Scamfluencers

Prince Michael Romanoff: The High Prince of Hollywood | 164

7 snips
Jun 23, 2025
Delve into the fascinating life of Hershel Geguzin, who reinvented himself as Prince Michael Romanoff, the charming conman of Hollywood. Explore his journey from humble orphan to hosting legends like Bogart and Sinatra. As Michael navigates a web of lies and lavish parties, discover the tension between maintaining his facade and confronting his tumultuous past. The rise and fall of his restaurant, Romanoff's, reveals the intersection of celebrity culture and deceit in a dazzling yet precarious world.
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ANECDOTE

The Prince Michael Romanoff Scam

  • Herschel Geguzin reinvented himself as Prince Michael Romanoff, claiming royal Russian heritage.
  • Despite being known a fraud, his charm let him socialize with Hollywood's elite for decades.
ANECDOTE

Master of Ellis Island Escapes

  • Michael repeatedly escaped immigration detention at Ellis Island using charm and fabricated stories.
  • He staged a press conference to claim persecution and royal roots, gaining public sympathy and media attention.
INSIGHT

Charm Outweighs Truth

  • Michael's scams were often exposed but he used each revelation to build his mystique.
  • His charisma made people prefer entertaining lies over uncomfortable truths about him.
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