The True Story Behind 'Animal Kingdom': Real-Life Crime Family Inspiration
Animal Kingdom True Story: The Real Family That Inspired The 6-Part Crime Drama
Image: Screenrant
The crime drama 'Animal Kingdom' draws inspiration from the notorious Pettingill family of Australia. The show follows Joshua 'J' Cody, who becomes embroiled in his family's criminal activities, mirroring the real-life crimes of the Pettingills, including the Walsh Street police shootings. Key figures include matriarch Kathleen 'Kath' Pettingill, whose life reflects the show's character Smurf.
- 01The character of Janine 'Smurf' Cody is inspired by Kathleen 'Kath' Pettingill, a significant figure in Melbourne's criminal underworld.
- 02The Pettingill family was involved in serious crimes, including the Walsh Street police shootings, leading to trials for two of its members.
- 03Kath Pettingill had ten children, several of whom pursued criminal careers, mirroring the dynamics depicted in 'Animal Kingdom'.
- 04While the series dramatizes events, it is not a direct retelling of the Pettingills' story, focusing instead on family relationships and crime.
- 05Kath Pettingill is reportedly living a quiet life in Victoria, Australia, contrary to the violent fates of some of her children.
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'Animal Kingdom', a gripping crime drama, is inspired by the real-life Pettingill family from Australia, known for their involvement in serious criminal activities. The series centers on Joshua 'J' Cody, who, after his mother's death, moves in with his estranged family and gets entangled in their criminal operations. The character of Janine 'Smurf' Cody is based on Kathleen 'Kath' Pettingill, a powerful figure in Melbourne's criminal scene during the 1970s and 1980s. The Pettingills were implicated in numerous crimes, including the infamous Walsh Street police shootings, where two police officers were killed, with two family members facing trial. While 'Animal Kingdom' dramatizes these events, it explores the complex family dynamics and moral dilemmas surrounding crime. The fates of the Pettingill children vary, with some living in obscurity, while Kath Pettingill is reported to be living a quieter life in Victoria, Australia, despite her notorious past. The series, while fictionalized, highlights the darker aspects of family loyalty and criminality.
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