Bulger

Bulger is a surname of Irish origin. It is most commonly associated with the infamous American criminal James "Whitey" Bulger, but it has also been borne by other notable individuals. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Ó Bolguidhir," which means "descendant of Bolguidhir."

Notable People with the Surname Bulger

• James "Whitey" Bulger (1929–2018) - An American organized crime boss and FBI informant who led the Winter Hill Gang in the Boston area.
• William M. Bulger (born 1934) - An American politician, lawyer, and educator who served as President of the Massachusetts Senate and later as President of the University of Massachusetts.
• Michael Bulger - A lesser-known figure, often confused with other members of the Bulger family.

James "Whitey" Bulger

James "Whitey" Bulger was one of the most notorious criminals in American history. He was involved in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and murder. His life and criminal career have been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films, including the 2015 movie Black Mass, where he was portrayed by Johnny Depp.

Early Life

James Bulger was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, and grew up in the South Boston neighborhood. He was the second of six children born to Irish-American parents.

Criminal Career

Bulger's criminal career began in his teenage years. He was first arrested in 1943 for larceny. Over the years, he became a prominent figure in the Boston underworld, eventually leading the Winter Hill Gang. His criminal activities included drug trafficking, extortion, and numerous murders.

Capture and Death

After being on the run for 16 years, Bulger was captured in Santa Monica, California, in 2011. He was convicted of multiple crimes and sentenced to two life terms plus five years. Bulger was murdered in prison in 2018.

William M. Bulger

William M. Bulger is the younger brother of James "Whitey" Bulger. He had a distinguished career in politics and academia. He served as President of the Massachusetts Senate for 18 years and later became President of the University of Massachusetts.

Political Career

William Bulger was first elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1960. He later served in the Massachusetts Senate, where he became known for his sharp wit and legislative skills.

Academic Career

After retiring from politics, Bulger served as President of the University of Massachusetts from 1996 to 2003. His tenure was marked by significant growth and development for the university.

Related Pages

• Winter Hill Gang
• Black Mass (film)
• South Boston
• Massachusetts Senate
• University of Massachusetts