The legacy of the Godfather remains eminent in today’s society. This legendary novel was written in 1969 by Mario Puzo. It remained a highly acclaimed novel and was later adapted into a film series by Francis Ford Coppola. The story revolves around the crime family and explores intricate themes of loyalty, family and influence. It revolves around Al Pacino, who takes over the family business.
This highly acclaimed movie has three trilogies that are enjoyed by every generation of humans. It is extremely vague to be a movie fan if they have never watched Godfather in their lives. Many people are inspired by Godfather, hence they have started to idolize the character of Al Pacino.
We’ll shed some light on ten real-life inspirations for the characters in The Godfather in our article:
10) Frank Costello inspired Vito Corleone:
Source: Wikipedia
Frank Costello was an Italian mafia boss and powerful gangster during the 20th century. His influence was the key to the adaptation of mafia culture in America. His unique features in being influential by politicians and skillful leadership made him an extraordinary key figure.
His character and traits are mostly inspired by the fictional character of The Godfather, Don Vito Corleone. The strength from being influential around higher authorities. He survived many assassinations, his diplomatic skills made him distinguished in the world of mafia and even his voice was an inspiration for the character of Vito Corleone.
9) Frank Sinatra inspired Johnny Fontaine:
Source: Reddit
Frank Sinatra was a legendary singer and actor, who captivated the world with this influence on pop music during the 20th century. The character of Johnny Fontaine in Puzo’s novel was highly influenced by Frank Sinatra’s life.
Just like his unamused and ordinary background rose him to fame, his underground connections with many gangsters and his attraction towards the power, gangster and crime culture made him an inspiration for Johnny Fontaine’s character. Earlier, Frank Sinatra was chosen to play the character of Johnny Fontaine. Due to uncertain circumstances, the role was reversed to Marlon Brando.
8) Willie Moretti inspired Luca Brasi:
Source: Wikipedia
Willie Moretti was the chief enforcer behind Frank Costello’s operations. Moretti always aimed to intimidate the people and blackmail them to resolve any issues or disputes. His character had charisma and his satirical nature during the different hearings in the court, marks the elements of his ruthless nature. His erratic behavior and loose talk made everyone frightened that something might have happened to him.
These distinguished traits made him an inspiration for Luca Brasi’s character in the legacy of The Godfather trilogy.
7) Salvatore “Bill” Bonano inspired Michael Corleone:
Source: Wikipedia
Salvatore Bill Bonano was the son of Joseph Bonano. His family was keen to send him to law school and have him focused on his future endeavors. Unfortunately, this was not Bill’s aim. He wanted to join the underworld, getting involved in crime and corruption. Although he took a role of leadership in the underworld, no one respected him.
He was the product of nepotism and was not skilled enough to lead the underworld issues. He was weak and incompetent. He failed to build a successful business and relied all his life on the family’s illegal gambling and business. Bill’s character inspired Michael Corleone. Although, Michael’s brother Fredo had more traits like Bill the character traits of Bill inspired Michael in The Puzo’s novel, The Godfather.
6) Vito Genovese inspired Emilio Barzini:
Source: Wikipedia
Vito Genovese was an American crime boss born in Italy in 1867. He started his career as a street hustler and became a close associate of Charles and Costello. He also played an important role in the war of Castellammarese. He was a brutal and powerful figure, who disregarded his culture and traditions. Genovese secretly smuggled cocaine and heroin to the underworld. He was the most arrogant leader.
His power and influence inspired The Godfather’s character of Emilio Barzini, who was indifferent to values and used honor and traditions as a tool to manipulate the masses.
5) Bugsy Siegel inspired Moe Greene:
Source: Wikipedia
Bugsy Siegel was an American mobster who played a significant role in developing chaos in L.A. He started his career in criminal organizations at a very young age. Later, he became a member of the Luciano family and worked there. He co-founded his own Crime organization “Murder, Inc.” consisting of several contract killers, who would work or kill people on contract. This gang was successful in influencing the West Coast.
His charismatic character lies in his influence on Las Vegas. He even built the famous Casino and Flamingo Hotel which exists today. His ruthless and charismatic traits inspired the character of Moe Greene in The Godfather trilogy.
4) Tommy Lucchese inspired Philip Tataglia:
Source: Wikipedia
Tommy Lucchese was a mafia boss and leader of the Lucchese crime gang. He started at a very early age as a street gangster for the Gagliano crime family. Later, he became closely associated with other powerful mobster figures.
He expanded the family’s wealth and influence with the help of powerful mafia families and violent crimes.
His ambitious and cunning charm in his character was an inspiration for the junior mafia mobsters around the world. He was an inspiration for numerous films and books including the character of Philip Tataglia for The Godfather trilogy.
3) Gaspare DiGregorio inspired Salvatore Tessio:
Source: Reddit
Paul DiGregorio was a trusted Italian mobster and captain in the Bonanno crime family. He played a significant role in family operations and extortions. He was described as ambitious and thirsty for power. Although not much description is given in detail about his character or physical appearance, his “Banana War” struggles are still evident in history today.
His cunning and ruthless character inspired Puzo to take the inspiration for The Godfather’s character, Salvatore Tessio.
2) Meyer Lansky inspired Hyman Roth:
Source: Wikipedia
Meyer Lansky was also known as “The Chairman of the Board”. Despite his limited resources, he possessed intelligence that served him well in his criminal and gambling career. He was a bootlegger, who expanded his business in narcotics and extortion. His skillful and strategic expertise earned him a lot of respect in the world of some prominent mobsters.
His loyalty to his associates and strategic intelligence influenced the world with his organized crime. These traits in his character influenced the character of Hyman Roth, which was introduced in The Godfather Part Two trilogy.
1) Joseph Colombo inspired Joey Zasa:
Source: Wikipedia
Joseph Colombo was an American mobster belonging to the crime family of Profaci. He was one of the most notable figures in criminal history. He established a league to support the civilian rights of the Italian-American in origin mobsters, showcasing the positive impact on society. He also organized a unity rally for this great cause. Due to his exceptional traits, he later named the crime family after his last name “Colombo”. He was involved in many crimes including gambling, racketeering and coercion.
He is still praised in history as the most charming mob leader who advocated to bring a positive image of Italian Americans.
These charming traits and leadership skills inspired The Godfather’s legacy. His character inspired the fictional character of Joey Zasa. Joey is a young boss introduced in The Godfather’s third trilogy.
