The man who inspired Nintendo to call its iconic gaming character Mario in the 1970s has died at the age of 84.
Mario Segale, an Italian-American property developer in the US, inadvertently gave Nintendo bosses the spark they were looking for in naming their Jumpman character – as it was originally known – when he leased the company a warehouse.
Rest In Power Mario Segale age 85 who was the inspiration for the Mario Video Games pic.twitter.com/z0V8QlpJJu
— karensnext (@stevemcceney) November 2, 2018
According to Mr Segale’s obiturary, he “always ducked the notoriety and wanted to be known instead for what he accomplished in his life”.
Previously speaking to the media, the businessman revealed Nintendo of America founder Minoru Arakawa had informed him he was behind the character’s naming.
Mr Segale had also joked he was still waiting on royalty payments.
The father-of-four passed away on October 27 surrounded by family, including his wife Donna, who he married in 1957.
