Charles Brandt, the former Delaware homicide prosecutor whose book 'I Heard You Paint Houses' became the basis for Martin Scorsese's acclaimed film 'The Irishman,' passed away on Monday in Lewes, Delaware. He was 82 years old.
Brandt's groundbreaking work chronicled the life of Frank 'The Irishman' Sheeran, a labor union official and alleged hitman who claimed responsibility for the disappearance and murder of legendary union leader Jimmy Hoffa. Published in 2004, the book gained widespread attention for its detailed account of organized crime in America and its connection to labor unions during the mid-20th century.
Before his career as an author, Brandt served as a homicide investigator and prosecutor in Delaware, experiences that would later prove invaluable in his work as a true crime writer. His legal background and investigative skills enabled him to gain Sheeran's trust and extract a detailed confession about Hoffa's fate, a mystery that had puzzled investigators for decades.
The book's success reached new heights when it was adapted into the 2019 film 'The Irishman,' directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. The film received critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations, introducing Brandt's work to a global audience.
Throughout his career, Brandt authored several other books, including 'Right to Remain Silent' and 'The Right to Remain Silent: A Night in Question.' His work consistently demonstrated a keen understanding of criminal justice and an ability to uncover truth in complex cases.
Brandt's legacy lives on through his contributions to true crime literature and his role in helping to shed light on one of America's most enduring criminal mysteries. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, and their three children.
