George 'The Animal' Steele Died At The Age Of 79 After Kidney Failure

by Caroline Soriano / Feb 18, 2017 09:08 PM EST
World Wrestling Entertainment

Another WWE wrestler has gone to rest as the company said in a statement that George Steele had died. "The Animal", who passed away at the age of 79, was one of the World Wrestling Entertainment's wildest and outrageous star.


George Steele, who is William James Myers in real life, is famous for his green tongue and animal-like hairy chest. Prior to entering the wrestling world, "The Animal" took his master's degree at the Central Michigan University. He was also a high school teacher and wrestling mentor in the same state.


During his teaching, he began to take wrestling gig in the pro-wrestling world. Fortunately, he was able to have his initial appearance in WWE where he began his battle with WWE champion, Bruno Sammartino who is dubbed as "The Living Legend" in 1967.


Although his career lasted until 1988, George Steele was able to make occasional appearances in the wrestling world during 1990 until 2000. Unknown to many, he was also an actor who has played the Swedish wrestler in the film "Ed Wood" by Tim Burton.

His death, although not really surprising, still caused so much pain, especially in the entertainment industry. According to COED, "The Animal" was already suffering from several health problems for many years which include kidney failure. later on, he was moved to hospice prior to his death.

George Steele may not have lasted a long time in the wrestling industry but still, he was a legend to many. His long-lasting impression left on the wrestling world led to many of his colleagues and friends to offering their deepest condolences and memories via Twitter.

"George "the Animal "Steel, RIP my brother, only love, only grateful. HH," Hulk Hogan said on his account.

Meanwhile, Jim Ross who is the Hall Of Fame annuncer has also expressed his sentiments, saying: "Sad to hear the passing of old friend & fellow @WWE HOFER George "The Animal" Steele at age 79. The @michiganstateu grad was good man. RIP"

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