I was thinking today about how some historical figures are the basis for a fictionalized account of their lives in television, theater, music, movies, etc. Then I was thinking, that sometimes, it seems, that the fictionalized versions of these historical characters become way more memorable, relevant, or otherwise more important than the actual people they were based on.
One example may be Eva Peron. Now I’m not Argentinian so I speak as a fairly clueless American, but I don’t think that in the grand scheme of things, Eva was nearly as influential and historically as important as the play Evita is, based on the story of her life. Evita is one of the most successful plays in history, earning over 2 Billion dollars in revenue and countless productions and performances. I think that many people wouldn’t even be aware of Peron if it weren’t for the play, as her actual historical mark seems to have faded with time. Of course this is just opinion so I’m willing to be contradicted if you feel otherwise.
But what about others? Are there any other historical figures who were overshadowed by their fictionalized versions? If we were holding a contest for such a thing, who do you think would win?
Antonio Salieri - Largely forgotten in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Restored to prominence by being portrayed as Mozart’s murderer in the completely fictional play and film Amadeus.
Speaking as an Argentinian, I’ll say that inside the country she is far more influential and historically important than the play, if you say “Evita” here no one’s first thought would be the play.
Outside Argentina you are correct.
I wasn’t thinking about him when I saw the thread, but I have to agree that the top of the list has to be Jeshua ben Joseph, aka The Christ, Jesus of Nazareth.
A couple of others off the top of my head:
Betsy Ross
Paul Revere
Maria von Trapp and family: she herself said of The Sound of Music that it was a lovely story, just not her’s (though that didn’t stop her from trying to cash in).