Shawshank Redemption Cast Explain What Most Fans Never Figured Out

In The Shawshank Redemption, there is a recurring character named Heywood, played by actor William Sadler. Many fans may not have realized that Heywood’s character is actually based on a real-life prisoner named Thomas “Red” Haywood, who served time at the Ohio State Reformatory, where the film was shot. The filmmakers changed the spelling of the character’s last name to Heywood for legal reasons, but the inspiration for the character is clear. This subtle connection adds an interesting layer of authenticity to the film, as well as a nod to the real-life history of the prison where the story takes place.