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Henry Hill, a name synonymous with the criminal underworld, is a figure who has captivated the imaginations of many through his turbulent life as a mobster turned informant. Born on June 11, 1943, in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Hill emerged from a humble background to become deeply entrenched in the infamous Lucchese crime family. From his involvement in lucrative heists and organized crime activities, to his ultimate betrayal and cooperation with law enforcement, Hill’s journey is a dark and complex tale of power, loyalty, and redemption. In this introduction, we will delve into the life and legacy of Henry Hill, exploring his rise through the ranks of organized crime, his eventual descent into chaos, and the impact he has had on popular culture through his collaboration with renowned author Nicholas Pileggi, which led to the creation of the critically acclaimed film “Goodfellas.”
(1943-2012)
Who Was Henry Hill?
Henry Hill was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 11, 1943. Although not related by blood, Hill worked his way up in the Lucchese crime family from a young age. Arrested for drug trafficking in 1980, Hill became a federal informant and joined the Witness Protection Program for a number of years. Hill’s life is the basis of the 1990 Martin Scorsese movie Goodfellas.
Early Life
Born on June 11, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, Hill grew up in an area of Brooklyn that was dominated by the Lucchese crime family. Fascinated by gangsters, he began dreaming of being in the Mafia at age 12.
Life in the Mafia
The son of an Irish father and Sicilian mother, Hill could never be a “made” Mafia member because he wasn’t a full-blooded Italian, but his charm and cunning made him welcome inside the Lucchese family. Hill soon became a close associate and friend of Paul Vario, one of the more respected capos in the family. In his teenage years, Hill would do errands for Vario and his crew and eventually moved to more serious crime. His time in the Mafia would span three decades, beginning in 1955.
Hill lived up to the gangster image by having a number of affairs and staying out until all hours, drinking, partying and playing cards. After beating up a non-paying gambler whose sister happened to work at the F.B.I., Hill was sentenced to 10 years in jail. Once inside, he soon realized that Mafia members received preferential treatment by convicts and guards, who were paid off by crime families.
Federal Witness
After his release, Hill used his prison narcotics contacts to shift large amounts of cocaine from Brooklyn to Pittsburgh. As his operation grew, so did Hill’s own addiction to the drug. It was only when Hill realized he was next on the hit list that he became a federal witness. His testimony brought down some of New York’s most feared mobsters, including Vario.
Hill, his wife and their two children entered the U.S. Federal Witness Protection Program in 1980. Two years later — after moving his family to Nebraska, and then Kentucky — Hill was thrown out of the program for blowing his cover.
Later Years and Death
After being kicked out of the Witness Protection Program, Hill moved to the West Coast with his girlfriend of 14 years, Lisa Caserta. In his later years, Hill worked to come to terms with his past, taking classes to be certified as a drug and alcohol counselor. Despite his efforts at redemption, many still viewed Hill as a rat and addict, even in his old age. Hill also became a frequent guest on The Howard Stern Show, where he often discussed his past.
Hill died on June 12, 2012, at the age of 69, after battling an undisclosed illness. He had been living in Los Angeles at the time. Hill is survived by his two children, Gregg and Gina; and his girlfriend, Caserta.
‘Goodfellas’
Hill’s story was recounted in the bestselling book Wiseguy (1985) by Nicholas Pileggi, and made famous by Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas (1990). Ray Liotta played Hill in the film, which received six Oscar nods. (Joe Pesci was the sole winner among the nominations for his portrayal of Tommy DeVito.) Pileggi’s wife, Nora Ephron, also used Hill as the inspiration behind the film My Blue Heaven, which starred Steve Martin as former mobster Vincent “Vinnie” Antonelli. Some view it as a prequel to Goodfellas since it was released a month prior.
Personal Life
Hill was married to Karen Friedman from 1965 to 1989. They finalized their divorce in 2002. The couple had two kids Gregg and Gina. Hill later married Kelly Alor from 1990 to 1996 and then later got engaged to Lisa Caserta from 2006 up until his death in 2012.
QUICK FACTS
- Birth Year: 1943
- Birth date: June 11, 1943
- Birth State: New York
- Birth City: Brooklyn
- Birth Country: United States
- Gender: Male
- Best Known For: Henry Hill was a member of the Lucchese crime family who became a federal informant, inspiring the Martin Scorsese movie ‘Goodfellas.’
- Industries
- Crime and Terrorism
- Astrological Sign: Gemini
- Death Year: 2012
- Death date: June 12, 2012
- Death State: California
- Death City: Los Angeles
- Death Country: United States
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CITATION INFORMATION
- Article Title: Henry Hill Biography
- Author: Biography.com Editors
- Website Name: The Biography.com website
- Url: https://www.biography.com/crime/henry-hill
- Access Date:
- Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
- Last Updated: June 24, 2020
- Original Published Date: April 2, 2014
In conclusion, Henry Hill is a notorious figure in American organized crime history who lived a life marked by illegal activities, betrayal, and redemption. His involvement with the Lucchese crime family allowed him to rise through the ranks, but his decision to become an FBI informant ultimately led to his downfall within the criminal underworld. However, Hill’s cooperation with the authorities played a crucial role in dismantling the Mafia, leading to the arrests and convictions of numerous mobsters. Despite his criminal past, Hill’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the allure and consequences of a life filled with crime, while also highlighting the power of redemption and the potential for individuals to change their paths. To this day, Henry Hill’s story continues to captivate audiences, serving as a reminder of the complexities of human nature and the allure of the criminal world.
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