Written by: Emily Carter

Henry Hill: The Notorious American Mobster

Henry Hill was a notorious American mobster who was once associated with the Lucchese crime family of New York City, but later became an FBI informant, leading to 50 convictions, including those of his former mafia associates. His life story was immortalized in the true-crime book "Wiseguy: Life in a Mafia Family" and later adapted into the critically acclaimed film "Goodfellas."

Early Life

Henry Hill Jr. was born on June 11, 1943, in Manhattan, New York City, to Henry Hill Sr., an Irish-American electrician, and Carmela Costa, an Italian immigrant of Sicilian descent. Growing up in Brownsville, a working-class neighborhood of Brooklyn, Hill was dyslexic and struggled in school.

Influence of Local Mobsters

Hill was fascinated by local mobsters who socialized at a dispatch cabstand across the street from his home. At the age of 11, he began running errands for patrons of Paul Vario's storefront shoeshine, pizzeria, and cabstand, including the notorious hijacker and Lucchese family associate James "Jimmy the Gent" Burke.

Rise to Notoriety

Hill's involvement with the Lucchese crime family began in 1955, when he was just 11 years old. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming an associate and later a made man. His criminal activities included hijacking, extortion, and drug trafficking.

Arrest and Cooperation with the FBI

In 1980, Hill was arrested on narcotics charges and became an FBI informant, leading to the convictions of 50 former mafia associates, including Vario and Burke. His cooperation with the FBI was a significant blow to the Lucchese crime family and earned him a spot in the Witness Protection Program.

Legacy and Pop Culture

Hill's life story has been immortalized in popular culture, with the film "Goodfellas" (1990) telling his story in gritty detail. His depiction by actor Ray Liotta is often cited as one of the greatest performances in cinema history.

Personal Life and Later Years

Hill was removed from the Witness Protection Program in 1987 and went on to live a tumultuous life, struggling with addiction and making headlines for various legal troubles. He died on June 12, 2012, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most notorious mobsters in American history.

Quotes and Memorable Sayings

• "Business bad? Fuggedaboutit." - Henry Hill, from the film "Goodfellas" (1990)
• "I'm a criminal, but I'm not a rat." - Henry Hill, in an interview with ABC News (2005)

Influence on Modern Society

Henry Hill's story has had a lasting impact on modern society, offering a glimpse into the dark world of organized crime and the consequences of getting caught up in it. His legacy serves as a cautionary tale, warning of the dangers of involvement with organized crime.