Top 10 TV Characters Based on Real People
#10: Villanelle
“Killing Eve” (2018–)
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Jodie Comer’s Villanelle is so merciless it’s terrifying to think she’s actually based on a real person. Luke Jennings, the author of the book “Killing Eve” is based on, has reportedly said that the character was inspired by hitwoman Idoia López Riaño. Referred to by many as “La Tigresa,” (tee-GRAY-sah) she was a member of ETA (AY-tah), a notorious Basque separatist group responsible for countless horrific acts. It’s been said that Riaño had a bit of a vanity issue, but that she had no qualms when it came to killing. Jennings went so far as to say that she lacked “empathy.” Do you see the resemblance yet?
#9: Piper Chapman
“Orange Is the New Black” (2013–19)
While its large and vibrant cast made this show must-see TV, it’s easy to forget that it was actually born out of true events. Taylor Schilling's protagonist Piper Chapman is based on writer Piper Kerman. It was her memoir about her time in a federal prison that served as the initial inspiration for the acclaimed Netflix original. However, the writers added many fictional subplots and characters to create a more expansive story. So Piper’s much more than just a representation of the writer. And since her stint behind bars, Kerman has dedicated herself to causes related to incarcerated women and prison reform.
#8: Vincent Chase
“Entourage” (2004–11)
For eight seasons, “Entourage” fans watched as fictional movie star Vincent Chase navigated the highs and lows of Hollywood alongside his spirited cohort of friends. Many real world stars appeared on the show, often playing themselves. One of those celebrities was Mark Wahlberg, who also served as an executive producer. Oh, and did we mention he was the inspiration for Vince? Some elements of his past were downplayed or rewritten entirely. Still, it’s hard not to see the parallels between the character Adrian Grenier so brilliantly played on the show and Wahlberg himself.
#7: Omar Little
“The Wire” (2002-08)
HBO’s “The Wire” was inspired by the real-life experiences of creator David Simon’s writing partner Ed Burns, a former Baltimore detective. While many of the storylines were drawn from real-life people or events, few characters made as big an impact as Omar Little. As played by the late Michael K. Williams, Omar was a complicated and often contradictory criminal. Simon and Burns reportedly based the character on Donnie Andrews, an armed robber and dealer. Andrews later turned his back on his life of crime, becoming a longtime advocate working to stop gang violence and addiction until his untimely death in 2012.
#6: Miss Piggy
“The Muppet Show” (1976-81)
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She’s sassy, she’s stylish, she’s… stuffed. Miss Piggy would surely be the first one to tell anyone who didn’t already know what an icon she is, and rightfully so! Her diva antics, flamboyant personality, and karate chops were seemingly the creation of puppeteer and performer Frank Oz. But designer Bonnie Erickson used jazz singer Peggy Lee to bring the legendary character to life. In fact, the Muppet was originally known as Miss Piggy Lee, but they switched her moniker so as to not “upset” the real star. But according to Lee’s granddaughter, she was flattered to be the inspiration behind the beloved fashionista!
#5: Don Draper
“Mad Men” (2007-15)
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Using the high-pressure world of mid-century advertising as its backdrop, “Mad Men” constantly has one foot in the real world. Inspired by cigarette ads of the time, writer-producer Matthew Weiner is thought to have written Don Draper in the mold of legendary “ad men”. For instance, Draper Daniels was a creative force behind the original Marlboro Man character, though Weiner has denied there being a link there. Furthermore, Bill Backer came up with a famous Coca Cola tune from the 1970s. The fictional Don Draper is suggested to have gone on to craft this commercial himself at the show’s end. It’s no wonder “Mad Men” feels so believable.
#4: Tony Soprano
“The Sopranos” (1999-2007)
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“The Sopranos” is still seen as one of the most realistic depictions of a crime family ever put on screen. Maybe that’s because Tony Soprano is actually based on an actual mobster. Vincent “Vinny Ocean” Palermo was apparently the inspiration behind James Gandolfini's character. If you’ve ever heard of the New Jersey DeCavalcantes, then you may recognize the name, as he was essentially the head of the crime family. Though his onscreen counterpart hated disloyal “rats,” Palermo actually served as a witness for the government in the late ‘90s. We have to wonder if he has any opinions about what the show got right – or wrong!
#3: Lucious Lyon
“Empire” (2015-20)
Lucious Lyon, the rapper and music producer at the center of this series, fought his way to the top of the industry despite his criminal past. Although the primetime soap opera’s storylines were sometimes larger than life, Lucious’ history mirrors one of modern music’s true success stories. “Empire” co-creator Danny Strong cited Jay-Z’s journey to becoming the music mogul we all know today as inspiration for some parts of the character. However, the parallels seemingly end there. Jay-Z is now a successful executive and entrepreneur, while Terrence Howard's character never truly thrives in the same peaceful way.
#2: Olivia Pope
“Scandal” (2012-18)
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If you think things in Washington D.C. are crazy, the intrigue and affairs of state featured on “Scandal” turns the heat way up. Played by Kerry Washington, Olivia Pope is a professional “fixer” who handles the behind-the-scenes string-pulling necessary in the wake of political scandals. But Pope isn’t just another immaculate creation from the mind of creator Shonda Rhimes. She’s based on Judy Smith, who worked under the first Bush Administration and whose crisis management firm has handled high-profile cases like the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Although Pope is based on a real person, the more dramatic events featured on the show are — thankfully — fictional.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Ali G, “Da Ali G Show” (2000-04)
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Chris, “Everybody Hates Chris” (2005-09)
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Eddie Huang, “Fresh Off the Boat” (2015-20)
This Family Comedy Was Based on a Memoir by Eddie Huang
Temperance “Bones” Brennan, “Bones” (2005-17)
This Forensic Anthropologist Was Somewhat Inspired by the Life & Career of Writer Kathy Reichs
Moira Rose, "Schitt's Creek” (2015-20)
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#1: Cosmo Kramer
“Seinfeld” (1989-98)
Known for his outlandish behavior and entrepreneurial spirit, Cosmo Kramer is one of TV’s most unforgettable characters. Although most “Seinfeld” fans know that George Costanza is based on writer-creator Larry David, few are aware that Kramer was inspired by a real person as well. According to David, Cosmo Kramer came to be thanks to a man named Kenny Kramer. Much like the fictional character, Kenny used to show up in David’s apartment unannounced and eat his food. Fittingly, the real Kramer turned his namesake character into a side hustle, hosting bus tours that visited locations featured on the hit TV show.
