Did You Know…?
It might surprise you to know that many of our favorite fictional characters are based on real-life people. Every story needs to start somewhere, so why not start with something that you already know? So, let’s take a look at some fictional characters that are based on a real-life person.
Indiana Jones
Indiana Jones was based on Roy Chapman Andrews. Andrews was a naturalist and paleontologist who started his career as a janitor at the American Museum of Natural History. He published his adventures, which served as inspiration for fictional Indiana’s own.
Paramount, Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) and Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
Severus Snape
We all have a teacher that we had trouble getting along with. JK Rowling was no different. She based Severus Snape upon her own chemistry teacher.
Warner Bros., Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
Ariel
While the story of The Little Mermaid is credited to Hans Christian Anderson, Disney’s Ariel has a little more real life in her. Her facial features and flowing hair were inspired by none other than Alyssa Milano. Look at pictures of her from the era and you’ll see the resemblance.
Walt Disney, The Little Mermaid (1989) and Bart Sherkow, Shutterstock
Auric Goldfinger
Everything in a James Bond film is so over the top it’s hard to believe that it could be inspired by anything. However, the villain from Goldfinger was loosely inspired by author Ian Fleming’s neighbor, Ernő Goldfinger.
Eon Productions, Goldfinger (1964) and Evening Standard, Getty Images
Buzz Lightyear
Okay, so no one in the creation of Toy Story happened to know a talking space toy that they based one of their lead characters on. However, Buzz Lightyear did get his name from Buzz Aldrin, the second man to step foot on the moon.
Walt Disney, Toy Story (1995) and NASA, Wikimedia Commons
Ursula
Just like Ariel, the designers for The Little Mermaid used a little bit of help when it came to drawing their villain as well. Ursula was inspired by drag performer Divine, and the similarities are impressive.
Walt Disney, The Little Mermaid (1989) and Ctorella, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Dude
The Big Lebowski made names out of both the Coen Brothers and star Jeff Bridges. However, the iconic character of The Dude did not come out of nowhere. It was inspired by Jeff Dowd, a film producer the Coens met when promoting their previous film. He not only called himself “The Dude” but was also fond of White Russians as the fictional The Dude was.
Polygram, The Big Lebowski (1998) and Brian Solis, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Cosmo Kramer
Obviously, Seinfeld is filled with characters that are based on someone real (look no further than Jerry Seinfeld himself). However, kooky and unique Kramer feels like a character that could only come from the imagination. The real-life Kramer was co-creator Larry David’s neighbor in his youth and had no problem inviting himself into David’s apartment to eat his food.
Castle Rock, Seinfeld (1989–1998)
Miss Piggy
Miss Piggy is so famous now that no one would think that she might have possibly come from a real-life source. However, in her earliest versions, she was once called Miss Piggy Lee and was inspired by jazz singer Peggy Lee. The “Lee” was eventually dropped to avoid upsetting the real-life inspiration.
Walt Disney, The Muppets (2011) and General Artists Corporation, Wikimedia Commons
Hazel Grace Lancaster
Anyone who was watching films in the 2010s at some point had their hearts ripped out by The Fault in Our Stars. The author of the novel, John Green, based the character off of friend and YouTuber Esther Earl. Earl lost her battle with her illness at 16 and Green wrote the novel in dedication to her.
20th Century, The Fault in Our Stars (2014) and Wayne and Lori Earl, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Travis Bickle
It’s hard to think of Taxi Driver and not think of Robert De Niro. While the iconic line is 100% credited to De Niro and his own improvisation, the character was based on Arthur Bremer. Bremer left a journal of his thoughts, which the Taxi Driver screenwriter used to craft De Niro’s character.
Columbia, Taxi Driver (1976) and Bettmann, Getty Images
Olivia Pope
Olivia Pope is one of Shonda Rhimes' iconic strong female characters. While Rhimes’ imagination is more than capable of creating powerful and engaging women all on her own, Pope was inspired by Judy Smith. Smith was a press aide during George HW Bush’s presidency.
ABC, Scandal (2012–2018) and roanokecollege, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Popeye
Even if you never watched the show, Popeye the Sailor is an image that is known throughout the world, due to his imagery continuing in many other areas. Supposedly, EG Seagar based his character on Frank Fiegel. As Fiegel was a one-eyed bartender from Segars’ hometown who was ready for a fight, he may have preferred bourbon to spinach.
Lucious Lyon
Considering the similarities run quite deep, it may not surprise you to know that Empire creators used Jay-Z as inspiration when they were creating the character of Lucious Lyon.
20th Century, Empire (2015–2020) and Joella Marano, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Delphine Lalaurie
American Horror Story is known for creating twisted tales that stay with their viewers long after the show is done. The character Delphine LaLaurie from season three was based on a socialite who committed similar offenses. The horrifying crimes of the real-life LaLaurie were discovered after her home caught fire and her victims were found.
FX Networks, American Horror Story (2011-) and Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
Alice
Alice in Wonderland is a time-honored tale that has been enjoyed by generations. However, it originated because of a very real little girl. Author Lewis Carroll befriended the Liddell family, often spending time spinning tales with their children—including one named Alice. When he made a tale of a girl called Alice getting lost down a rabbit hole, real-life Alice demanded it be written down for her to read.
Walt Disney, Alice in Wonderland (1951) and Lewis Carroll, Wikimedia Commons
Hannibal Lecter
This is another one that the faint of heart may want to skip reading. Hannibal Lecter was inspired by Doctor Alfredo Ballí Treviño. Treviño’s story inspired the writer to create a character with a “peculiar understanding of the criminal mind”.
Orion, The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes lives on in the memory and hearts of many people. Therefore, it may surprise them to know that Doyle based him on a real person: Joseph Bell. Bell was a surgeon at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and impressed Doyle with his ability to deduce students’ personal details just by appearances.
Warner Bros., Sherlock Holmes (2009) and J.M.E. Saxby, Wikimedia Commons
Maz Kanata
There are many lovable and iconic characters in the Star Wars franchise. Most came from the imagination of creative writers; however, JJ Abrams used the opportunity to honor his late English teacher, Rose Gilbert. He created Max Kanata for her.
Lucasfilm, Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
Marie Laveau
American Horror Story isn’t finished drawing from real life just yet. Angela Bassett’s character Marie Laveau was inspired by a “voodoo Queen” of the same name. Laveau ran a luxury hairdressing business in the French Quarter and practiced magic within the community.
FX Network, American Horror Story (2011-) and E. W. Kemble, Wikimedia Commons
Miranda Priestly
Most fans of The Devil Wears Prada are already aware that Miranda Priestly was inspired by Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour. Nicknamed “Nuclear Wintour” by her employees, many in the fashion industry refused to appear in the film for fear of upsetting her. While originally against the movie, she came around once she saw it.
Twentieth Century, The Devil Wears Prada (2006) and UKinUSA, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ragnar Lothbrok
While the protagonist of Vikings Ragnar Lothbrok and his sons are based on an old Norse king, the show takes such liberties with the inspiration that we say watch this one with a grain of salt. There is entertainment aplenty, but a book might give you a better idea of Norse history.
History Channel, Vikings (2013–2020) and Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
Tony Stark
Robert Downey Jr has embodied Marvel’s fun-loving billionaire, Tony Stark, so completely that it is very difficult to think of the character and Downey Jr as two separate people. However, the original Tony Stark was inspired by Howard Hughes. Hughes has also been portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in The Aviator.
Marvel, Iron-Man 2 (2010) and Acme Newspictures, Wikimedia Commons
Don Draper
Mad Men was a cultural phenomenon that launched Jon Hamm to household stardom (though did not do his comedic acting justice). The character that Hamm portrayed had a couple of inspirations. His name was drawn from Draper Daniels, and there were influences for his personality from Bill Backer. Both were well-known ad men.
Lionsgate, Mad Men (2007–2015)
Frank Abagnale Jr
The entire plot of Catch Me If You Can is loosely based on Frank Abagnale Jr’s real-life adventures, before he was ultimately caught, serving his time and becoming an FBI consultant.
DreamWorks, Catch Me If You Can (2002) and Friendswood Police Department, Wikimedia Commons
Rocky Balboa
Unfortunately for Rocky's inspiration Chuck Wepner, his fictional counterpart is better known than he is himself. Wepner became famous, at least in the boxing world, for going nearly a full 15 rounds against Muhammad Ali. Although he fell short of that milestone by 19 seconds, it became the inspiration for the original Rocky. Balboa’s name came from Rocky Marciano, who was also famed for boxing.
United Artists, Rocky (1976) and PA Images Archive, Getty Images
Charles Foster Kane
Many people consider Citizen Kane the greatest movie ever made. While that is an opinion, rather than fact, and cannot be proven one way or another, what can be said is that the main character of Charles Foster Kane was based on William Randolph Hearst, with many parallels existing between the two.
RKO, Citizen Kane (1941) and Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
Molly Brown
While Titanic was based on a real-life event, most of the leading characters were fictional. A few real-life people, such as John Jacob Astor, do appear as background characters. However, the Unsinkable Molly Brown is the only real-life figure to play a significant role in the film. Brown really did commandeer a lifeboat to help other passengers survive.
Paramount, Titanic (1997) and Bain News Service, Wikimedia Commons
Jordan Baker
The character of Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby has her roots with—as well as the last name of—golfer Edith Baker.
Warner Bros., The Great Gatsby (2013) and Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
Piper Chapman
Orange is the New Black drew inspiration from the real life of its lead character. Piper Kerman was involved in a drug trafficking ring with her ex-girlfriend and served 13 months for it. In the show, Kerman became Piper Chapman, and her ex-girlfriend became the inspiration for Alex Vause.
Netflix, Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019) and Mark Schierbecker, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Vito Corleone
Vito Corleone is one of the legendary figures in cinema. However, he couldn’t exist without the help of some real-world influence. Vito is based on Carlo Gambino, the most powerful Mafia boss of the five New York mafia families. He was even referred to as The Godfather throughout his life.
Paramount, The Godfather (1972) and New York Police Department, Wikimedia Commons
Tony Soprano
Mobsters make such engaging stories to tell because they are something that we know already exists. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that so many of the iconic ones in media are based on real people. Tony Soprano draws roots from two men: Rich Boiardo and Vincent “Vinny Ocean” Palermo.
HBO, The Sopranos (1999–2007) and Bettmann, Getty Images
Homer Simpson
Okay, I’m sorry to disappoint. There isn’t a real-life Homer Simpson running around out there. However, The Simpsons creator Matt Groening did name him after his father. In fact, he named the entire family after his own, his mother Margaret, and his two sisters Lisa and Maggie.
Vincent Chase
It’s actually a very familiar name that provided the inspiration for Entourage’s Vincent Chase. Chase was inspired by none other than Mark Wahlberg.
HBO, Entourage (2004–2011) and Toglenn, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Twisty The Clown
It’s starting to seem like American Horror Story just googled the most terrifying villains and began to base their characters on them. Twisty the Clown is considered one of the show’s most terrifying characters. He was based on John Wayne Gracy, who committed his offenses dressed as a clown.
Johnny Fontane
Just like Vito was based on a real character, so was Johnny Fontane. Reportedly, Carlo Gambino’s real-life godson was none other than Frank Sinatra. When the fictional Fontaine begs his fictional godfather to help him land a movie role, this is a nod to the report that this is exactly how Sinatra landed his role in From Here to Eternity.
Paramount, The Godfather (1972) and Capitol Records, Wikimedia Commons
Dominic Toretto
The original Fast & Furious movie was supposedly born after a studio saw an article about street racer Rafael Estevez. While Estevez’s story captured the imagination, it had none of the drama that exists in the films. That was added by the film creators to give the story a little more pizzazz.
Universal, The Fast and the Furious (2001)
Cliff Booth
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was a star-studded movie that made a splash. However, it was Brad Pitt as stuntman Cliff Booth who really took the show. His character was based on Hal Needham, a real-life Hollywood stuntman during the 50s and 60s.
Columbia, Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019) and RacingOne, Getty Images
Pocahontas
Most people already know that Pocahontas was a real woman. They also probably already know that there are a few changes in her fictionalized Disney story. However, she did save colonist John Smith from execution.
Walt Disney, Pocahontas (1995) and Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
Tommy Shelby
Yet again, we find ourselves with a fictional mafia man based on a real person. Tommy Shelby is based on Thomas Gilbert, who did run a group known as the Peaky Blinders. That’s where the similarities end though. The show gives Shelby far more peace and character than history suggests Gilbert had.
BBC, Peaky Blinders (2013–2022) and West Midlands Police, Wikimedia Commons
Arthur Harrow
Ethan Hawke decided to pull inspiration from several different figures, past and present, to create his character for Moon Knight. This list included Jimmy Swaggart, Leo Tolstoy, Fidel Castro, the Dalai lama, and Josef Mengele.
Marvel, Moon Knight (2022) and Jntracy75, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Zorro
Zorro is a great swashbuckling hero. He was inspired by Joaquin Murieta. Murieta sought revenge after his family was punished for something they were wrongly accused of. He was known as Robin Hood of El Dorado.
TriStar, The Mask of Zorro (1998) and California State Library, Wikimedia Commons
Stringer Bell
The Wire pulled inspiration from several places for several of its characters. The character Stringer Bell drew his name from a couple of real-life drug traffickers, Roland Bell and Stringer Reed. His motives resemble that of Kenneth A “Kenny” Jackson.
Mary Poppins
This may not be news, as it is strongly implied in the film Saving Mr Banks, however, it is also true. Author PL Travers based her character Mary Poppins on her great-aunt Helen Morehead, who was quite influential on the family in their youth. This made Travers particularly protective of the character and her story.
Walt Disney, Mary Poppins (1964)
Roxie & Velma
Both of the leading characters in Chicago were based on real-life showgirls who served time for their actions. Roxie Hart was inspired by Beulah Annan and Velma Kelly was inspired by Belva Gaertner.
Miramax, Chicago (2002) and Chicago Daily News, Inc.,Wikimedia Commons
Ron Burgundy
The characters of Anchorman are so ridiculous, that you couldn’t possibly imagine that there might be any piece of truth about them. However, Ron Burgundy was inspired by a real-life broadcaster: Mort Crim.
Dreamworks, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) and PBS, New Tech Times
Omar Little
Another character from The Wire who resembles a real-life figure is Omar Little. Little’s fictional life closely resembles that of Donnie Andrews.
HBO, The Wire (2002–2008) and Tim Pierce, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Dr Alan Grant
Finally, Sam Neill’s character in Jurassic Park has some real-life influences as well. Grant was modelled after real-life paleontologist Jack Horner.
Universal, Jurassic Park (1993) and Meet the media Guru from Milan, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Norman Bates
Unfortunately for those who comfort themselves after horror movies by telling themselves that it’s not real, there are more than a few that have their roots in life. The villain of Psycho was inspired by gravedigger Ed Gein. Sadly, for those looking to sleep at night, Gein is also the inspiration behind another iconic horror villain.
Paramount, Psycho (1960) and Bettmann, Getty Images
Leatherface
This is another one of the terrifying movies that Gein’s actions inspired. However, if you’re looking to comfort yourself when you head to bed tonight, the chainsaw, at least, was a fictional addition.
Vortex, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) and Bettmann, Getty Images
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