Lou Albano American professional wrestler, manager and actor. Date of Birth: 29.07.1933 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Career
2. Manager to the Stars
3. Crossovers to Hollywood
4. Shaving the Beard and Hall of Fame
5. Later Life and Legacy

Early Life and Career

Lou Albano was an American professional wrestler, manager, and actor. He was born in Rome, Italy, on July 29, 1933, but his family emigrated to the United States shortly after his birth. As a young man, he played football in high school and later served in the military.

After his military service, Albano worked as a bouncer and became interested in professional wrestling. He did not have much success as a singles wrestler, but he found fame as half of the tag team The Sicilians with Tony Altimore. They won the National Championship in 1967.

Manager to the Stars

In 1969, Albano retired from competition to focus on managing. He created the iconic persona of Captain Lou Albano, a flamboyant and boisterous manager who promoted rising stars in the wrestling world. Under his guidance, wrestlers such as Ivan Koloff, Nikolai Volkoff, Don Muraco, Hulk Hogan, and Pat Patterson achieved success.

Crossovers to Hollywood

As his fame grew, Albano appeared in numerous television shows and movies. He was featured in the animated series "Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling" from 1985 to 1987 and also performed with the rock band NRBQ.

Shaving the Beard and Hall of Fame

In March 1989, Albano shaved off his trademark beard on live television. In 1996, he was inducted into the World Wrestling Federation's Hall of Fame. He later published a book titled "Pro Wrestling: A Guide for Dummies" in 1998 and appeared at wrestling conventions and events.

Later Life and Legacy

In his later years, Albano became a spokesman for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and raised funds for the organization. He also released his autobiography in 2008. Lou Albano died in his sleep on October 14, 2009, at the age of 76. He is remembered as one of the most influential figures in professional wrestling history.