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Frank Ward (May 20, 1940- 1972) was a notorious drug dealer and pimp in Oakland, CA during the 1960's and early 1970's. He is best remembered for his cameo appearance in the 1973 film "The Mack".

In the 70’s, the notorious Ward Brothers ruled a criminal empire in Oakland, CA. They mainly dealt in drugs and prostitution. These 'pretty boy' Creole brothers had relocated from New Orleans several years earlier.

Frank Ward could be seen all over Oakland rolling in a gold-plated Caddy with customized rims. He was usually attired in one of his full-length fur coats and matching fur hat. He sported two multi-carat rings (worth thousands) on each of his pinky fingers. Ward had a closet specifically built to house his vast wardrobe, the closet housed numerous silk shirts, shark skin suits, Italian suits, Superfly attire, hundreds of hats, crocodile and alligator loafers and numerous furs.

He created a buzz when he showed up with his stable of beauties at the Ali-Frazier fight at Madison Square Garden in 1971. Other Playas (from across the country) greeted Ward with respect and admiration; he was treated like royalty.

Ward received a similar reception at the “Wattstax” music festival as well as Las Vegas where he liked to get away and play baccarat and blackjack at the tables. He was also a big tipper, he tipped with hundred dollar bills before it became fashionable.

Frank Ward also helped create and organize the first “Players Ball.” Ward also gave annual invitation only picnics; which were hugely popular. This was the only day his hookers got off.

Pimps and hookers participated in softball games and touch football. Ward hired cooks to prepare ribs, links, chicken, hamburger, steaks, potato salad and baked beans. He spent hundreds of dollars just on food.

Ward was considered the “Iceberg Slim” of the West Coast. He even taught his women how to boost merchandise out of high-end department stores.

Frank Ward also owned several apartment buildings throughout the bay area where he housed his women.

Frank Ward became the black godfather of Oakland’s underworld. In 1973, the brothers partially financed the film “The Mack,” starring Max Julien. The concept of the film was based on Frank Ward.

The Ward Brothers were also featured in “The Mack” and Frank Ward began dating the film’s star, Carol Speed. Lead character, Max Julien drove Frank Ward's customized Caddy in "The Mack."

Shortly after production, one of Ward’s women was in Los Angeles, she heard that a contract had been taken out on his life, she rushed back to Oakland to warn him, it was too late, they were both ambushed and killed in Berkeley, CA. Shortly afterwards, Ward's brother hurriedly left town, he was never seen again, it was assumed that he went back to New Orleans.

The producer of “The Mack,” Michael Campus dedicated the film to Frank Ward. Since then, no Oakland baller has ever been able to surpass the Ward Brothers in reputation and popularity until the emergence of Felix Mitchell.