Frank Lucas, the former Harlem drug kingpin whose life and lore inspired the 2007 movie "American Gangster," has died, a relative said Friday. Lucas' story became the basis for the Ridley Scott-directed "American Gangster," starring Denzel Washington as Lucas and Russell Crowe as Richard "Richie" Roberts, a composite of various detectives and prosecutors. The real-life Roberts is a former prosecutor who helped convict Lucas but later became his lawyer and friend, even godfather to Lucas' son. Lucas was a fixture on the film set, giving Washington advice on such details as how he carried his gun. Roberts told NJ.com on Friday that Lucas' health was failing when the two spoke a few weeks ago.

Source: ABC News June 01, 2019 02:02 UTC