How a Brooklyn Prosecutor Landed a Role in "Goodfellas"
Edward McDonald, a former prosecutor who worked with mob informant Henry Hill, details his unexpected on-screen debut and crime-fighting career in his new memoir.
Edward McDonald, a prosecutor instrumental in bringing down Mafia figures, found himself in an unlikely role on the set of Martin Scorsese's acclaimed film "Goodfellas." McDonald, who was an informal advisor on the film, was offered a role playing himself after impressing the director. He detailed his experiences in his new memoir, "Chasing Goodfellas: Lufthansa, Henry Hill, Point Shaving, and Making Movies."
During the late 1980s, McDonald shared his real-life experiences working with mobster Henry Hill, the subject of the film, with Scorsese's team. This collaboration ensured the movie's details were accurate. McDonald's own potential casting was considered, and after a screen test with Scorsese, he was offered the part.
As the head of the Justice Department's Organized Crime Strike Force in Brooklyn during the 1970s and '80s, McDonald led investigations into the Mafia, corruption, and racketeering. He secured convictions against five corrupt U.S. congressmen and over 70 labor officials, as well as more than 60 members of La Cosa Nostra and several Mafia family leaders.
McDonald also worked closely with Henry Hill, whose criminal history included charges for petit larceny, bookmaking, loan-sharking, assault, and extortion. Instead of prosecuting him, McDonald persuaded Hill to become a cooperating witness, turning him into a key government informant.
Hill's testimony was crucial in securing convictions for the 1978 Lufthansa heist at JFK Airport, where $5 million in cash and $875,000 in jewelry were stolen. The heist was orchestrated by Jimmy "The Gent" Burke, an associate of the Lucchese crime family, and Lufthansa employee Louis Werner.
Through Hill's cooperation, McDonald also uncovered the 1978 scheme involving Burke and Hill to fix Boston College basketball games. This involved paying players to manipulate the margin of victory rather than to lose outright, facilitating large bets.
Hill's testimony led to approximately 50 convictions in various cases. In return, McDonald facilitated Hill, his wife, and their two children's entry into the Witness Protection Program. McDonald expressed little concern for his own safety during his career, attributing it to a belief that mob bosses would avoid drawing excessive attention by harming prosecutors.
"Goodfellas," released in September 1990, received critical and commercial success, earning six Oscar nominations and one win for Joe Pesci. McDonald's performance as himself was also noted.
McDonald's work with Hill led to a lasting friendship. He described Hill as charming, self-deprecating, and funny, despite acknowledging his often despicable and infuriating nature.
Hill died in Los Angeles in June 2012 at age 69. McDonald reflected on Hill's life, recalling his statement in "Goodfellas" that "it was a glorious time."
