Many iconic fictional characters are rooted in real-life individuals. From gritty heroes to complex villains, their stories are often shaped by real experiences and people.
These characters reflect the personalities and traits of historical figures, famous leaders, or even ordinary people. Through art, their stories come alive.
Discover the surprising connections between your favorite TV/movie characters and the real individuals who inspired them. You’ll never look at these characters the same way again!
1. Holden Ford – Inspired by John E. Douglas
Mindhunter is a 2017 TV series that follows FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench as they try to carry out crime investigations by understanding the damaged psyche of criminals.
The show is inspired by the book “Mindhunter: Inside The FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit” by John E. Douglas. Douglas wrote the book based on his personal experience working on various cases in the FBI as the first criminal profiler.
Holden Ford is said to be loosely based on John E. Douglas. He is widely known for interviewing criminals to understand their psychology, which helped in creating criminal profiles.
Aside from taking inspiration from real people, many of the killers and cases in the show are based on real-life serial killers and events from the 1970s to 80s, when criminal profiling was in its early stages.
2. Hannibal Lecter – Inspired by Dr. Alfredo Ballí Treviño
The psychological horror film The Silence of The Lambs is based on a novel series by Thomas Harris of the same name.
Although the events and characters portrayed in the story are entirely fictional, the character of Hannibal Lecter is said to be inspired by a real-life murderer, Dr. Alfredo Ballí Treviño.
As Lecter and Treviño both displayed refined tastes, scholarly behaviors, and backgrounds in the medical field, Treviño’s skills in deception and manipulation were the traits Harris based his character on.
Trevino was convicted of murdering his boyfriend in 1959. Apparently, over an argument, he slit his boyfriend’s throat and to escape justice, he dismembered his body and buried it in an empty lot.
Anthony Hopkins played the reel-life Dr. Alfredo Ballí Treviño tremendously and his terrific acting ingrained Hannibal Lecter in the history of Cinema as one of the most spine-chilling movies and characters.
3. Tony Stark – Inspired by Howard Hughes
Tony Stark aka Iron Man played by Robert Downey Jr. in the movie series is inspired by a real-life billionaire, Howard Hughes.
Howard Hughes was one of the most enigmatic figures of the 20th Century. He was known for his wealth, deep fascination with aviation, and engineering aircraft. Because of this, he was known as a self-taught genius.
Much like Howard, Tony Stark is depicted as one of the most intelligent individuals in the Marvel Universe. His genius is the cornerstone of his ability to create the Iron Man suit and advanced technologies.
Another similarity between Howard and Stark is their wealth and business empire. In the 1930s, Howard founded a leading international airline, known as Trans World Airlines.
Similarly, Stark inherited Stark Industries, turning it into a powerhouse that funds his heroic ventures and technological advancements.
In the end, it’s their shared qualities that make them both legends in their own right. Hughes in the real world, and Stark in the Marvel Universe.
4. Martha – Based on A Real Stalker
Baby Reindeer is a 2024 Netflix miniseries. The series is based on the real-life experience of the writer, Richard Gadd who stars as the main character Donny in the series.
The main antagonist of the movie Martha, played by Jessica Gunning is based on a real-life stalker “Martha” (a pseudonym), who terrorized Richard Gadd.
In real life, “Martha” met Gadd in 2014 after one of his comedy performances and began stalking him obsessively.
Her behaviour escalated over time, involving constant emails, social media messages, and even physical appearances at his home and workplace.
The relentless harassment had a severe impact on Gadd’s mental health, and his experience with “Martha” became the basis for his critically acclaimed show, Baby Reindeer.
5. Sherlock Homes – Inspired by Dr Joseph Bell
Sherlock is a novel series that follows the fictional adventures of Doctor Watson and Sherlock Holmes as they investigate the most unusual cases together. The character has had many well-known portrayals.
In the 2009 film “Sherlock Holmes“, Robert Downey Jr. brought the character to life, while Benedict Cumberbatch redefined the character in the BBC series “Sherlock“ (2010-2017).
Ian McKellen also offered a unique take in “Mr. Holmes” (2015), and more recently, Henry Cavill portrayed the iconic detective in Netflix’s “Enola Holmes.”
Although Sherlock Holmes is an entirely fictional character, Conan Doyle the writer of Sherlock Holmes stated that he was inspired by Dr. Joseph Bell, who had been his professor at the University of Edinburgh.
Joseph was a Scottish surgeon and a lecturer at Edinburgh Medical School. He was known for his keen observation and deduction skills, which he used to make diagnoses based on small details.
His ability to deduce a patient’s history from seemingly minor observations greatly influenced the character of Sherlock Holmes, who uses the same methods to solve complex cases.
6. Hermione Granger – Inspired by JK Rowling
The Harry Potter books and movies hold a special place in the hearts of fans in all generations.
J.K. Rowling has shared that many of the characters are influenced by her own experiences and people she has known.
One such character is Hermione Granger, who is particularly dear to Rowling, as she drew inspiration from her own personality to bring Hermione to life.
She stated that Hermione and her share many interests and similarities, stating that she had been a geeky kid herself throughout her childhood.
Rowling has also mentioned that Hermione’s intelligence and dedication to studying and strong moral compass are a reflection of Rowling’s own personality and academic experiences.
7. Miranda Priestly – Inspired by Anna Wintour
Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada played by Meryl Streep is one of the most iconic characters from the 2000s.
The film is based on the novel by Lauren Weisberger and has been a hit among fashion geeks since ever its premiere.
That said, there is a large possibility Miranda could be heavily inspired by the legendary Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour, whom the writer described as a cold-tempered and stoic editor during her time as her assistant.
Anna Wintour is a highly influential figure in the fashion industry who has shaped various fashion trends and promoted new designers like Miranda Priestly does in the movie.
Wintour plays a major role in organizing high-profile fashion events like the Met Gala, for which she curates the exclusive guest list herself.
8. Mary Poppins – Inspired by The Author’s Personal Life
The magical nanny, Mary Poppins first appeared in the 1934 novel “Marry Poppins” by P.L Travers. Since then, Mary Poppins has had various well-known cinema adaptations.
The inspiration for the wholesome character came close to home for the author as she based Mary on her closest childhood relationships.
Mary Poppins was partly inspired by Travers’ father, a bank manager who she described had a whimsical side that influenced the character’s blend of magical realism and practicality.
Traver also drew inspiration from her experience with nannies and governesses during her childhood, which contributed to the development of Mary Poppin’s authoritative yet nurturing persona.
These personal influences enriched the character, making Mary Poppins a beloved and enduring figure.
Julie Andrews‘s iconic portrayal of Mary Poppins in the 1964 Disney film set the gold standard with her enchanting charm and magical presence, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
In Mary Poppins Returns (2018), Emily Blunt brought a fresh take to the beloved character, honouring the original while adding her own unique energy and charm.
9. Auric Goldfinger – Inspired by Erno Goldfinger
The wealthy, megalomaniacal businessman Auric Goldfinger from the James Bond novel and film series was inspired by a real-life individual.
Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, based this infamous character on his neighbour, Erno Goldfinger, a Hungarian architect, known in Britain for his modernist and brutalist architectural design, styles that Fleming reportedly found distasteful.
The use of Goldfinger’s name in the novel sparked a legal dispute, with Erno Goldfinger threatening to sue Fleming over the unflattering portrayal.
The matter was eventually settled out of court. Fleming even offered to change the character’s name, but Erno agreed to let it be.
10. Norman Bates – Inspired by a Real-Life Serial Killer
The 1960s film adaptation of the novel Psycho features Norman Bates, the mentally disturbed proprietor of Bates Motel.
The character is portrayed to have been suffering from an identity disorder, causing him to develop an alter ego under whose influence he commits murders.
While some might assume the character was purely a product of the author’s imagination, in reality, Norman Bates was inspired by the real-life serial killer Ed Gein, who was infamously known as the Butcher of Plainfield.
Gein’s horrifying crimes included creating household objects from the body parts of his victims, making him one of the most grotesque figures in criminal history.
Compared to his real-life counterpart, Norman Bates is a less gruesome, though still deeply unsettling, version of the Butcher of Plainfield.
11. Professor Snape – Inspired by JK Rowling’s School Teacher
The stoic Defense against the dark arts teacher, Professor Snape at Hogwarts is a complex yet beloved character from the Harry Potter movies.
He is perceived as cold, harsh, and intimidating, with a tendency to be sarcastic. JK Rowling expressed that she found inspiration for Professor Snape from her childhood chemistry teacher John Nettleship.
John Nettleship was a chemistry teacher known for his disciplined teaching methods and strong personality. Alan Rickman who portrayed the character of Severus Snape did justice to J.K. Rowling’s vision.
Nettleship’s strict nature and the impression he made on JK Rowling contributed to the development of Snape’s character. Rowling described her teacher as a stern yet complex educator, much so like Snape.
12. Dorian Gray – Inspired by Poet John Gray
The anti-hero aristocrat played by actor Ben Barnes from the 2007 adaptation of the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde is said to have been influenced by various legends and historical figures.
One prominent figure is the English poet John Gray, a close friend and possible romantic interest of Wilde. John Gray, an aesthetic poet of the 1890s, left a significant mark on the novel.
Beyond the shared surname, Wilde’s dedication of The Picture of Dorian Gray to John Gray underscores his influence on the character. Another influential figure is Walter Pater, an English essayist and art critic.
Pater’s seminal work, The Renaissance (1873), profoundly shaped Wilde’s views on beauty and aesthetics, making Pater’s ideas a crucial element in the development of Dorian Gray.
While it remains speculative, it is clear that Wilde drew on diverse influences, including real-life figures, in crafting the complex character of Dorian Gray.
13. Cosmo Kramer – Inspired by Comedian Kenny Kramer
Cosmo Kramer from the 1989 American Sitcom “Seinfeld” is known for his eccentric personality, quirky mannerisms, and incentive schemes.
Kramer is characterized by his outlandish ideas, and unusual lifestyle, providing comedic relief.
The real-life inspiration for Cosmo Kramer came from the former stand-up comedian Kenny Kramer, who was also Larry David‘s neighbour, the co-creator of the series.
Much like Cosmo, Kenny is also known for his eccentric and flamboyant personality, providing a close relevance for a comedic relief character.
14. Ursula – Inspired by Drag Queen Devine
The classic Disney villain Ursula the sea witch in Disney’s The Little Mermaid remains one of the most iconic today.
Despite living in the deep sea, she mastered a dramatic makeup look that would put modern-day beauty gurus to shame. Her appearance was heavily inspired by the American actor and drag queen, Divine.
Divine was an iconic American actor and drag queen known for her bold, outrageous performances and larger-than-life persona.
She became a cult figure through her work, particularly in films like “Pink Flamingos” and
“Hairspray”.
Divine’s distinctive look characterized by dramatic makeup, dark eyeshadow, sharply arched brows, and bold red lips directly inspired the look of Ursula.
The character’s creators drew from Divine’s flamboyant style to craft Ursula’s menacing yet theatrical appearance, making her one of Disney’s most memorable villains.
15. Edna Mode – Inspired by Costume Designer Edith Head
Edna Mode of The Incredibles is a diminutive fashion designer who specializes in creating high-tech suits for superheroes. Since the release of the movie, Edna has been compared to various celebrities and fashion designers.
One of the possible inspirations for Edna is fashion designer Edith Head. Fans of the character have made comparisons between Edna and Edith which included a bob haircut and oversized glasses.
Edith Head was a highly influential American costume designer. Renowned for her work in Hollywood, she won Eight Academy Awards for Best Costume Design.
This achievement made her one of the most awarded designers in film history. Edna is also known for her no-nonsense attitude, sharp wit, and distinctive style, similar to Edith Heade.
