Quoting [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Twist) about the lawsuit Tony Twist vs Todd McFarlane:

> In the Spawn comic book series, Todd McFarlane created a mob enforcer character named Antonio "Tony Twist" Twistelli, who McFarlane acknowledged was named after Tony Twist. Twist won a $15 million verdict in 2004 when a St. Louis, Missouri jury found Todd McFarlane Productions had profited from Twist's likeness. The verdict was upheld after two appeals in June 2006. In 2007, Twist and McFarlane settled the lawsuit out of court for $5 million.

Long story short - generally not, for living figures. For dead, historical personages it's another story but still not 100% safe.

For living figures you can pretty much forget it. For historical figures you are generally OK but there still may be restrictions so it could be worth speaking to a lawyer.