What actor played Jimmy Conway in 'Goodfellas'?

Robert De Niro played Jimmy Conway in Goodfellas.

De Niro’s character is based on real-life gangster Jimmy “The Gent” Burke, though the film changes the character’s surname to Conway. Burke was an Irish American associate involved in hijacking and organized crime, and the character becomes one of Henry Hill’s most important criminal associates in the story.

Goodfellas was directed by Martin Scorsese and adapted from Nicholas Pileggi’s nonfiction book Wiseguy. Ray Liotta plays Henry Hill, the film’s central narrator, while Joe Pesci plays Tommy DeVito, another member of the volatile group. That trio is a frequent source of quiz confusion because all three actors occupy major roles in the same crime story.

De Niro’s involvement was also important behind the scenes: once he agreed to play Conway, Scorsese was able to secure financing for the film. To prepare, De Niro consulted Pileggi and repeatedly spoke with Henry Hill about details such as Burke’s walk and mannerisms.