Summary

• Real-life drug kingpin Frank Lucas, who inspired the movie American Gangster, passed away in 2019 at the age of 88.
• Lucas managed to avoid his initial 70-year prison sentence but was later caught selling heroin in 1984 and served seven years behind bars.
• Lucas' wife, Julianna Farrait, also played a role in his drug business and faced her own legal troubles, spending five years in prison for her involvement. Since Lucas' death, Farrait has maintained a private and low-key life.

Real life drug baron Frank Lucas inspired the 2007 film American Gangster with his heroin business in the late 60s. Ridley Scott directed the crime drama, with Denzel Washington playing a semi-fictionalized version of Frank Lucas. The film follows Lucas' drug business, where he sold heroin as "blue magic" and was convicted in 1976 for drug trafficking — with his methods including smuggling drugs into the country in the coffins of dead Vietnam soldiers. He was sentenced to 70 years in prison but became an informant and was placed in the Witness Protection Program with his family.

The drug-themed movie took some creative liberties, changing some of the story to make American Gangster more interesting. Frank Lucas himself has clarified that much of the movie was not accurate to what happened. The DEA even sued Universal, calling the agency's portrayal demoralizing. However, the film received mostly positive reviews and was nominated for two Academy Awards. With the film's continued popularity years later, many have wondered what happened to Frank Lucas after American Gangster premiered and if he's still alive today.

Frank Lucas Died In 2019

The Real Drug Kingpin Who Inspired American Gangster Passed Away Aged 88

Frank Lucas passed away in 2019 of natural causes, 12 years after Denzel Washington brought the story of his life to the big screen in American Gangster. Rolling Stone reported his death at 88 years old after Lucas' nephew Aldwan Lassiter confirmed it. In his remaining years, the drug dealer was in a wheelchair as he broke both legs in a car accident.

While Lucas avoided the 70 years in prison he was initially sentenced to, he was caught selling heroin in 1984 and served seven. As American Gangster shows, Lucas' wife, Julianna Farrait, stood by his side and even played a role in his drug dealing.

Frank Lucas died in Cedar Grove, New Jersey on May 30, 2019.

What Happened To Frank Lucas' Wife After Prison?

Julianna Farrait Had Just As Turbulent A Story As Frank Lucas

Julianna Farrait was the inspiration for Eva in American Gangster (played by Lymari Nadal), and was an integral part of Frank Lucas' drug business. She also faced jail time for drug dealing, and in 2010 was arrested in Puerto Rico for trying to sell cocaine. Farrait was convicted for her involvement in her husband's crimes and spent five years in prison. When she was released, the couple spent some time apart, and Farrait even moved back to Puerto Rico. However, they ultimately reunited later on.

Since Lucas' death, Farrait has stayed out of the media and lived a very private life. There have been no updates on her or whether she is still alive, so it is assumed she is. Luckily, this also means she's likely staying out of trouble and has no plans to get involved in any more drug businesses that could inspire another movie like American Gangster.