: Heart attack Articles and Photos Closure of Alcatraz The last prisoners walk down Broadway as Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary closesMarch 21, 1963 Historical Events 1933-10-12 Gangster George Francis Barnes, aka Machine Gun Kelly, is sentenced to life imprisonment Famous Gangsters Al Capone Bugsy Siegel Carlo Gambino Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán Roy DeMeo Sam Giancana