Photo: Netflix/SplashNews.com Martin Scorsese’s nonpareil gangster testament The Irishman factors in decades of American history, Teamster corruption, and violent Mafia lore, all condensed into a screenplay by writer Steven Zaillian. But as the film notes in its bookending moments, it’s all told with the reliability of a confession from a lonely man in a retirement home.
Russell Bufalino Joe Pesci and the real Russell Bufalino . Photo: Netflix/Getty Images Joe Pesci’s performance as the widely known mafioso Russell Bufalino nods at both the public’s familiarity with this member of the Philadelphia crime family, but also at his reputation as “the Quiet Don.” Known for his unassuming presence but deep influence, he was rumored to have had a part in an assassination attempt against Fidel Castro, and also in getting Al Martino a part in the movie The Godfather.
Felix “Skinny Razor” DiTullio Felix “Skinny Razor” DiTullio was the main assassin for Angelo Bruno, and a revered mob captain in Philadelphia. He got his start as a bootlegger, and then moved up to collecting and shakedowns. DiTullio also mentored rising mafia dons like Nicodemo “Little Nicky” Scarfo and Ralph Natale. DiTullio died from natural causes at the age of 60. The Friendly Lounge, where DiTullio is seen enjoying his steaks in The Irishman, is still standing in South Philly.
Salvatore “Sally Bugs” Briguglio The real Salvatore “Sally Bugs” Briguglio . Photo: Bettmann/Bettmann Archive Briguglio got his nickname for the bug-eyed glasses seen above, and was secretary-treasurer of Union City’s Local 560 International Brotherhood of Teamsters, replacing the man that he killed, with the help of Harold Konigsberg, Anthony “Three Finger Tony” Castellito .
Jo Hoffa The real Jo Hoffa . Photo: Bettmann/Bettmann Archive Born Josephine Poszywak, Scorsese’s film presents Jo Hoffa primarily as Hoffa’s supportive wife. But FBI surveillance in real life revealed that she dealt with a great deal of loneliness. She struggled with mental-health and addiction issues, and had an affair with a Detroit mobster named Anthony “Tony Long” Cimini, whom Hoffa tried to have assassinated by Detroit mob don Joe Zerilli.