Who is Mario Modeled After?
The beloved video game character Mario, created by the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto, has been a part of our lives for decades. But have you ever wondered who inspired the iconic plumber’s design and personality? The answer lies in a fascinating story that dates back to the early days of Nintendo.
The Real Mario: Mario Segale
Mario Segale, an Italian-American businessman and real estate developer, is the inspiration behind the character Mario. Born on April 30, 1934, Segale was a rugged and charming individual who lived in the Seattle area. In the 1950s, he began working as a landlord, renting out warehouses to various businesses, including Nintendo of America.
The Fateful Encounter
According to Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, the character was originally named "Jumpman" and was meant to be a carpenter who had to rescue a damsel in distress named Pauline from a giant ape named Donkey Kong. However, things took an unexpected turn when Nintendo’s US office received an eviction notice from their warehouse landlord, Mario Segale.
A Chance Encounter
One day, Miyamoto and his team received an unexpected visit from Segale himself, who was furious about the late rent payments. The tense situation turned into a humorous encounter, with Segale’s boisterous personality and mannerisms leaving a lasting impression on the team. It was then that Miyamoto decided to rename the character "Mario" as a tribute to his feisty landlord.
The Birth of Mario
With the name change, Mario’s character underwent a transformation from a carpenter to a plumber. The iconic red cap, blue overalls, and mustache became a defining feature of the character. Segale’s rugged personality and charisma inspired Mario’s bold and confident demeanor, while his Italian-American heritage added a touch of cultural authenticity to the character.
The Evolution of Mario
Over the years, Mario has undergone several transformations, from his early days as a carpenter to his current status as a plumber. His personality has also evolved, becoming more cheerful and adventurous. However, the core essence of Mario remains rooted in the character’s origins, thanks to the inspiration from Mario Segale.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- Mario Segale passed away on October 27, 2018, at the age of 84.
- The original Mario game, "Donkey Kong," was released in 1981 and was a massive success, introducing the world to the iconic character.
- Mario’s mustache was inspired by Segale’s own distinctive facial hair.
- The character’s iconic red cap was originally meant to be a red hat, but it was changed to a cap to make it more practical for a plumber.
- Mario’s catchphrase, "It’s-a me, Mario!" was added in the 1990s and has since become an iconic part of the character’s personality.
Conclusion
Mario’s origin story is a testament to the power of serendipity and the importance of creative inspiration. From his humble beginnings as a carpenter to his current status as a global icon, Mario’s evolution is a direct result of the encounters and experiences that shaped his character. The story of Mario Segale serves as a reminder that even the most unexpected encounters can lead to the creation of something truly remarkable.