11 Real People Who Inspired Famous Movie Characters

5. SHREK

Before Mike Meyers voiced the character on the big screen, there was a real-life “Shrek” who walked the earth. Maurice Tillet was a French wrestler who was nicknamed “the freak ogre of the ring” because of his abnormal appearance.

He suffered from acromegaly (which causes thickening of the bones).

6. ROCKO

When the producers of “Rocko’s Modern Life” were pitching the idea to networks, they used a phrase that perfectly fit the character’s persona. Rocko was described as “a young anthropomorphic Woody Allen who just moved away from his home into a surrealistic adult world.”

7. THE DUDE

The Coen brothers didn’t have to look too far for their main character in “The Big Lebowski.” Jeff Dowd (a friend of the two brothers) basically was “the dude” before the script came out — his attitude, drink of choice, nickname and even parts of his own biography were used when putting this iconic character together.

8. COSMO KRAMER

“Seinfeld” co-creator Larry David based Jerry’s friend off of his personal experience with a neighbor. Kenny Kramer lived next door to David and his eccentric behavior and unique style led to the birth of Cosmo Kramer.