36 Facts About Henry Hill

Early Life of Henry Hill

Henry Hill's early years set the stage for his later life in organized crime. Here are some intriguing facts about his beginnings.

1. Born on June 11, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, Henry Hill grew up in a working-class neighborhood.
2. Hill's father was an Irish-American electrician, while his mother was of Sicilian descent.
3. As a child, Hill was fascinated by the mobsters who frequented his neighborhood.
4. At the age of 11, he began running errands for local mobsters, marking the start of his criminal career.
5. Hill attended East New York Vocational High School but dropped out at 16 to work full-time for the mob.

Rise in the Mafia

Hill's involvement with the mob deepened as he grew older. His rise within the Mafia is marked by several key events.

6. In 1955, Hill was introduced to Paul Vario, a capo in the Lucchese crime family.
7. Vario took Hill under his wing, providing him with protection and opportunities within the organization.
8. Hill quickly proved his worth by participating in various illegal activities, including loan sharking and gambling.
9. By the 1960s, Hill had become a trusted associate of the Lucchese family.
10. Hill's criminal activities expanded to include drug trafficking, which would later lead to his downfall.

The Lufthansa Heist

One of the most famous events in Hill's criminal career was the Lufthansa heist. This daring robbery remains one of the largest cash thefts in American history.

11. On December 11, 1978, Hill and his associates stole approximately $5 million in cash and $875,000 in jewelry from the Lufthansa cargo terminal at JFK Airport.
12. The heist was planned by Jimmy Burke, a notorious mobster and close associate of Hill.
13. Hill's role in the heist was to provide inside information and logistical support.
14. The stolen money was never fully recovered, and many of the participants were later murdered to prevent them from talking.
15. The heist was a turning point in Hill's life, drawing significant attention from law enforcement.

Arrest and Cooperation with the FBI

Hill's criminal activities eventually caught up with him, leading to his arrest and cooperation with the FBI.

16. In 1980, Hill was arrested on drug trafficking charges.
17. Facing a lengthy prison sentence, Hill decided to become an informant for the FBI.
18. Hill's testimony helped convict several high-ranking members of the Lucchese crime family.
19. As a result of his cooperation, Hill entered the Witness Protection Program.
20. Hill's decision to turn informant marked the end of his life in organized crime.

Life in Witness Protection

Hill's life in the Witness Protection Program was anything but ordinary. Here are some facts about his time in hiding.

21. Hill and his family were relocated to various locations across the United States.
22. Despite being in hiding, Hill struggled to stay out of trouble and was arrested several times for drug-related offenses.
23. Hill's wife, Karen, eventually left him due to his continued criminal behavior.
24. Hill was expelled from the Witness Protection Program in the early 1990s due to his inability to stay out of trouble.
25. After leaving the program, Hill lived under his real name and continued to engage in criminal activities.

Pop Culture and Legacy

Hill's life story has been immortalized in popular culture, making him a well-known figure even after his death.

26. In 1986, Hill's life was chronicled in the book "Wiseguy" by Nicholas Pileggi.
27. The book was later adapted into the 1990 film "Goodfellas," directed by Martin Scorsese.
28. Ray Liotta portrayed Hill in the film, earning critical acclaim for his performance.
29. Hill himself made several cameo appearances in movies and television shows.
30. Hill wrote two cookbooks, "The Wiseguy Cookbook" and "A Goodfella's Guide to New York," sharing his love for Italian cuisine.

Later Years and Death

Hill's later years were marked by continued legal troubles and health issues. Despite this, he remained a public figure until his death.

31. Hill continued to struggle with substance abuse throughout his life.
32. In 2004, Hill was arrested for public intoxication and disorderly conduct.
33. Hill was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2007.
34. Despite his health issues, Hill remained active in the media, giving interviews and making public appearances.
35. On June 12, 2012, Hill passed away at the age of 69 due to complications from his cancer.
36. Hill's life story continues to captivate audiences, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of organized crime.

The Legacy of Henry Hill

Henry Hill's life was a whirlwind of crime, betrayal, and notoriety. From his early days in the mob to his eventual role as an informant, Hill's story has fascinated many. His life inspired the iconic film "Goodfellas," bringing his experiences to a wider audience. Despite his criminal past, Hill's cooperation with authorities helped dismantle significant parts of organized crime. His life serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of a life entangled with the mob. Hill's journey from a feared gangster to a man constantly looking over his shoulder highlights the high stakes and ultimate costs of such a lifestyle. Whether viewed as a villain or a necessary informant, Henry Hill's story remains a compelling chapter in the annals of American crime history. His legacy continues to spark discussions about crime, loyalty, and redemption.