In the late 1980s, New York prosecutor Edward McDonald served as an informal advisor on the film 'Goodfellas.' He shared insights from his real-life work with mobster Henry Hill, the film's protagonist portrayed by Ray Liotta, helping the production team ensure accuracy in the film's details. McDonald was initially considered for a character role, and after a screen test in front of director Martin Scorsese, he was cast in the film.
Now 79, McDonald discusses his casting and his career in his new book 'Chasing Goodfellas: Lufthansa, Henry Hill, Point Shaving, and Making Movies,' published by Post Hill Press on October 13. As the head of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime Strike Force in Brooklyn during the 1970s and 1980s, McDonald led significant federal investigations into organized crime, resulting in the convictions of five corrupt U.S. congressmen and over 70 labor officials, as well as more than 60 members of La Cosa Nostra.
Henry Hill, a criminal with a lengthy rap sheet, became a cooperating witness rather than facing prosecution. McDonald played a crucial role in this decision, which allowed Hill to provide testimony that was instrumental in securing convictions related to the infamous Lufthansa heist. On December 11, 1978, six armed men stole $5 million in cash and approximately $875,000 in jewelry from a Lufthansa cargo facility at John F. Kennedy Airport, marking it as the largest robbery in U.S. history at that time.
The heist was orchestrated by Jimmy Burke, a member of the Lucchese crime family, who was also a mentor to Hill. McDonald’s collaboration with Hill led to further investigations, including a scheme to corrupt Boston College basketball players by paying them to manipulate game outcomes. McDonald secured around 50 convictions across various cases with Hill's assistance, and ensured Hill and his family were placed in the Witness Protection Program.
Despite the dangers associated with prosecuting organized crime, McDonald expressed that he was not overly concerned for his safety, believing that mob bosses would not risk retaliation against prosecutors. 'Goodfellas' was released in September 1990, receiving critical acclaim and six Oscar nominations, including a win for Joe Pesci's role as Tommy DeVito. McDonald’s performance was noted, with screenwriter Nick Pileggi remarking on his memorable role.
In his book, McDonald reflects on his friendship with Hill, describing him as charming and humorous, despite his criminal background. Hill passed away from smoking-related heart issues on June 11, 2012, the day after his 69th birthday. McDonald noted, 'It was amazing he lived so long,' recalling Hill's sentiment from 'Goodfellas' about it being a 'glorious time.'