- Maurice Tillet, known as “The French Angel,” was a renowned French professional wrestler from the Ural Mountains, Russia.
- He gained popularity and achieved fame in a short span of time under his ring name, The French Angel.
- Tillet held the title of World Heavyweight Champion twice in the American Wrestling Association in Boston.
- Interestingly, he is believed to be the inspiration behind the iconic cartoon character, Shrek.
- Additionally, Tillet showcased his acting skills in the film “Princesse Tam Tam” in 1935.
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Early Life, Parents, Siblings & Profile:
- Maurice Marie Joseph Tillet was born in 1903 to French parents.
- His birthday falls on October 23, and his father was an engineer involved in the construction of the Trans-Siberian railroad.
- Unfortunately, Tillet lost his parents at the age of eight.
- He and his mother relocated to Moscow, Russia, where they later moved to Rheims, France, in 1917.
- Tillet’s childhood nickname, “The Angel,” stemmed from his angelic face.
- He attended St. Philip Neri Catholic School, where his mother taught, and completed his secondary education at St. Stanislaus in Paris.
- Tillet pursued post-secondary education at Toulouse University of Law.
Personal Affairs, Girlfriend & Spouse:
- Little information is available regarding Tillet’s personal relationships and past affairs.
- There is a misconception that Olga Morasse was his wife, but this is incorrect as she was the future spouse of Tillet’s best friend, Karl.
- According to rumors, Tillet got married at the age of 19 to his Russian sweetheart, but the details surrounding her alleged death are unclear.
Career & Net worth:
- Tillet initially aspired to become a lawyer but was hindered by acromegaly, a condition that causes abnormal bone growth.
- He served as an engineer in the French Navy for five years after completing his education.
- During World War II, Tillet’s ship was sunk to avoid capture by the Nazis, leading to his departure from the navy.
- In 1936, Tillet was discovered by amateur wrestler Karl Pojello, which marked the beginning of his wrestling career.
- Tillet worked as a door attendant and actor for a local studio while wrestling at the behest of Pojello.
- He gained fame in England in 1939 with his wrestling performances, showcasing his signature move, the bear hug.
- Tillet earned a substantial net worth of $550,000 USD during his career, a considerable sum for that time.
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Death Cause:
- Maurice Tillet passed away on September 4, 1954, in Chicago due to cardiovascular disease.
- He was buried at the Lithuanian National Cemetery in Justice, Illinois, at the age of 51.
- Strikingly, one of Tillet’s close friends, Pojello, also passed away just 13 hours before his demise.
Wiki/Bio:
- Full Birth Name: Maurice Marie Joseph Tillet
- Nickname: The Angel
- Profession: Wrestling
- Famous For: Wrestler
- Age (As of 1953): 50 years old
- Date of Birth: October 23, 1903
- Birthplace: Ural Mountains, Russia
- Nationality: French
- Gender: Male
- Sexuality: Straight
- Social Media Stats: Instagram: None, Twitter: N/A, Facebook: Not Known
- Star Sign: Scorpio
- Religion: Not Known
- Awards: World Heavyweight Champion
- Date of Death: September 4, 1954
- Place of Death: Chicago, Illinois
Physical Statistics:
- Height: 5′ 9″ (175 cm)
- Weight: 122 kg (267 lbs)
- Eye Color: Black
- Hair Color: Black
- Shoe Size (US): 9
Family:
- Parents: Father – Engineer (Name not known), Mother – Teacher (Name not available)
- Siblings: Not found
- Relatives: Grandfather – N/A, Uncle – N/A, Aunt – N/A
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Personal Life Relationship:
- Marital Status: Married
- Wedding Date/Place: N/A
- Dating History: Not Known
- Girlfriend: N/A
- Wife/Spouse: None
- Children: Son – N/A, Daughter – None
Education:
- Highest Qualification: Post-secondary education in Law
- School: Philip Neri Catholic School
- Alma Mater: St. Stanislaus, Paris, and Toulouse University of Law
Hobbies & Favorite Things:
- Favorite Celeb: Wrestler – Karl Pojello
- Dream Holiday Destination: Paris
- Favorite Color: Black
- Love to do: Swimming and Acting
- Favorite Dishes: Seafood and Homemade food
Wealth:
- Net worth (Approx.): $550,000 USD
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Some Lesser Known Facts about Maurice Tillet:
- A subsequent death mask of Tillet is displayed at the Weightlifting Hall of Fame inside the York Barbell Building, Pennsylvania.
- Tillet had an exceptional intellect and was fluent in 14 languages due to his mother’s profession as a teacher.
- During his twenties, Tillet developed acromegaly, which affected his physical appearance.
- He gained prominence in Massachusetts after being pushed as a main eventer by Paul Bowser in 1940.
- From May 1940 to 1942, Tillet held the AWA World Heavyweight Champion title, winning for a record-breaking 19 consecutive months.
- In 1947, he obtained American citizenship and took the oath of allegiance.
Conclusion:
Maurice Tillet, known as “The French Angel,” left an indelible mark in the world of professional wrestling. Despite the challenges posed by acromegaly, Tillet displayed his immense talent and became a renowned figure in the sport. His fascinating life journey, from an aspiring lawyer to a celebrated wrestler, captivates fans even today. Tillet’s contribution to wrestling and his enduring legacy will always be remembered.
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