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Henry Hill

Henry Hill Jr.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Henry Hill Jr. (June 11, 1943 – June 12, 2012) was an American mobster associated with the Lucchese crime family in New York City. He became an FBI informant after his 1980 arrest on narcotics charges and later testified against former associates, contributing to dozens of convictions. His life inspired the book *Wiseguy* and the film *Goodfellas*.

Early life

Henry Hill Jr. was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1943. He grew up in a working-class environment and became involved with organized crime at a young age.

Lucchese crime family involvement

Hill worked with the Lucchese crime family for much of his adult life, including associations with figures such as Paul Vario and James Burke. Sources describe him as a mobster and crime-family associate rather than a made member.

Informant and testimony

After his 1980 arrest on narcotics charges, Hill cooperated with authorities and testified against former associates. His evidence led to numerous convictions and made him one of the best-known mob informants in the United States.

Public legacy

Hill's story became widely known through Nicholas Pileggi's book *Wiseguy* and the 1990 film *Goodfellas*. He remains a notable figure in popular culture and organized-crime history.

Key facts

  • Associated with the Lucchese crime family from 1955 until 1980.
  • Became an FBI informant after his 1980 arrest on narcotics charges.
  • His testimony helped secure 50 convictions, including those of Paul Vario and James Burke.
  • His life story formed the basis of Nicholas Pileggi's *Wiseguy* and Martin Scorsese's *Goodfellas*.
  • Removed from the Witness Protection Program in 1987 and died in 2012 at age 69.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Henry Hill?
He was an American mobster associated with the Lucchese crime family who later became an FBI informant.
Why is Henry Hill famous?
He is known for turning on his former Mafia associates and for inspiring *Wiseguy* and *Goodfellas*.
What crimes was Henry Hill linked to?
Sources describe him as being involved in narcotics trafficking and other organized-crime activity.
What happened after he became an informant?
He entered the Witness Protection Program, but was later removed from it in 1987.
How many convictions resulted from his testimony?
He testified in cases that resulted in 50 convictions.
When did Henry Hill die?
He died on June 12, 2012, in Los Angeles, California.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Hill
    Supports: Birth and death dates, Lucchese crime family association, FBI informant status, 50 convictions, Witness Protection Program removal.
  2. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/crime/henry-hill
    Supports: Birth in Brooklyn, organized-crime background, informant status, and inspiration for Goodfellas.
  3. NPR — https://www.npr.org/2012/06/16/155169477/remembering-henry-hill-a-real-wiseguy
    Supports: Hill as a Lucchese family member for 25 years, turned state's evidence, and later recognition through Goodfellas.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Henry-Hill
    Supports: Hill as an associate of the Lucchese crime family and his cultural significance.