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Gorgeous GeorgeAmerican professional wrestler
Date of Birth: 24.03.1915
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Gorgeous George
Early Life and CareerGorgeous George, an American professional wrestler, was born George Raymond Wagner on March 24, 1915, in Butte, Nebraska. He grew up in a tough environment, constantly interacting with children from troubled families. Despite dropping out of school at the age of 14 to help support his family, George continued to pursue his passion for sports. He trained extensively at the local Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and participated in sporting competitions at local carnivals, earning 35 cents for each victory.
By the age of 17, George had caught the attention of Morris Siegel, one of the most influential wrestling promoters in the region. In 1938, Wagner won his first title, defeating Buck Lipscomb for the Northwest Middleweight crown in the middleweight division. He continued his success in May 1939 by winning the Pacific Coast Light Heavyweight Championship. Despite his unassuming physical appearance, standing at 1.75 meters and weighing 97.5 kilograms, George proved himself to be a formidable wrestler.
Personal Life and Image Transformation
In the late 1930s, George met his future wife, Betty Hanson, whom he later married in a ceremony held directly in the wrestling ring. This unique event caught the attention of the audience, and the couple repeated the ceremony on multiple occasions at various venues across the country.
Realizing the importance of a distinctive image in his chosen sport, George sought inspiration from Lord Patrick Lansdowne, another professional wrestler of the time. Lord Patrick Lansdowne entered the ring accompanied by two beautiful women, with one exclaiming, "Isn't he gorgeous?" Taking on the moniker "Gorgeous George," Wagner added flair to his persona. With the help of his mother-in-law, Elsie Hanson, an experienced seamstress, George expanded his wardrobe, further enhancing his image.
Television Success and Retirement
George's true fame came with the rise of television, as channels actively sought affordable and captivating programming. He enjoyed considerable success until the early 1960s when he reluctantly retired from wrestling due to declining health. After a match, doctors advised George to give up fighting due to age and alcoholism taking a toll on his body.
In 1962, George faced liver problems, and even his retirement from the ring could not halt his decline. He passed away on December 26, 1963, due to a heart attack.
Overall, Gorgeous George left a lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling, demonstrating that a well-crafted persona and showmanship can propel an individual to great success.
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