Genealogy Research Uncovers Luigi Segale as Potential Inspiration for Super Mario's Brother
In a fascinating twist of video game history, new genealogical research has revealed that Luigi, the beloved brother of Super Mario, may have been named after the real-life father of Mario Arnold Segale, the businessman who inspired the iconic plumber character. Elisabeth Zetland, a senior researcher at MyHeritage, made this discovery while exploring Segale's family background, coinciding with the release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie in early April.
The Coincidence That Shaped Gaming History
For decades, gaming enthusiasts have known that Nintendo named Super Mario after Mario Segale, their landlord in Tukwila, Washington, during the 1980s. Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Super Mario, confirmed this in 2015, noting that Segale's appearance also influenced the character. However, the origin of Luigi's name remained shrouded in mystery until now. Zetland's investigation suggests it might be a remarkable coincidence, potentially one of the biggest in the video game industry.
While Miyamoto previously explained that Luigi was chosen because the name rhymes with the Japanese word for "similar," others speculated it came from a local pizza parlor called Mario & Luigi's. Nintendo has not commented on whether they were aware of Segale's father's name. Zetland, who is of Italian descent, embarked on this research due to the movie's box office success, compiling records that paint a vivid picture of the Segale family's immigrant journey.
The Life of Luigi Maria Segale: An Immigrant's Tale
Luigi Maria Segale was born in 1886 in Favale di Malvaro, near Genoa, Italy, into a family of bricklayers. In 1909, he and his brother Giuseppe immigrated to the United States aboard the steamship Prinzess Irene, arriving at Ellis Island before settling in the Pacific Northwest around Tukwila, Washington. Adopting the anglicized name Louis, he served in the U.S. armed forces during World War I, starting in 1918, and was honorably discharged a year later.
He later became an independent farmer, reflecting the struggles of millions of Italians who immigrated to the U.S. between 1880 and 1915 due to economic hardship and political upheaval. By 1940, census records show that Luigi and his wife, Rina, had achieved financial stability through their farm, growing produce like tomatoes, lettuce, and onions, which they sold in Seattle's urban markets. They had a son named Mario, born in 1934, who would later inspire the video game character.
A Glimpse into Mario Segale's Upbringing and Legacy
Zetland's 13-page report, based on birth, marriage, census, immigration, and other historical records, offers insights into Mario Segale's childhood. For his 12th birthday in 1946, his parents celebrated with a Ligurian-style meal and cake, as reported in the local La Gazzetta Italiana social column. An accordion performer entertained guests at their Seattle home, symbolizing the prosperity the family attained after immigrating.
Louis and Rina Segale were also recognized by the Catholic Northwest Progress newspaper for supporting children in the Seattle archdiocese's foster program. Zetland described their story as "a legacy of Italian dreams and American opportunity." The couple has since passed away, and their son Mario died in 2018 after a successful career in construction and real estate in Tukwila.
Super Mario's Creation and Segale's Reluctant Fame
Mario Segale's connection to Super Mario began when Nintendo, struggling to name a character in the arcade game Donkey Kong, was inspired by his visit to collect overdue rent, as detailed in David Sheff's book Game Over: How Nintendo Conquered the World. Segale, however, was not amused by this association. In a rare 1993 comment to the Seattle Times, he quipped, "You might say I'm still waiting for my royalty checks." His obituary noted that he "always ducked the notoriety" and preferred to be known for his personal achievements.
Luigi Segale's thoughts on sharing a name with Super Mario's brother remain unknown, as he died in 1981, five years before Luigi debuted in Super Mario Bros on the Nintendo Entertainment System. In the 2023 animated film, Mario's father is voiced by Charles Martinet but remains unnamed in the credits, referred to only as "Mario's Dad."
This discovery adds a new layer to the rich history of one of gaming's most iconic franchises, highlighting the unexpected ways real-life stories can influence creative works.
