The Blacklist is known for its intriguing characters, many of whom are loosely based on real-life criminals. These characters bring a level of authenticity and historical intrigue to the show, drawing from notorious figures who have shaped criminal history. Below is a look at some key characters in The Blacklist and their real-world counterparts.
1. Raymond “Red” Reddington – Allusion to Whitey Bulger
Raymond “Red” Reddington, the central character in The Blacklist, is a former U.S. Navy officer turned master criminal. Reddington shares similarities with James “Whitey” Bulger, a notorious Boston crime boss. Bulger was the leader of the Winter Hill Gang and engaged in various criminal activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and murder. However, Bulger’s unique position as an FBI informant allowed him to evade capture for years while working undercover. This dual identity mirrors Reddington’s complex relationship with law enforcement, where he operates as both a high-profile criminal and an informant helping the FBI catch other criminals.
Bulger was on the FBI’s most-wanted list for years and was finally captured in 2011 after 16 years on the run. His life of crime and eventual downfall serve as an inspiration for Reddington’s character, who likewise operates in a dangerous and murky world while manipulating those around him.
2. Katarina Rostova – Allusion to Mata Hari and Anna Chapman
Katarina Rostova is a major figure in The Blacklist, known for her background in Russian intelligence and her role in international espionage. She draws inspiration from real-life spies like Mata Hari and Anna Chapman.
Mata Hari was a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan during World War I who was convicted of being a spy for Germany. Her life was filled with intrigue and manipulation, much like Rostova’s role as a covert agent. Similarly, Anna Chapman, a Russian national, was part of a spy ring in the United States and was arrested in 2010. Chapman’s glamorous lifestyle and her involvement in Russian espionage echo Rostova’s story, which is filled with deceit, betrayal, and international espionage during tense political times.
3. Alistair Pitt (The Director) – Allusion to Albert Anastasia
Alistair Pitt, known as “The Director” in The Blacklist, is an organized crime figure who facilitates deals between criminal families. His role resembles that of Albert Anastasia, a notorious mob boss who was a key figure in the American Mafia. Anastasia was involved in overseeing “Murder, Inc.,” a group of contract killers employed by the Mafia to handle their enemies.
Like Pitt, Anastasia managed the darker side of organized crime, including the settling of disputes and overseeing assassinations. Anastasia’s ruthless leadership and involvement in orchestrating hits make him a clear parallel to Pitt’s character in the show, who often brokers deadly deals.
4. Milton Bobbit (The Undertaker) – Allusion to Dr. Jack Kevorkian
Milton Bobbit, also known as “The Undertaker” in The Blacklist, is a hitman who persuades terminally ill people to carry out assassinations for him in exchange for money to support their families after their death. This dark character draws inspiration from Dr. Jack Kevorkian, a controversial figure who became famous for assisting terminally ill patients with euthanasia.
Kevorkian, known as “Dr. Death,” was a pathologist who believed in the right to die with dignity. While he was not involved in any criminal underworld like Bobbit, his controversial role in assisting with suicides mirrors Bobbit’s use of terminally ill individuals to carry out deadly tasks.
5. The Stewmaker – Allusion to Juan Vallejo Corona and Delfina & María de Jesús González
The Stewmaker is one of The Blacklist‘s most chilling villains, responsible for disposing of bodies by dissolving them in chemicals. This grisly method of body disposal is reminiscent of real-life criminals like Juan Vallejo Corona, a serial killer who buried his victims in shallow graves, and the infamous Mexican sisters, Delfina and María de Jesús González, who were responsible for running a brothel where they killed and disposed of bodies in a similar fashion.
The Stewmaker’s meticulous method of eliminating evidence is a fictionalized version of the extreme lengths to which some real-life criminals go to cover up their crimes. His role in The Blacklist underscores the brutality that has been seen in real criminal history.
The Blacklist cleverly weaves fiction with reality, taking inspiration from notorious real-life criminals and weaving their dark legacies into the show’s intricate plotlines. These characters provide a sense of authenticity to the show, making it both thrilling and historically intriguing for viewers. By blending the real-life stories of criminals like Whitey Bulger, Albert Anastasia, and others, The Blacklist enhances its storytelling with echoes of true crime history.
