You’ve seen the movie. You remember the scene where Jonah Hill, sporting those blindingly white prosthetic teeth, swallows a live goldfish to assert dominance over a trembling stockbroker. It’s iconic. But the guy you know as donnie wolf of wall st isn't actually named Donnie.
His name is Danny Porush.
And honestly, the real story is arguably weirder, darker, and way more litigious than the Hollywood version Martin Scorsese gave us. While Jordan Belfort turned his crimes into a motivational speaking career and a TikTok presence, the real Donnie has spent the last few decades trying to stay out of the spotlight—and failing spectacularly.
The Truth Behind the Teeth: Who Was the Real Donnie?
In the film, Donnie Azoff is portrayed as a drug-addled, cousin-marrying chaos agent who meets Belfort by chance at a diner. In reality, Danny Porush met Jordan through his first wife, Nancy. They weren't just two guys who liked Quaaludes; they were the architects of a massive "pump and dump" scheme at Stratton Oakmont that bilked investors out of roughly $200 million.
People often ask if the movie exaggerated the debauchery.
According to Porush, some parts were "total fiction." He’s been very vocal about the fact that he never threw a person with dwarfism in the office. He also denies the presence of a chimpanzee. But the goldfish? Yeah, that actually happened. He did it because a broker was "slacking off" and spending too much time cleaning a fish tank instead of cold-calling.
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Why the Name Change?
You might wonder why Jordan Belfort is himself in the movie, but Danny Porush became Donnie Azoff.
It wasn't a creative choice.
Porush actually threatened to sue Paramount Pictures if they used his real name or likeness. He didn't want his post-prison life—which he was trying to rebuild in Florida—associated with the cinematic version of his crimes. The name Donnie Azoff was the legal compromise. It allowed the filmmakers to keep the essence of the character without inviting a massive defamation lawsuit.
Life After the Feds: The Wolf of Boca Raton
When the party ended in the late 90s, it ended hard. Porush was convicted of securities fraud and money laundering. He spent about 39 months in federal prison and was ordered to pay back $200 million in restitution.
But if you think he went broke and lived a quiet life, you’re mistaken.
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After getting out in 2004, Porush moved to Florida and got involved in the medical supply business. He helped run a company called Med-Care Diabetic & Medical Supplies. By 2014, federal authorities were knocking on his door again. A whistleblower lawsuit alleged that the company was using the same high-pressure sales tactics used at Stratton Oakmont to sell unneeded medical equipment to the elderly.
Locals started calling him "The Wolf of Boca Raton."
While he was never convicted in that specific Medicare fraud case—it was eventually dismissed—it showed that the leopard hadn't really changed his spots. He was still living in a $7.5 million condo and driving a Rolls-Royce while still owing millions to the victims of his original Wall Street scams.
Fact vs. Fiction: A Quick Reality Check
- The Cousin Marriage: This part is 100% true. Porush married his first cousin, Nancy, in 1986. They had three children before a messy divorce in 2000.
- The Quaaludes: Accurate. The drug use at Stratton Oakmont was as pervasive as depicted, though Porush claims the "Lemmon 714" scene was dramatized for effect.
- The Arrest: In the movie, Donnie stays loyal for a bit then gets caught. In real life, both Belfort and Porush flipped and cooperated with the FBI to reduce their sentences.
Where is He in 2026?
As of early 2026, Danny Porush is 68 years old. Unlike Belfort, who embraces the "Wolf" moniker for branding, Porush remains a polarizing figure in South Florida. He’s been involved in various ventures ranging from real estate to technology investments.
However, his legal troubles haven't entirely disappeared.
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He was arrested for a DUI in Boca Raton in 2021, where police reports alleged his blood alcohol content was triple the legal limit. It’s a stark reminder that the "live fast" mentality of the 90s doesn't always age well. He still owes a massive chunk of that $200 million restitution, though he’s claimed in various court filings over the years that he has few assets in his own name.
Most of his wealth is reportedly tied to his second wife, Lisa.
What You Can Learn From the Donnie Story
The story of the donnie wolf of wall st persona serves as a gritty case study in corporate ethics—or the total lack thereof. It’s easy to get swept up in the glamour of the movie, but the real-life consequences were devastating for the thousands of small-time investors who lost their life savings.
If you’re looking to protect yourself in today’s market, here’s the reality:
- Pressure is a Red Flag: If a broker uses the "high-pressure" tactics shown in the film, hang up. Legitimate investments don't require you to decide in thirty seconds.
- Verify the Broker: Always use the FINRA BrokerCheck tool. You can see the entire disciplinary history of any firm or individual before you hand over a dime.
- Understand the "Pump": Penny stocks are still a playground for modern-day versions of Porush. If a stock is being hyped on social media or through unsolicited "tips," it’s likely a trap.
The real "Donnie" didn't ride off into a sunset of redemption. He simply moved the hustle to a different industry and a different state.
Next Steps for You:
Research the history of "boiler room" scams to recognize the psychological triggers recruiters and sales teams use. You should also check the current SEC "PAUSE" list, which identifies firms that provide misleading information to investors. Understanding the mechanics of the Stratton Oakmont fraud is the best way to ensure you don't become a target for the next generation of wolves.