Henry Hill | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : May 06, 2025

Who is Henry Hill?

Henry Hill was a notorious mob associate of the Lucchese crime family, infamous for his involvement in the Lufthansa Heist of 1978. Born to an Irish father and Sicilian mother in Brooklyn, Hill was drawn into the criminal underworld from a young age, running errands for local gangsters. His early criminal activities included running alphanumeric gambling operations and engaging in theft. Hill's life took a darker turn after contributing to a significant robbery at an Air France terminal, which earned him respect within mob circles. He became entangled in numerous crimes while navigating the complexities of mob life alongside figures like Jimmy Burke.

Hill's narrative is a cautionary tale of loyalty, crime, and survival. Following the monumental Lufthansa Heist, where $5 million was stolen, Hill found himself embroiled in a web of violence as Burke turned paranoid and began eliminating potential informants. Ultimately, Hill’s fate was sealed when he chose to cooperate with the FBI, leading to his entry into the witness protection program. His life story inspired the acclaimed film "GoodFellas," where he was portrayed by Ray Liotta. Though he gained notoriety, Hill faced the challenges of life outside the mafia and struggled with anonymity, leading to personal turmoil after leaving the program in 1987.

Early Life and Education

Henry Hill was born on June 11, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, to an Irish father and a Sicilian mother. Growing up in Brownsville, a neighborhood with deep ties to organized crime, Hill was exposed to the mob lifestyle from an early age. He began interacting with local gangsters as a child, running errands and learning the ins and outs of criminal operations. This early introduction to crime set the stage for Hill’s future involvement with the Lucchese crime family, where he would ultimately rise to prominence as an associate.

During his teenage years, Hill's academic pursuits took a backseat to a burgeoning criminal career. He was known for his rebellious spirit, having even spent time in the military, though he was discharged after a series of incidents that included starting fights and stealing a sheriff's car. Back in Brooklyn, he returned to the streets, becoming further entrenched in mob activities. His experiences and connections during these formative years played a crucial role in shaping his identity as a gangster and laid the groundwork for his future exploits, including his participation in high-profile crimes like the Lufthansa Heist.

Early Criminal Activities

Henry Hill was immersed in the world of organized crime from a young age, growing up in Brownsville, Brooklyn, where he was exposed to gangsters who frequented his neighborhood. As a child of an Irish father and Sicilian mother, he quickly aligned himself with the Lucchese crime family, running errands for mobsters. His early illegal activities included petty crimes, which eventually escalated to more serious offenses like arson. Hill’s ambition and resilience in the crime world set the stage for a life deeply entwined with the mafia.

After a brief stint in the military, where he was discharged for misconduct, Hill returned to his criminal roots. In 1967, he achieved notoriety by participating in a bold robbery of an Air France cargo terminal, netting a significant sum of $420,000. This successful heist boosted his reputation among mafia higher-ups and solidified his place within the gangland underworld. Despite frequently claiming he had never killed anyone, his admission of witnessing numerous murders showcased the violent reality he navigated in his early years.

The Lufthansa Heist and Its Fallout

Henry Hill, a former associate of the Lucchese crime family, became a notorious figure in mob history following his involvement in the 1978 Lufthansa Heist. Born to an Irish father and Sicilian mother in Brooklyn, Hill’s early exposure to the criminal underworld shaped his life. He started running errands for local gangsters at a young age, eventually ascending to serious criminal activities. The Lufthansa Heist, which netted an astounding $5 million—making it the largest cash robbery in American history at that time—was executed with inside information provided by Hill himself. This successful heist solidified his status within the mob but also laid the groundwork for his eventual downfall.

In the aftermath of the heist, paranoia set in as Burke began eliminating those who participated to avoid detection by law enforcement. Hill found himself at a crossroads when he was later arrested for drug dealing and the Lufthansa heist. Fearing for his life amid the violence enveloping his associates, he opted to become a government informant. His testimony led to numerous convictions, including that of his former mentor, Jimmy Burke. After entering the witness protection program, Hill struggled with anonymity and faced personal turmoil, ultimately remaining in the public eye due to the fame surrounding the Oscar-winning film, GoodFellas, which depicted his life.

Burke's Killing Spree After the Heist

Henry Hill, a notorious figure in the world of organized crime, was an associate of the Lucchese crime family who became a key player in what would turn out to be one of the biggest heists in American history: the 1978 Lufthansa Heist. While he started his criminal career at a young age, Hill's involvement in the mob escalated significantly after this robbery. The heist, engineered by veteran gangster Jimmy Burke, resulted in a staggering haul of $5 million, netting Hill both infamy and danger as a result of his participation. As a key informant, Hill's insights into mob operations would later unravel the lives of those around him, ultimately leading to a betrayal that defined his life.

Following the heist, Burke, feeling paranoid about potential leaks and eager to keep the money from others involved, embarked on a ruthless killing spree. To eliminate any risks, he ordered the murders of several individuals connected to the heist, including key accomplices such as Parnell “Stacks” Edwards and Joe "Buddha" Manri. Burke's motives transcended mere self-preservation; by removing these ties, he not only sought to silence any potential informants but also wanted to maintain control over the remaining riches from their criminal enterprise. This violent response showcased the lengths to which gangsters would go to protect their interests, further solidifying Hill’s precarious position within a world marked by treachery and bloodshed.

Personal Life: Marriage and Children

Henry Hill's personal life was as tumultuous as his criminal career. He found love with Karen, who was played by Lorraine Bracco in the iconic film "GoodFellas". Initially unaware of Hill's connections to the mafia, she eventually embraced the dangerous lifestyle that came with being married to a mob associate. Their relationship was marked by the chaos and violence of Hill's world, blending the highs of wealth and status with the lows of crime and paranoia. Despite the thrill of the mafia life, the strain it placed on their marriage was palpable, leading to significant challenges over the years.

Together, Hill and Karen had two children, which added another layer of complexity to their marriage. As Hill’s criminal activities escalated, Karen was torn between her loyalty to her husband and the safety of their children. Ultimately, Hill's decision to become a government informant forced both him and his family into the witness protection program, hoping to create a new life away from the shadow of the mob. However, the stress of their past and the difficulties of adapting to their new circumstances proved to be too much, resulting in their divorce in 1989 and leaving Hill to navigate the repercussions of his life choices alone.

Net Worth and Earning: Financial Gains from Crime

Henry Hill, a notorious figure in organized crime, garnered significant financial gains from his involvement with the Lucchese crime family and other illicit activities. It is estimated that the Lufthansa Heist, in which Hill played a critical role, netted approximately $5 million, a sum that translates to over $23 million in today's currency when adjusted for inflation. This monumental crime was noted as the largest robbery in American history at that time and not only contributed to Hill's notoriety but also solidified his position within the mob.

Throughout his criminal career, Hill was also involved in other lucrative crimes, including drug trafficking and extortion, which further padded his finances. His 1967 robbery of an Air France cargo terminal at JFK Airport earned him $420,000, a significant amount that helped him gain favor among crime family leaders. However, despite these earnings, Hill's financial situation fluctuated due to his reckless lifestyle and eventual need to enter the witness protection program. After his cooperation with law enforcement, he faced numerous challenges, leading to a consistent struggle for stability in his financial life post-crime.