Who is Julie Farrait? The life story of Frank Lucas’ wife
When Julie Farrait met drug lord Frank Lucas in her 20s, her life changed forever. Although she stayed in the shadows, Farrait had several run-ins with the law for being his partner in crime. Friends often described the couple as the “Black Bonnie and Clyde”. This is the story of the wife of one of America’s most notorious drug kingpins.
Source: Getty Images
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Farrait’s association with Frank constantly attracts public interest in her life years after his death. While he spoke about his rise and fall in his autobiography, she prefers a private lifestyle. Therefore, scanty information exists about her current whereabouts. Is Julie Farrait still alive? Below is everything to know about the woman who played a crucial role in Lucas’ drug empire.
Julie Farrait’s profile summary
| Full name | Julianna Farrait |
| Gender | Female |
| Year of birth | 1941 |
| Age | 84 years old (2025) |
| Birthplace | San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Nationality | Puerto Rican |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 5’5” (165 cm) |
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Hair colour | Brown |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Marital status | Widowed |
| Late husband | Frank Lucas |
| Children | 3 (biological), 4 (step-children) |
| Profession | Former drug dealer |
Interesting facts about Julie Farrait
Julianna Farrait (84 as of 2025) was born in 1941 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Nonetheless, little is known about her family and educational background.
The late Frank described her in his autobiography, Original Gangster: The Real Life Story of One of America’s Most Notorious Drug Lords, saying:
When I met Julie, she was a simple country girl. I had to level her up so she could look the part of Frank Lucas’ wife.
Julie Farrait and Frank Lucas’ first meeting
Lucas and Julie crossed paths in the 1960s on a flight from Puerto Rico to New York. In a 2007 interview with Village Voice per All That’s Interesting, she narrated how it was love at first sight for them, stating:
I was attracted to Frank’s confidence and calmness. I still find him attractive.
Although the duo lost touch for months after, they met again in a club. This time, they started dating and exchanged nuptials in 1967.
Source: Original
How many children did Frank Lucas have with his wife?
The infamous drug dealer shared three children with his wife, Julie. They are Francine Lucas-Sinclair, Ray Lucas and Frank Lucas Jr. However, he had four other children (Tony Walters, Candace, Betty and Ruby Lucas) from previous relationships.
The affluent life of Julie Farrait
According to Frank Lucas’ obituary, he was making $1 million daily at the peak of his drug business. He reportedly had over $50 million in Cayman Island banks and had invested in the real estate business.
With plenty of money to burn, Frank often showered his wife with expensive gifts. However, this lavish lifestyle ultimately put them on the police radar.
In 1971, the couple attended a Muhammad-Ali match with him rocking a $125,000 coat and a $40,000. Although the cops already knew him, this solidified their suspicions that he was involved in illegal activities. In his autobiography, Frank wrote:
I left that game a marked man.
Julie Farrait and Frank Lucas’ downfall
On 28 January 1975, the DEA and NYPD raided the couple’s house in New Jersey, USA. As documented by New York Magazine, Julianna panicked and threw suitcases containing $584,000 out of the window while screaming:
Take it all!
For this action, the police considered her an accessory to crime. She was sentenced to six months, while Frank received a 70-year jail time.
He was released in 1982 after allegedly working with the authorities as an informant. A year later, Julie took her daughter Francine on what appeared to be a vacation to Las Vegas, but it was a drug errand at Frank’s request.
Source: Getty Images
While speaking to Glamour in September 2007, Francine narrated how her mother was sentenced to four and a half years and her father to seven years after she was caught.
A second run-in with the law
In May 2010, Julie was arrested again while trying to sell drugs. Two years later, she was sentenced to five years imprisonment. The judge disregarded her plea for a lenient sentence to care for her 81-year-old husband.
The end of an era
Frank died of natural causes on 30 May 2019 at the age of 88 in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, USA. Although various sources claim Julianna died before her husband, this is false. She was present at his burial at St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church.
FAQs
Julie Farrait is widely recognised as the wife of one of the most famous mobsters ever. Here are some frequently asked questions about the couple:
How old is Frank Lucas?
Julie Farrait’s husband (88 at death) was born on 9 September 1930 in La Grange, North Carolina, USA. His parents were Fred and Mahalee Lucas.
What happened to Frank Lucas’ wife?
Julie Farrait spent five years in prison for her involvement in Frank’s criminal activities. She was purportedly always attracted to danger.
Was Julianna Farrait a beauty queen?
Although several tabloids claim Julie was once a beauty queen, there are no details about her winning titles. Her participation in crime overshadows her legacy.
Who caught Frank Lucas?
Former detective Richie Roberts is popularly known for his role in the investigation, arrest and prosecution of the drug lord.
Source: Getty Images
What was Frank Lucas’ net worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Frank was worth $500,000 at the time of his death in 2019. He ranked among the richest criminals when his operations were at their height.
Julie Farrait and Frank Lucas’ story was portrayed in the 2007 film American Gangster. While the African-American drug dealer was happy to share his exploits during his last days, she maintains a low-key profile away from the spotlight.
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