Frank Sivero, ‘Goodfellas’ Actor, Files $250 Million Lawsuit Against ‘The Simpsons’

Frank Sivero, Goodfellas actor, is suing The Simpsons and Fox Television Studios for $250 million, claiming that the character of Louie is based on his likeness.

Frank Sivero Claims Simpsons‘ Louie Is Based On Him

Sivero starred in Goodfellas as Frankie Carbone, a character he claims Louie was based on. In the suit, Sivero alleges that Simpsons writers lived next door to him in 1989, during the pre-production of Goodfellas, and purposefully studied him to create the Louie character.

“They knew he was developing the character he was to play in the movie Goodfellas. In fact, they were aware the entire character of ‘Frankie Carbone’ was created and developed by Sivero, who based this character on his personality… Louie’s appearance and mannerisms are strongly evocative of character actor Frank Sivero,” reads the claim.

Louie, who is a member of the Simpsons mafia, debuted on the show in the 1991 episode, “Bart the Murderer,” and has been featured in 15 more episodes over the years. Sivero says that Louie’s resemblance to him has potentially cost him jobs and contributed to his being typecast.

Furthermore, Sivero claims that he met with Simpsons writer James L Brooks, who hinted at involving Sivero in a film from his production company, Gracie Films. A movie collaboration never happened, and Sivero’s lawsuit accuses Brooks of tricking him into the meeting so that Brooks could get more inspiration for Louie.

“The Simpsons continued use of Sivero’s image and likeness for commercial purposes are all done without Sivero’s consent and without compensating Sivero,” reads the complaint.

Sivero is suing for $50 million in damages for his likeness, $100 million for improper interference, $50 million in damages for appropriation of a “confidential” idea, another $50 million in exemplary damages and potential attorney fees.

Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.