On September 19th 1990, Martin Scorsese’s ‘Goodfellas’ opened at theaters worldwide. And in honor of this masterpiece we have some fun facts and behind-the-scenes info about the movie…
- The “You think I’m funny?” scene was based on a true story. While working in a restaurant as a young man, Joe Pesci once told a mobster that he was funny and the mobster became very angry.
- The movie was originally named “Wiseguy”.
- The word “fuck” is used 296 times, half of which were said by Joe Pesci.
- When Henry and Karen Hill are negotiating to enter the Witness Protection Program, former U.S. Attorney Edward McDonald plays himself, re-enacting what he did in real life.
- At Martin Scorsese’s request, associates of the actual people were always on the set of the film, giving helpful and essential information about the life, people, settings and moods.
- During one of the final scenes, Henry Hill opens his front door and picks up a newspaper. The newspaper is the Youngstown Vindicator as an homage to Youngstown, Ohio, which has been called Mobtown USA.
- After the premiere, Henry Hill went around and revealed his true identity. In response, the government kicked him out of the Federal Witness Protection Program.
- Al Pacino was offered the role of Jimmy Conway but he turned it down due to fears of typecasting. He admits he regrets this decision.
- Tom Cruise and Madonna were the producers’ first choice for the roles of Henry Hill and his wife…. Yikes!!
