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.

4. Sophie Lennon:
Played by Jane Lynch, Sophie Lennon is a successful comedienne built on a fake, affable 'housewife' persona. This character was mainly inspired by Phyllis Diller, who, during the 1950s, created a comic persona of a raging, exaggerated housewife. Similarly, Lennon is a stage creature entirely removed from her wealthy, snobby real-life personality.

5. Shy Baldwin:
In Season 3, Leroy McClain plays the character of Shy Baldwin, a famous singer who Midge befriends and eventually opens for on tour.

Shy’s character was inspired by Johnny Mathis, a popular '50s and '60s singer known for his smooth vocals. Sherman-Palladino has even admitted that the wardrobe and style of Baldwin are influenced by Mathis.

6. Susie Myerson:
Midge’s manager, Susie Myerson, played by Alex Borstein, isn't directly based on a single person. She shares comparable traits with Sue Mengers, former talent agent for stars like Barbra Streisand. Mengers was known for her tenacity and ambition, just like Myerson.

7. Moishe and Shirley Maisel:
Moishe and Shirley Maisel, Joel’s parents and Midge’s in-laws, arguably drop a hint at Sherman-Palladino's own Jewish culture, reflecting the behavioral, linguistic, and visual quirks in Jewish comedy during the mid-century.

Each of the characters in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel may not necessarily be direct depictions of their inspirations. However, they embody the spirit, struggles and breakthroughs of real people from that era. The fusion of historical figures with fictional characters makes this series not only humorous but also an important reminder of the cultural and social transformations of its time.