Written by Delcina Olivo
Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
George Steele was a legendary personality in the world of professional wrestling. Throughout his career, he captivated audiences with his unique character and unorthodox wrestling style. From his distinctive bald head to his signature green tongue, George Steele became an iconic figure in the sport.
In this article, we will delve into 18 fascinating facts about George “The Animal” Steele. From his early life and wrestling career to his memorable moments in the ring, we will uncover the lesser-known aspects of this extraordinary individual. Whether you are a die-hard fan of professional wrestling or simply curious about the man behind the moniker, these facts will provide a deeper insight into the life and legacy of George Steele.
Key Takeaways:
- George Steele, born William James Myers, was a wild and unpredictable wrestler known for his green tongue and turnbuckle-eating habit. He also inspired future wrestlers with his unique persona.
- George Steele’s legacy lives on through his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, his autobiography “Animal,” and his impact on the wrestling world, even after his retirement and passing.
George Steele was born William James Myers on April 16, 1937.
George Steele, best known by his ring name, was born as William James Myers on April 16, This talented professional wrestler left a lasting impact on the industry during his career.
He started his wrestling career in the 1960s.
In the 1960s, George Steele began his journey in the world of professional wrestling. With his unique persona and athleticism, he quickly gained a following among fans.
George Steele was known for his wild and unpredictable character.
One of George Steele’s most distinctive features was his wild and unpredictable character. He portrayed a savage and animalistic persona, complete with a green tongue and a habit of eating turnbuckles.
He wrestled for various wrestling promotions.
George Steele had a versatile wrestling career, performing for different promotions such as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), and World Championship Wrestling (WCW), showcasing his talents to a wide audience.
George Steele was also a high school teacher and coach.
Outside of the wrestling ring, George Steele served as a high school teacher and coach. His dedication to education and sports exemplified his commitment to nurturing young minds.
He had a rivalry with Randy Savage.
One of George Steele’s most memorable rivalries was with the legendary Randy Savage. Their feud provided fans with intense and dramatic matches that kept them on the edge of their seats.
George Steele appeared in movies and television shows.
Aside from his wrestling career, George Steele ventured into the world of entertainment, making appearances in movies and television shows. His unique personality and presence made him a sought-after figure in the industry.
He retired from professional wrestling in 1988.
After an illustrious career spanning several decades, George Steele retired from professional wrestling in 1988, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to inspire and entertain fans for years to come.
George Steele was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1995.
In recognition of his contributions to the world of professional wrestling, George Steele was honored with an induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in This achievement solidified his place among the wrestling greats.
He wrote an autobiography titled “Animal,” released in 2013.
George Steele shared his life story and experiences in his autobiography titled “Animal,” which was published in This intimate account gave fans a glimpse into the man behind the wild persona.
George Steele passed away on February 16, 2017.
On February 16, 2017, the wrestling world mourned the loss of George Steele. His contributions to the industry and his impact on fans’ lives will forever be remembered.
George Steele was known for his role as Tor Johnson in the movie “Ed Wood.”
Aside from his wrestling career, George Steele gained recognition for his portrayal of Tor Johnson, an actor known for his roles in B-movies, in the movie “Ed Wood.” His performance showcased his versatility as an entertainer.
George Steele’s green tongue was the result of using green breath mints.
Contrary to popular belief, George Steele’s iconic green tongue was not a natural trait. He achieved the effect by using green breath mints, further enhancing his wild and unpredictable image.
George Steele had a brief stint as a baseball player.
Prior to his wrestling career, George Steele tried his hand at professional baseball. Although his time in the sport was short-lived, his dedication and passion for athleticism would later find a home in the wrestling ring.
George Steele’s character inspired future generations of wrestlers.
George Steele’s unique persona and in-ring style left a lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling. Many wrestlers who followed in his footsteps drew inspiration from his wild and unorthodox approach.
George Steele had a signature move called the “Flying Hammerlock.”
One of George Steele’s signature moves was the “Flying Hammerlock.” This move showcased his strength and agility, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor.
George Steele made occasional appearances in the wrestling world after his retirement.
Even after retiring from active wrestling, George Steele made occasional appearances in the wrestling world. These appearances allowed fans to reminisce about his legendary career and witness his enduring impact firsthand.
George Steele’s legacy continues to live on.
Although George Steele may no longer be with us, his legacy as a wrestling icon and beloved figure remains. Fans around the world still celebrate his contributions and the mark he left on the industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, George Steele was a fascinating individual who made a significant impact in both the wrestling world and his personal life. From his unique wrestling persona to his impressive achievements in the academic field, Steele’s story is one of determination, passion, and success. He will always be remembered as a WWE Hall of Famer and a beloved figure in the world of professional wrestling. Whether you’re a fan or simply intrigued by his life, exploring these 18 facts about George Steele provides a glimpse into the extraordinary life of a truly remarkable man.
FAQs
1. Was George Steele his real name?
Yes, George Steele’s real name was William James Myers. He adopted the name George “The Animal” Steele for his wrestling persona.
2. Did George Steele have a background in wrestling?
No, George Steele was originally a teacher and coach. He began his wrestling career while working as a high school teacher.
3. Did George Steele win any championships?
Yes, George Steele won several championships throughout his career, including the WWE Hardcore Championship and the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship.
4. What was George Steele’s famous wrestling persona?
George Steele’s famous wrestling persona was “The Animal.” He would often portray a wild, unpredictable character, snarling and tearing apart turnbuckles.
5. Did George Steele have any notable rivalries?
Yes, George Steele had notable rivalries with legendary wrestlers such as Randy Savage and Bruno Sammartino during his career.
6. Did George Steele appear in any movies or TV shows?
Yes, George Steele appeared in movies like “Ed Wood” and “Timemaster,” as well as TV shows like “Walker, Texas Ranger.”
7. Was George Steele inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame?
Yes, George Steele was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1995, honoring his contributions to the wrestling industry.
8. Did George Steele have any other talents or interests?
Aside from wrestling, George Steele was a talented amateur wrestler and competed in the Olympics. He was also an accomplished actor and author.
9. Was George Steele known for his intelligence?
Yes, George Steele had a reputation for his intelligence. He held multiple Master’s degrees and worked as a teacher and coach before delving into professional wrestling.
10. Did George Steele have a significant impact on future wrestlers?
Absolutely, George Steele’s unique wrestling persona and storytelling techniques inspired many future wrestlers to develop their own distinctive characters and styles.
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