Mario Segale, the inspiration for one of the most recognizable characters in the world, was Nintendo's landlord in Washington state during the 1970s. Mario Segale, the inspiration for one of the most recognizable characters in the world, was Nintendo's landlord in Washington state during the 1970s. Mario Segale, who inspired the plucky plumber Mario -- one of the most recognizable characters in the world, let alone in video games -- has died at age 84. Segale was Nintendo's landlord outside Seattle when the company created Donkey Kong, the classic game that launched the overalls-wearing Mario. Segale never sought to play up the connection, instead focusing on his family's lucrative businesses in heavy construction and real estate development in the bustling Seattle region.