34 Facts About Maurice Tillet

Early Life and Family

Maurice Tillet, known as "The French Angel," had a life filled with challenges and triumphs. Let's explore his journey from his early days to his wrestling career and beyond.

1. Maurice Tillet was born on October 23, 1903, in St. Petersburg, Russia, to French parents.
2. His father, an engineer, worked on the Trans-Siberian railroad, while his mother was a language teacher.
3. At the age of eight, Maurice's father passed away, prompting his mother to move the family to Moscow.
4. In 1917, amid the Russian Revolution, Maurice and his mother relocated to Reims, France.

Education and Early Achievements

Despite facing adversity, Maurice excelled academically and athletically.

5. Maurice attended St. Stanislaus, a Catholic school in Paris, for his secondary education.
6. He pursued a law degree at the University of Toulouse but felt his appearance would hinder his success as a lawyer.
7. Maurice was an athletic individual who enjoyed rugby and was named to an all-France rugby team in 1926.

Career in the French Navy and Acting

Maurice's diverse talents led him to various career paths before wrestling.

8. He served in the French Navy for five years as an engineer, eventually achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
9. Maurice also acted in French cinema, which later influenced his stage presence in wrestling.

Discovery and Early Wrestling Career

Maurice's unique appearance caught the attention of a wrestling champion, changing his life forever.

10. In 1936, Lithuanian light-heavyweight champion Karl Pojello discovered Maurice while he worked as an actor and doorman in Paris.
11. Maurice began his wrestling career in England under the nickname "The Angel," given by his mother.
12. He quickly gained popularity and changed his nickname to "The French Angel" to stand out from other wrestlers.

Signature Move and Health Issues

Maurice's wrestling style and health condition shaped his career.

13. The bear hug became Maurice's signature move, making him a formidable opponent.
14. Maurice was diagnosed with acromegaly, a rare hormonal disorder causing significant bone overgrowth.

Wrestling Promoter and Career Highlights

Maurice's career soared with the help of key figures in the wrestling world.

15. Wrestling promoter Jack Pfefer recognized Maurice's potential and helped him gain popularity.
16. Maurice became the AWA World Heavyweight Champion twice, first from May 1940 to May 1942, and briefly in 1944.
17. His unbeaten streak lasted for 19 consecutive months, making him a leading box office draw in the early 1940s.

Rivalries, Championships, and Accolades

Maurice's wrestling career was marked by notable rivalries and achievements.

18. One of Maurice's most notable rivalries was with Tor Johnson, billed as The Swedish Angel.
19. Maurice's championships include the AWA World Heavyweight Championship (2 times).
20. He was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012.

Personal Life and Relationships

Despite his reclusive nature, Maurice had meaningful relationships and interests.

21. Maurice was known to be a thoughtful and intelligent man who spoke 14 languages.
22. He was a devout Catholic and received an audience with the Pope in 1947.
23. Maurice's friendships included Karl Pojello, his mentor, and Louis Linck, a sculptor who made plaster busts of him.

Legacy in Popular Culture

Maurice's unique appearance and career left a lasting impact on popular culture.

24. Maurice is often cited as an inspiration for the animated movie character Shrek.
25. By 1945, Maurice's health declined significantly due to acromegaly.
26. Maurice's final wrestling match took place in Singapore on February 14, 1953, where he lost to Bert Assirati.

Death and Posthumous Recognition

Maurice's legacy continued even after his passing.

27. Maurice Tillet died on September 4, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois, due to complications from heart disease and acromegaly.
28. He was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012.
29. Maurice has been the subject of various artistic depictions, including plaster busts by Louis Linck.

Paranormal Claims and Comparisons

Maurice's life and appearance have sparked various claims and comparisons.

30. There are paranormal claims about Maurice's ghost, including a story involving his ghost playing chess with a friend.
31. Maurice and horror actor Rondo Hatton, who also had acromegaly, eerily resembled each other and died at similar ages.

Public Perception and Cultural Impact

Maurice's impact extended beyond wrestling, influencing various forms of media.

32. Despite his appearance, Maurice was known to be a kind and decent man.
33. Maurice's unique appearance and wrestling style influenced films and literature.
34. Efforts to preserve Maurice's legacy include a death mask housed at the USA Weightlifting Hall of Fame in York, Pennsylvania.

Maurice Tillet's Lasting Impact

Maurice Tillet, known as The French Angel, left a remarkable legacy in professional wrestling. Born in Russia, raised in France, and overcoming the challenges of acromegaly, Tillet's journey was nothing short of inspiring. His signature bear hug move, unique appearance, and kind nature made him a fan favorite. Despite personal struggles, he achieved significant success, including becoming a two-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion. His influence extended beyond the ring, inspiring characters like Shrek and leaving a mark on popular culture. Tillet's story is a testament to resilience and determination, proving that even in the face of adversity, one can achieve greatness. His legacy continues to inspire wrestlers and fans alike, reminding us of the power of perseverance and the impact one individual can have on the world. Maurice Tillet's life and career remain a fascinating chapter in wrestling history.