Monday, December 26, 2016

Wrestler "Gorgeous" George Wagner 1963 Valhalla Cemetery


George Raymond Wagner (March 24, 1915 – December 26, 1963) was an American professional wrestler best 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 gained mainstream popularity and became one of the biggest stars of this period, gaining media attention for his outrageous character, which was described as flamboyant and charismatic. 



He was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2002 and the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2010.






Gorgeous George appeared in one motion picture, Alias the Champ, made in 1949.



In 1962, Wagner was diagnosed with a serious liver condition. On advice of his doctors, he retired. This, combined with financial troubles which stemmed from a recent divorce, worsened his health. He suffered a heart attack on December 24, 1963, and died two days later, at age 48. 



According to Lanny Poffo, Angelo Poffo, who credited Wagner for motivating his wrestling career, paid for his funeral. He is buried at Valhalla Cemetery in North Hollywood, California. A plaque at his gravesite reads "Love to our Daddy Gorgeous George."


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