Who Is Gene Okerlund? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Gene Okerlund was born on December 19, 1942, and passed away on January 2, 2019, at the age of 76. Known professionally as "Mean Gene," he was a prominent figure in the world of professional wrestling, famous for his smooth interviewing style and charismatic personality. Okerlund worked with major promotions such as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW), becoming one of the most recognizable voices in the industry. His wit and charm made him a beloved figure among wrestling fans, and his contributions to the sport continue to be celebrated.
| Occupation | Other |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 19, 1942 |
| Age | 76 Years |
| Birth Place | Brookings, South Dakota, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 2 January, 2019 |
| Died Place | Sarasota, Florida, U.S. |
Popularity
Gene Okerlund's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Gene Okerlund stood at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. Throughout his career, he maintained a healthy weight, typically around 180 pounds (82 kg). While specific body measurements such as chest, waist, and hips aren't publicly documented, Okerlund was known for his approachable demeanor and presence on screen.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Gene Okerlund was married to his college sweetheart, a woman named Jeanne, with whom he spent over 50 years of marriage. Together, they had two children, named Jeremy and Amaryllis. As of 2025, Okerlund's legacy lives on through his family, who continue to honor his memory. Following his passing, there have been no indications of other relationships, as he was deeply committed to his family throughout his life.
Okerlund had been married to his wife Jeanne since March 27, 1964, and had two sons, Todd and Tor, along with three grandsons. Todd starred on the University of Minnesota ice hockey team from 1983 to 1987, and played on the 1988 United States Olympics team that competed in Calgary, playing four games with the NHL's New York Islanders.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Gene Okerlund's estimated net worth was around $1 million. His career as an announcer and interviewer brought him numerous opportunities, including television appearances and endorsements. Although details on his salary varied through the years, it is well-known that he earned a significant income during his time with major wrestling promotions.
Career, Business, and Investments
Okerlund's career spanned several decades, beginning in the 1970s. He gained fame as the host of "All-Star Wrestling" and later became the backstage interviewer for WWF. His ability to connect with wrestlers and the audience alike made him an integral part of wrestling storylines. After his tenure with WWF, he joined WCW, where he further solidified his status as a wrestling icon.
In addition to his work in professional wrestling, Okerlund was also involved in various business ventures, including voice work, commercial appearances, and promotional events. His investments were likely centered around real estate and interests in media production.
He grew up in Sisseton and was raised on an Indian reservation. He graduated from Sisseton High School in 1960. He was an all-around athlete, participating in basketball, baseball, football and track.
After studying broadcast journalism at the University of Nebraska (Lincoln), Okerlund landed a job as a disc jockey at KOIL, a popular radio station in Omaha, Nebraska. Okerlund later moved to Minneapolis where he worked for WDGY as a radio host under the alias of Gene Leader. He later left that position to become Program Director at KDWB.
Okerlund also worked in Minneapolis for a local television station in the front office.
Social Network
Gene Okerlund was active in various social media platforms posthumously, as fans and family share memories and tributes. His impact on wrestling culture remains visible through social networks, with numerous fan pages dedicated to celebrating his life and career. Generations of wrestling fans honor his work on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, ensuring that his legacy endures.
Okerlund conducted the interviews on the three-hour "Old School" episode of Raw on November 15, 2010, where he interviewed John Cena, Randy Orton, members of The Nexus and Mae Young in similar fashion as to how interviews were done in the 1980s.
In November 2016, Okerlund became the narrator for the WWE Network original animated series WWE Story Time, keeping that spot until his death with Jerry Lawler taking over the voiceover work for the show.
Education
Gene Okerlund attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he studied radio and television broadcasting. This educational background played a crucial role in shaping his skills as a broadcaster and interviewer. His training laid the foundation for his successful career in professional wrestling, where he honed his craft and developed a unique on-screen persona.
While in high school in Sisseton, South Dakota, he formed a band, "Gene Carroll & The Shades," recording a single in 1959, "Red Devil / Do You Remember" (M&L 1001). As "Gene Carroll," he had a second single in 1962, "Is It Ever Gonna Happen / Holly" (Wausau C-1100).
The band played parties throughout the Midwest and the Dakotas, and in 2009 were inducted into the South Dakota Rock and Roll Music Association's Hall of Fame.
