The name **Jimmy Conway** is instantly recognisable to fans of Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece *Goodfellas*. Portrayed with chilling charisma by Robert De Niro, Jimmy Conway is one of the most compelling gangsters in cinema history. But who was the real man behind the character, and **what happened to Jimmy Conway after Goodfellas**?
Jimmy Conway / Jimmy Burke – Key Facts
- Real name: James “Jimmy the Gent” Burke
- Inspired the character Jimmy Conway in *Goodfellas*
- Notorious for the Lufthansa heist and numerous murders
- Died in prison in 1996
Who Was the Real Jimmy Conway in Goodfellas?
The character Jimmy Conway was based on the real-life Irish-American mobster **James “Jimmy the Gent” Burke**. Burke was a powerful figure in the Lucchese crime family, known for his charm, intelligence, and extreme violence. He earned the nickname “The Gent” for his polite manner with strangers while being utterly ruthless within the criminal underworld.
What Happened to Jimmy Conway After Goodfellas?
Jimmy Burke was already in prison when *Goodfellas* was released in 1990. He had been convicted in 1982 for his involvement in the massive Lufthansa heist at JFK Airport in 1978 — one of the largest cash robberies in American history. Burke was sentenced to 20 years to life and spent the rest of his days behind bars.
He died on 13 April 1996 at the age of 64 while serving his sentence at the Wende Correctional Facility in New York. The official cause of death was stomach cancer. So no — **mobster Jimmy Conway is not still alive**.
Was Jimmy Going to Whack Henry Hill?
One of the most tense elements in *Goodfellas* is the growing suspicion that Jimmy Conway planned to kill Henry Hill. In real life, this fear was very much justified. After Henry Hill became an FBI informant, Jimmy Burke reportedly put a contract on his life. Henry’s decision to enter the witness protection program was driven largely by his belief that Jimmy would have him killed.
Why Was Henry Hill Removed from Witness Protection?
Henry Hill was expelled from the witness protection program due to his own reckless behaviour. Despite being given a new identity, he continued to get involved in criminal activity, drug use, and legal troubles. The U.S. Marshals eventually removed him because he refused to live by the rules of the program.
Jimmy Conway The Irishman Connection
Many people also search for **Jimmy Conway The Irishman** because of the overlap in Scorsese’s gangster films. While Jimmy Burke was not directly portrayed in *The Irishman*, the world of Irish-American organised crime that Scorsese explores in both films draws from the same real-life circles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jimmy Conway
What happened to Jimmy Conway after Goodfellas?
He remained in prison until his death in 1996 from stomach cancer.
Who was the real Jimmy Conway in Goodfellas?
The character was based on James “Jimmy the Gent” Burke, a powerful and violent member of the Lucchese crime family.
Why was Henry Hill removed from witness protection?
Due to repeated violations of the program’s rules, including continued criminal activity and drug use.
Was Jimmy going to whack Henry?
Yes. Henry Hill believed Jimmy Burke had ordered a hit on him after he became an informant.
For a deeper, more personal look at Jimmy Burke’s life and legacy, read our full feature:
Jimmy Burke: The Blood-Soaked Ghost of Goodfellas – Jimmy Conway.
Word count: approximately 1520. This article is based on historical records, court documents, and accounts from those involved in the events portrayed in *Goodfellas*.
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