Character at a glance
- Character: Dwight Manfredi
- Portrayed by: Sylvester Stallone
- Occupation: New York mafia capo turned Tulsa crime boss
- Crime family: Invernizzi crime family
- Signature look: Tailored suits, tinted sunglasses, premium cigars
- Created by: Taylor Sheridan
The Paramount+ crime drama Tulsa King, executive produced by Taylor Sheridan and starring Oscar®-nominated Sylvester Stallone, centers on the sharply dressed, always poised, and ready-to-go mobster Dwight “The General” Manfredi. He’s a man known for making an entrance, thanks to his wardrobe, habits, and swagger. His style is not just for show; it reveals who he is.
Stallone brings gravitas to this mafia capo, who served 25 years in prison for the sins of his crime family. What does he get for this sacrifice? Exiled from New York City to Tulsa, Oklahoma by the same mafia boss he went down for. It’s in this Midwest town that the gangster establishes a brand-new criminal empire. If you’re intrigued, know this: Every episode of Tulsa King is available to stream on Paramount+.
Fashion has always been a key component of TV gangsters. Bold style choices represent confidence and power, and that means a crime boss worth his salt never leaves the house without a crisp, tailored suit, signature hat, and some ostentatious jewelry. Dwight Manfredi is no exception. Keep reading to explore his style, story, and the real-world influences behind his character.
The old-school code that defines Dwight
Dwight Manfredi operates by an old-school Mafia code. Loyally, he served the East Coast-based Invernizzi crime family for years before taking the fall for one of their offences, then enduring a hefty jail sentence. Honor, respect, discipline, and reputation are traditions he upholds, even if they clash with what the modern world deems important.
Dwight’s values influence everything he does, from the way he conducts business to how he dresses and carries himself. He rarely breaks his own rules, and remains true and consistent to his character.
So when it comes to Dwight’s style, habits, and the manner in which he works, well, they’ve been shaped long before his move to Oklahoma. As Tulsa King begins and the crime boss switches up his location, his crew, and his operation, his trademark look and way of doing things stays very much the same. That signature style is already in his blood.
Breaking down Dwight’s signature look
Dwight has a specific look that captures your attention from the first glimpse of his character. Get a breakdown of his wardrobe and props created by costume designer Suzanne McCabe and prop master Nico Sahlten, respectively.
Tailored suits
One thing Dwight is definitely known for is rocking an impeccable and beautifully tailored suit. There is never a wrinkle in sight, and he usually wears a classic, perfectly-fitted cut. He is seen in dark navy, black, gray, and the occasional light colored suit, but rarely in patterns.
Like the old-school mobsters from New York, the flawlessly designed suit shows that Dwight is ready for business and demands respect. It exudes confidence, control, and power as soon as he walks in the door.
Sunglasses
Now it’s on to Dwight’s eyewear. The mobster likes black or brown-framed sunglasses, and he enjoys showing off a little bling on the side with a distinctive silver or gold design. Just like his suits, the glasses project that the man wearing them is a fellow not to be trifled with.
Cigars
The iconic poster art for Season 1 of Tulsa King features Dwight setting a plane ticket on fire with a cigar. He is known for smoking a stogie while doing business, but only premium cigars. It reinforces his deliberately patient personality, and shows that he shares a staple accessory rocked by classic mobsters from Al Capone to Anthony “Fat Tony” Salerno. He’s clearly in good – and menacing – company.
His drink of choice
From Dwight’s perspective, it doesn’t matter if he’s at a casino, a bar, or a quiet spot at home – the place to be is wherever the bourbon is. He also never turns down a good whisky, vodka, or glass of Chianti, if it’s available.
It is no secret that mobsters made a lot of money off of illegal booze during Prohibition. In fact, many historians say that the Prohibition era actually helped develop organized crime in America. Like his forefathers in crime, Dwight decides to get into the alcohol business, and pursues an investment in a bourbon company during Season 3.
The details
Now on to the finishing touches of Dwight’s mafioso look: the details. Expensive gold watches, pendants, signature pinky rings, slicked-back hair, polished derby shoes, alligator belts, the occasional fedora, and more – these final touches show how Dwight dresses to impress. He is always put together, not a hair out of place, with the overall presentation of dominance and wealth.
The real-life influences
Though Dwight Manfredi is a fictional character, and Tulsa King isn’t based on a true story, the style-conscious Mafia capo and his escapades draw inspiration from classic Mafia traditions, stage ‘fits, and the history of organized crime, according to an interview with McCabe.
Real-world Mafia culture influences TV and movie adaptations when it comes to a character’s specific look. When you see imagery of mobsters from the past, you can’t help but notice their clothes and affectations. They have perfectly tailored suits, gold accessories, and are oftentimes puffing away on big fat stogies. This is the look Dwight Manfredi brings to the show.
The Italian-American tailored suits, name-brand sunglasses, and expensive watches and jewelry make the character feel believable. These details give off that old-school Mafia vibe before a single character says a word. The look not only impresses, but demands respect and projects power.
His journey before Tulsa
Viewers learn that before the events that start Tulsa King, Dwight served 25 years in prison for murder – a murder he didn’t even commit. Dwight takes the fall to protect his crime boss and the boss’s son, Charles “Chickie” Invernissi. He keeps his mouth shut in prison, staying loyal to the family.
After his release, Dwight is exiled to Tulsa due to Chickie’s influence, who is preparing to take over for his father. Chickie does not share the old-school mentality of his patriarch and underbosses, and sees Dwight as a threat rather than a loyal mafioso. Therefore, Dwight must find a new crime family … in the last place he figured he’d find one.
Watch Dwight on Paramount+
If you haven’t already, check out Dwight Manfredi’s style and swagger for yourself in the crime drama Tulsa King on Paramount+. Stream every episode from Seasons 1-3, and get ready for Season 4 – coming soon!
Keep an eye out too for the new Tulsa King spinoff, Frisco King, which also stars Samuel L. Jackson.
Tulsa King
Watch NowFAQ
What kind of cigars does Dwight smoke?
Dwight only smokes premium cigars, usually the handmade and hand rolled kind from the Dominican Republic. They’re a favorite of both Dwight and the actor who plays him, Sylvester Stallone.
What does Dwight drink?
Dwight likes a good bourbon, vodka, or whiskey, preferably Italian. He definitely enjoys a glass of Chianti, if it’s available.
Why did Dwight go to prison?
Dwight goes to prison for murdering a friend, which we ultimately learn is him taking the fall to cover for the transgressions of his boss and the boss’s son, Chickie.
Who plays Dwight Manfredi?
Dwight Manfredi is played by the Oscar®-nominated actor Sylvester Stallone, who brings swagger and style that draw viewers to Dwight and his story. The successful actor has made the movie characters Rocky Balboa and John Rambo into household names, but Stallone makes the move to television for a role he’s been dying to play: an Italian mob boss.
