The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, an Amazon Prime series set in 1950s New York, is a critical darling and a showcase of period fashion and design. The show focuses on the life of Miriam “Midge” Maisel, who discovers her talent for stand-up comedy after her husband abruptly leaves her. However, not everyone knows that many of the show's characters were inspired by real-life personalities from the world of comedy and showbiz of that time.

1. Midge Maisel:
Amy Sherman-Palladino, the show’s creator, was initially inspired by her comedian father to create a comedy series.

Although Midge’s character isn't directly modeled on a real comedian, she shares elements from several female comedians’ lives in the ‘50s and ‘60s, including Joan Rivers and Phyllis Diller. Joan was particularly known for making self-deprecating, acerbic jokes about her own life, much like Midge.

2. Lenny Bruce:
One of the main real-life characters in the show is Lenny Bruce, who was a groundbreaking comedian during the ‘50s and ‘60s. He was known for his edgy, satirical humor that often pushed boundaries, leading to frequent arrests for his controversial acts.

Bruce becomes a mentor and friend to Midge on the show, helping her navigate the comedy scene.

3. Joel Maisel:
While not a comedian, the character Joel Maisel was inspired by a real-life figure - producer and writer Don Sherman, who Amy Sherman-Palladino described as a "classic mid-century guy." Joel's failed attempt at stand-up and his career journey echo Sherman's early experiences in showbiz.

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