The Real Goodfellas: The Mafia Figures Behind the Film.
Martin Scorsese's 1990 masterpiece Goodfellas is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. Based on the book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi, Goodfellas explores the rise and fall of Henry Hill, a real-life mobster, as he navigates the treacherous world of organized crime in New York City. The film follows Henry’s involvement with the Lucchese crime family and portrays his relationships with several notorious mob figures, including James "Jimmy the Gent" Conway, Tommy DeVito, and Paulie Cicero.
While Goodfellas is a work of fiction, it is grounded in the true stories of actual individuals who lived and died in the world of crime. Many of the characters in the film are based on real mobsters, some of whom still remain infamous to this day. The story of Henry Hill and his fellow criminals offers a glimpse into the lives of people who lived outside the law, sometimes violently, and the impact that their actions had on the people around them.
In this article, we’ll explore the real-life figures behind the iconic characters in Goodfellas, diving deep into the men who inspired the film, their criminal activities, their rise to power, and their ultimate downfalls.
1. Henry Hill: The Narrator and Informant
Real Person: Henry Hill
Portrayed by: Ray Liotta
At the heart of Goodfellas is Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta. Henry is the narrator of the film, guiding the audience through his rise in the mafia and his eventual betrayal of his former associates. In real life, Henry Hill was a member of the Lucchese crime family, one of New York’s most powerful and dangerous mafia families. Born in 1943, Henry was raised in Brooklyn and became involved in the world of organized crime at a young age. He was particularly drawn to the mafia lifestyle, which he found glamorous and filled with excitement.
Henry's involvement in the mafia began when he was just a teenager. He started working for Paulie Cicero (the boss of the Lucchese family) and quickly became involved in various criminal activities, such as loan sharking, extortion, and smuggling. His criminal career took a major leap when he became part of the infamous Lufthansa heist in 1978, a robbery that stole millions of dollars from the Lufthansa cargo terminal at JFK Airport.
However, in the early 1980s, Henry's world began to unravel. After being arrested for drug trafficking, Henry decided to turn informant for the FBI, helping law enforcement take down his former colleagues in exchange for witness protection. This decision would forever alter the course of his life.
Famous Events:
- Lufthansa Heist (1978): A $5 million robbery at JFK Airport, which was orchestrated by Jimmy Burke (Jimmy the Gent) and involved several members of the Lucchese crime family. The heist remains one of the largest in U.S. history.
- Witness Protection: After cooperating with the authorities, Henry entered the Witness Protection Program and changed his name. He later wrote his memoir, Wiseguy, which became the basis for Goodfellas.
2. James “Jimmy the Gent” Conway: The Mastermind
Real Person: James Burke
Portrayed by: Robert De Niro
James Burke, portrayed by Robert De Niro in Goodfellas, was one of the most feared and respected figures in the Lucchese crime family. Burke, nicknamed "Jimmy the Gent", was a master of organizing high-profile heists, and he was deeply involved in the Lufthansa heist, which became the pinnacle of his criminal career. Burke was a hitman, robber, and extortionist. Known for his cunning and ruthlessness, he played a key role in the family's operations, although he was never publicly known as the boss of the crime family.
Burke’s reputation for violence and his ability to manage successful heists made him a feared figure in the world of organized crime. While he was never convicted of murder, he was linked to several killings, including the infamous murder of Billy Batts, which is depicted in Goodfellas.
Famous Events:
- Lufthansa Heist (1978): Burke organized the robbery at JFK Airport, which was a major event in the film. Though the heist was successful, many of the criminals involved were later murdered to prevent them from talking.
- Billy Batts Murder: Burke ordered the murder of Billy Batts, a made man in the Gambino crime family, after Batts insulted Tommy DeSimone. The murder was carried out in a brutal and calculated manner.
3. Tommy DeVito: The Volatile Hitman
Real Person: Thomas DeSimone
Portrayed by: Joe Pesci
Tommy DeSimone, portrayed by Joe Pesci, is one of the most memorable characters in Goodfellas. DeSimone was a hitman known for his unpredictable and violent temper. His character in the film, especially his infamous outburst in the “Funny how?” scene, is one of the most iconic moments in film history. DeSimone was deeply involved in the Lucchese crime family and was responsible for several violent acts, including the murder of Billy Batts.
DeSimone’s brutal nature made him a feared figure in the mafia world. However, his reckless behaviour and inability to control his temper ultimately led to his demise. In real life, Tommy DeSimone was murdered in 1979 by his own associates, most likely due to his violent tendencies and disrespect for mafia leadership.
Famous Events:
- Murder of Billy Batts: DeSimone’s murder of Billy Batts (as depicted in the film) marked a turning point in his life. Batts was killed in retaliation for an insult, and the murder played a major role in Tommy’s ultimate downfall.
- DeSimone’s Murder: After a string of violent incidents and his disrespect for mafia rules, DeSimone was killed by his own associates, who feared his unstable nature.
4. Paul “Paulie” Cicero: The Calm and Calculated Boss
Real Person: Paul Vario
Portrayed by: Paul Sorvino
Paul Vario, known as Paulie Cicero in Goodfellas, was the boss of the Lucchese crime family and one of the central figures in Henry Hill’s life. Unlike the more flamboyant figures in the mafia, Paulie was known for his calm demeanor and strategic mind. He was the one who mentored Henry Hill, and throughout the film, he is portrayed as a father-like figure.
Paulie was heavily involved in organized crime, running a number of illegal operations in New York City, including loan sharking, extortion, and illegitimate gambling. He also played a pivotal role in the Lufthansa heist. Despite his criminal activities, Paulie maintained a relatively low profile and was never directly linked to any murders, though it was widely believed that he ordered several.
Famous Events:
- Paulie’s Role in the Mafia: As the boss of the Lucchese family, Paulie was known for his strict code of silence and his ability to maintain control over his operations.
- Racketeering and Convictions: Paulie was involved in several illegal activities and was eventually convicted of racketeering, but he died of natural causes in 1988 before facing any major consequences for his crimes.
5. Karen Hill: The Loyal Wife
Real Person: Karen Hill (née Friedman)
Portrayed by: Lorraine Bracco
Karen Hill, portrayed by Lorraine Bracco, is Henry’s long-suffering wife in Goodfellas. Karen is initially drawn into the world of the mafia by Henry’s charm and the lavish lifestyle he offers her. However, as the years go by, she becomes increasingly aware of the dangers and violence associated with Henry’s criminal activities.
While Karen does not engage in the criminal world herself, she becomes deeply involved in the family’s dangerous lifestyle, dealing with the constant fear of Henry’s potential imprisonment or death. Her character is also instrumental in the telling of the story, as she is portrayed as a sympathetic figure caught between her loyalty to her husband and her growing disillusionment with the mafia world.
Famous Events:
- Witness Protection: After Henry’s decision to cooperate with the FBI, Karen, along with their children, entered the Witness Protection Program to escape the dangers of mafia retribution.
- Karen’s Loyalty: Karen’s loyalty to Henry throughout the film, despite his infidelities and involvement in the criminal underworld, highlights the emotional complexity of the story.
6. Billy Batts: The Infamous Gambino Mobster
Real Person: William "Billy Batts" DeVino
Portrayed by: Frank Vincent
Billy Batts, portrayed by Frank Vincent, was a made man in the Gambino crime family. His role in Goodfellas is most notable for his murder at the hands of Tommy DeSimone. In the film, Batts is depicted as an arrogant mobster who insults Tommy, leading to his brutal death.
In real life, William DeVino was a veteran of the Gambino family who made the fatal mistake of mocking Tommy’s status within the mafia. His murder served as a warning about the dangers of disrespecting those in power in the mafia world.
Famous Events:
- Batts’ Murder: Batts’ death marked a key moment in the film, as it highlights Tommy’s volatile nature and the extreme violence that defined the mafia’s code of conduct.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The lives of these real-life figures, immortalized in Goodfellas, offer a glimpse into the dangerous world of organized crime. Many of the individuals depicted in the film met tragic ends, either at the hands of law enforcement, their own associates, or through other violent means.
- Henry Hill spent his final years in witness protection before passing away in 2012. His life was marred by criminal activity, but he became a symbol of the mafia’s complicated relationship with loyalty, betrayal, and survival.
- James Burke (Jimmy the Gent) died in 1996 in prison, having been convicted for several crimes, but he remains remembered for his role in the Lufthansa heist and his brutal methods.
- Tommy DeSimone met a violent end in 1979, likely killed by his mafia associates for his reckless behavior and disrespect towards the family.
- Paul Vario (Paulie Cicero) died of natural causes in 1988, leaving behind a legacy of crime and control in the New York mafia.
Goodfellas stands as a cinematic masterpiece that captures the essence of the mafia underworld, blending fact and fiction to tell the compelling story of Henry Hill’s life. The real-life figures behind the film’s characters – Henry Hill, Jimmy Burke, Tommy DeSimone, and others – each contributed to the dark legacy of organized crime in America.
These men were not just criminals; they were part of a system that relied on loyalty, violence, and secrecy. Their stories serve as a reminder of the allure and danger of the mafia, and the devastating consequences of a life built on crime.
Through their portrayal in Goodfellas, these figures have become icons of both cinema and criminal history, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture that will endure for generations to come.
