Henry Hill Jr. was born on November 6th, 1943 in New York City. He grew up in a working-class neighborhood, surrounded by a culture of organized crime. At a young age, Hill became involved with local mobsters and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a trusted member of the Lucchese crime family.
Hill's criminal career began in his teenage years, when he started working as a truck hijacker and small-time scam artist. He eventually caught the eye of Lucchese family members, who took him under their wing and introduced him to more lucrative criminal activities. Hill quickly became known for his cunning and resourcefulness, earning him a reputation as a rising star in the criminal underworld.
Throughout his criminal career, Hill was involved in various illegal activities, including extortion, gambling, and drug trafficking. He was also responsible for orchestrating several high-profile heists, earning him a substantial amount of money and power within the mafia.
In the late 1970s, Hill's criminal empire began to crumble as law enforcement closed in on the Lucchese crime family. Faced with the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence, Hill made the bold decision to become an informant for the FBI. His cooperation led to the indictment and conviction of over 50 mob criminals, effectively dismantling the Lucchese family's operations.
Hill's decision to turn informant inspired the 1990 film "Goodfellas," in which his character was portrayed by Ray Liotta. The movie depicted Hill's rise and fall in the criminal underworld, showcasing his tumultuous relationship with the mafia and law enforcement. Despite facing backlash from former associates, Hill remained committed to his new life as a government witness, testifying in various high-profile trials and helping to bring down numerous criminal organizations.
In 2002, Hill divorced his wife Karen Friedman and became engaged to Lisa Caserta. Despite his troubled past, Hill remained dedicated to his new life as a civilian, seeking redemption for his past crimes and aiming to leave behind a positive legacy. He passed away on June 12th, 2012, leaving behind a complicated legacy as both a notorious criminal and a key informant in the fight against organized crime.
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