Real life inspiration: Frank Lucas

In reality: Lucas was a well known criminal in 1960s America. He and another gangster (Nicky Barnes) ran the drug trade in Harlem, with Lucas having since claimed he made over $1 million a day in profit. This was until he was caught and turned government informant.

In the movies: Lucas was portrayed in the 2007 biopic 'American Gangster' by the award winning Denzel Washington. Denzel and Lucas met, and spoke in depth prior and during shooting to ensure accuracy was maintained.