The WWE confirmed on Friday that Hall of Famer George “The Animal” Steele died at the age of 79.
Steele, whose real name was Williams James Myers, had an established wrestling career that lasted decades. According to the WWE, his first appearance was in 1967 and he continued to the late 1980s. Steele was elected into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1995, for his immense popularity and long-tenured contributions to the sport of pro wrestling.
In the ring, “The Animal” was known for his outlandish, brutish-type persona. He was famous for his green-colored tongue and for biting the corner turnbuckles.
Although his wrestling persona was oafish and unintelligent, Steele had a Master’s Degree from Central Michigan University.
He eventually retired in 1988 after being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. He would continue to battle the disease for many years after that.
