Who Is Gorgeous George? Age, Biography and Wiki
Gorgeous George, born George Raymond Wagner on March 24, 1915, was an iconic American professional wrestler known for his flamboyant personality and revolutionary impact on the wrestling industry. He passed away on January 26, 1963, at the age of 47, but his legacy continues to influence modern wrestling. Known for his lavish entrances and charismatic persona, Gorgeous George paved the way for future performers who would adopt a similar showmanship style.
| Occupation | Wrestlers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 24, 1915 |
| Age | 48 Years |
| Birth Place | Butte, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 26 December, 1963 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Gorgeous George's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Gorgeous George had a striking presence that contributed to his fame in the wrestling ring. His height was approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm), and he weighed around 215 pounds (98 kg) during his wrestling career. While exact figures may not be available today, his athletic build and captivating performances have left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
In terms of personal relationships, Gorgeous George was known to have had several romantic liaisons throughout his life. However, his most notable partner was his wife, Betty Wagner, whom he married in the early 1940s. Details about any potential boyfriends or girlfriend(s) after his marriage are scarce, as George was relatively private about his personal life despite his flamboyant public persona.
In 2002, he was inducted into the inaugural class of the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame (PWHF.org) by a committee of his peers. On March 27, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2010. His 97-year-old former wife, Betty Wagner, accepted the honor on his behalf, answering questions and telling the story of how he became Gorgeous George.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 1963, Gorgeous George’s estimated net worth was around $2 million, which is equivalent to roughly $16 million in today's dollars when adjusted for inflation. His earnings primarily came from wrestling matches, endorsements, and television appearances, where he garnered a significant following due to his unique persona and showmanship. Even today, his influence remains embedded in the realm of sports entertainment, impacting earnings and financial success for professional wrestlers.
Ali, who later echoed that very promo when taunting his opponent Sonny Liston, recalled, "I saw 15,000 people comin' to see this man get beat. And his talking did it.
I said, 'This is a gooood idea!'" In the locker room afterward, the seasoned wrestler gave the future legend some invaluable advice: "A lot of people will pay to see someone shut your mouth. So keep on bragging, keep on sassing and always be outrageous."
Career, Business and Investments
Gorgeous George's wrestling career began in the late 1930s, and he quickly rose to fame due to his distinctive style and gimmick. He was one of the first wrestlers to embrace the concept of a "heel" or a villain character, elevating the entertainment value of wrestling beyond pure athleticism.
Beyond wrestling, Gorgeous George was a savvy businessman. He capitalized on his fame with merchandise and television appearances, influencing marketing strategies that would later be adopted widely in professional sports. His persona also inspired a legacy that led to lucrative career paths for many athletes in the wrestling world.
At 5 ft tall and weighing 215 lbs, Wagner was not especially physically imposing by professional wrestling standards, nor was he an exceptional athlete, although he was a gifted amateur wrestler. Nevertheless, he soon developed a reputation as a solid in-ring wrestler.
In the late 1930s, he met Elizabeth "Betty" Hanson, whom he later married in an in-ring ceremony. When the wedding proved a good drawing card, the couple re-enacted it in arenas across the country, enlightening Wagner to the potential entertainment value that was left untapped within the industry.
Around this same time, Vanity Fair magazine published a feature article about a professional wrestler named 'Lord' Patrick Lansdowne, who entered the ring accompanied by two valets while wearing a velvet robe and doublet. Wagner was impressed with the bravado of such a character, but he believed that he could take it to a much greater extreme.
Social Network
Though Gorgeous George lived during a time when social networks didn't exist as we know them today, his influence is still felt on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Fans and wrestling enthusiasts frequently share his iconic matches and moments, celebrating his contributions to the industry. Numerous wrestling communities and fan pages dedicated to discussing his life and legacy exist online, ensuring that new generations of fans discover Gorgeous George.
Bob Dylan said meeting George changed his life. In Dylan's book The Chronicles: Volume One, Dylan recounts a story of meeting Gorgeous George in person. He wrote, "He winked and seemed to mouth the phrase, 'You're making it come alive.' I never forgot it. It was all the recognition and encouragement I would need for years."
Education
Details about Gorgeous George's education are not well-documented. There are no records indicating he attended college; however, his prowess in the ring and his ability to entertain showcased a level of intelligence and creativity that transcended formal education. His life experiences, coupled with his extraordinary talent as a performer, contributed significantly to his legendary status in the wrestling domain.
George Raymond Wagner (March 24, 1915 – December 26, 1963) was an American professional wrestler known by his ring name Gorgeous George.
In the United States, during the First Golden Age of Professional Wrestling in the 1940s–1950s, Gorgeous George was one of the biggest stars of the sport, gaining media attention for his outrageous character, which was described as flamboyant and charismatic.
He was a major national celebrity at his peak, and was a pioneer of early entertainment television. He was posthumously inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2002 and the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2010.
