Who was the real life namesake of Crowley in Supernatural? Names are very important within the realm of Supernatural, with many characters christened after figures from mythology or legend. The Winchesters themselves were named after both the famous gun and a haunted house attraction, while angels such as Michael, Castiel and Gabriel are all derived partially or wholly from genuine biblical figures. The same goes for Supernatural's demonic contingent. Villains such as Lilith, Belphegor and Azazel all take their titles from established demons or evil spirits in wider lore. While all of the above are appropriately ancient, Crowley's name has much more recent inspirations.
Played by Mark Sheppard between seasons 5 and 12, Crowley begins as a humble crossroads demon in Supernatural, but through intelligence, cunning and ruthlessness, works his way to becoming the King of Hell. Initially an antagonistic force, Crowley's attitude towards Sam and Dean softens over time, turning the character into more of a lovable antihero. Crowley's pragmatism and realistic ambitions often put him and the Winchesters on the same side, and the demon ultimately dies trying to trap Lucifer in an alternate dimension. Supernatural's Crowley shares similarities with the Neil Gaiman character of the same name, but according to Mark Sheppard himself, both characters trace back to a real life figure known as Aleister Crowley.
The real life Crowley was born in 1875 England, but achieved notoriety in the early part of the 20th century before his eventual death in 1945. Raised within a strict Christian upbringing, Crowley rejected his parents' beliefs at an early age and indulged in activities that were frowned upon during his day, although perhaps wouldn't raise an eyebrow in 2020. As an adult, Crowley began dabbling in occult literature while exploring free-thinking philosophies that were considered taboo by his contemporaries. This interest rapidly developed as Crowley, now the self-proclaimed "Beast," studied magic, published his own occult works and frequented secret societies such as Golden Dawn.
The legend of Aleister Crowley became more widespread after he founded his own religion, Thelema, which instructed followers to live as they wanted. As Crowley's influence spread in Britain and across the world, the mainstream were quick to decry him as an evil follower of Satan, no doubt enhancing his reputation and eventual legacy. Although never confirmed, Crowley was routinely linked to the secret services and this only bolstered his shadowy reputation as a mystical but influential figure. Much of what Crowley did in his lifetime would likely be considered kooky or self-destructive by today's standards, but his influence on pop culture arguably overreaches those achievements, as gothic and magic-based subcultures would rapidly become mainstream. Still, Aleister Crowley was involved in several genuinely concerning scandals. Crowley openly supported Germany during World War I (although later claimed he was operating undercover) and a dedicated follower died while living at the controversial Thelemite abbey in Sicily, but Crowley's own role in this tragedy remains unclear.
In many ways, Aleister Crowley is a very apt inspiration for the Supernatural character. In the series, Crowley is a regular demon in the lofty position of leading Hell, and the Winchesters soon find him to be far more amenable that the likes of Lucifer or Azazel. In a similar fashion, Aleister Crowley was painted as a sinister, evil occultist, whereas many modern scholars see him as a bisexual drug user who wrapped radically progressive political concepts in the guise of rituals and occult gatherings. In both cases, the reputation is more foreboding than the man - supposed embodiments of evil who, despite some undoubtedly wicked deeds, are something quite different in reality.
In more recent years, Crowley has become a byword for the paranormal - something perpetrated by the likes of Ozzy Osbourne (a man with his own share of Satanic accusations) who wrote a song about the infamous magician for his debut solo album. In truth, the only otherworldly element to Ozzy's "Mr. Crowley" is the guitar solo. Nevertheless, Crowley's reputation helps bring the same mysticism and enigma to his Supernatural counterpart, who revels in his role as the intellectual demon with a fondness for the Winchesters. However, that relationship works both ways, and the Supernatural character will, in turn, ensure that Aleister Crowley's name lives on and continues to be attached to the demonic and the arcane.
Supernatural season 15 is currently on hiatus.