The Real-Life Inspirations Behind Mario and Luigi

The iconic video game characters Mario and Luigi, created by Nintendo, have roots that trace back to real-life figures in the United States. Mario Arnold Segale, a businessman from Tukwila, Washington, served as the inspiration for Mario, while his father, Luigi Maria Segale, appears to have inspired the name of Luigi. This connection was recently uncovered by Elisabeth Zetland, a senior researcher with MyHeritage, who explored the Segale family's genealogy in light of the recent release of *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie*.

The Guardian

Luigi Maria Segale was born in 1886 in Favale di Malvaro, Italy, and immigrated to the United States in 1909. He settled in Tukwila, where he and his wife, Rina, raised their son Mario. The family achieved financial stability through farming, selling produce in Seattle's markets. Luigi served in the U.S. military during World War I, and the family was recognized for their contributions to the local community, particularly in support of children in foster care programs.

The Guardian

The name "Mario" was adopted by Nintendo for its character after Segale, who was the company's landlord in the 1980s. The name "Luigi" was likely chosen for its phonetic similarity to the Japanese word for "similar," as explained by Shigeru Miyamoto, the franchise's creator. There are also theories suggesting that the name may have been inspired by a local pizza parlor named Mario & Luigi's. However, the connection to Luigi Maria Segale's name adds a layer of historical significance to the character's identity.

The Guardian

Mario Arnold Segale, who passed away in 2018, had a complicated relationship with his namesake. He expressed his feelings about the association in a 1993 interview, humorously stating, “You might say I’m still waiting for my royalty checks.” His father, Luigi, who died in 1981, remains a more enigmatic figure, with little known about his thoughts on the character that shared his name.

The Guardian

The discovery of these familial connections highlights the intersection of cultural heritage and modern entertainment. As Zetland noted, the Segale family's story reflects "a legacy of Italian dreams and American opportunity." This narrative not only enriches the lore surrounding the beloved video game characters but also serves as a reminder of the immigrant experience in America.

The Guardian

• “it’s just a coincidence” — Elisabeth Zetland, Senior Researcher, MyHeritage

The Guardian

• “You might say I’m still waiting for my royalty checks.” — Mario Arnold Segale, Businessman

The Guardian

• “It’s really a legacy of Italian dreams and American opportunity,” — Elisabeth Zetland, Senior Researcher, MyHeritage

The Guardian

This exploration of the Segale family's history provides a deeper understanding of the origins of Mario and Luigi, illustrating how personal stories can shape popular culture in unexpected ways.

The Guardian