![Wrestling stars, super fans pay tribute to George 'the Animal' Steele (1) Wrestling stars, super fans pay tribute to George 'the Animal' Steele (1)](https://i0.wp.com/www.floridatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/24eb5aa4eb9905286cf4a60586eab2da80e365e9/c=9-0-1200-673/local/-/media/2017/02/17/USATODAY/USATODAY/636229320007039739-C44N1YZUcAAHPlw-1-.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
For love of the Animal.
Brevard resident Jim Myers, also known as WWE Hall of Fame Legend George “The Animal” Steele, died Feb. 17 at age 79. I've been a writer for 25 years, but paying tribute to Myers makes me nervous — because he deserves the best.
I got to know Myers well over the years, and not a lunch or phone call went by that he did not express his love for longtime wife, Pat(together for more than 60 years!), his family, community and church. An incredible man and devout Christian who lived life to its fullest, Myers will be sorely missed by not just the wrestling world, but by the many lives he touched by being one of the humblest and giving WWE superstars of all time.
WWE Hall of Famer George 'The Animal' Steele dies at 79
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
When he published his autobiography, "The Animal,"I asked him if he had any regrets, like, “I wish I would have said this” or “I wish I hadn’t said that.”
He responded with, "Nothing major. I discussed my first fight when I was 12 years old and a few things I’m not sure how it came across. Looking back as if in a rearview mirror, I realized that God was touching my life even when I didn’t realize it at the time. I might not have been looking for him, but he found me. I wasn’t a wrestling fan, but God lead me there."
A former coach, actor and producer, Myers left an indelible mark on the entertainment business. Although portraying an unintelligent and inaudible character as George “the Animal” Steele, Myers graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a master’s degree from Central Michigan University. He was known behind the scenes as one of the most intellectual and entertaining characters.
Myers was born with dyslexia and later suffered from Crohn’s Diseaseand kidney ailments, but he never said no to helping others, whether it was at a charitable event or just a chance encounter with a fan.
During a previous interview, I asked him about his greatest life lesson.
I'll never forget what he told me: "There is always a light at the end of the tunnel and that no matter how hard it may be to find,it is always there."
Remember the Animal
Myers’longtime friends, fans and colleagues shared some sentiments about the former WWE superstar, too.For more information, visit georgetheanimalsteele.com.
"George 'the Animal'Steele was just a great character. From the eating of the turnbuckles, to the green tongue, hairy body and the 'mine'stuffed animal, George was a showman. He was really a throwback even for that time period. Everyone inside the WWF (now WWE) knew how intelligent he was and how intelligent you had to be to pull a character like that off. Outside the ring I got to know Jim pretty well. Back then, there was a much smaller group of guys and we were like a rock and roll band traveling around from city to city. Since he lived in Cocoa Beach and I lived in Titusville for over 20 years, Jim and I would often be on the same flights and travel together. He was like a mentor to me. I also got to work with him when he transitioned into a producer role with the WWF, producing interview segments for the shows. Jim was a sharp, extremely intelligent man, that people didn’t really get a chance to see because of the character he played in front of the camera."
— “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, WWE superstar, formerly of Titusville
"My first chair shot ever came from the Animalat a charity event right there in Melbourne, Florida. Here is this guy I grew up watching eat turnbuckles, and I am facing off with him at a softball game and he gives me a chair shot for the crowd. It was like a dream come true and was an incredible experience. I grew up thinking he was an 'animal'and to find out he was really such a sweet person was incredible. He’s the green-tongued animal. I will miss him."
—Mike Mizanin, WWE superstar, the Miz
"When I was a bit younger and growing up in the Northeast (New Jersey), WWE from Madison Square Garden was on, and to see this green-tongued guy eating turnbuckles just fascinated me. ... Fast forward many years later when I would be involved in a celebrity softball game and George 'the Animal' Steele was the manager. I was playing first base, and he said to me, "Kid, we got to entertain these folks." ...It's George Steele, so I said, "Yes, sir." Next thing I know, the ball is hit and when I go to make the play he "pantsed me" (dropped my shorts). He laughed, I laughed, and the fans laughed. He was a kind man, had lots of knowledge and was an icon! He made it possible for guys like Hugh Morrus to act the way their character did. He will be missed."
—Hugh Morrus/Bill Demott, previous WWE superstar, formerly of Titusville
"When I was a kid George 'the Animal'Steele was one of the first characters that I was intrigued by and made me fall in love with professional wrestling. I was terrified of him. Years later I worked with him at WWE and found out that he was actually a very kind man. He was always very nice to me."
—Scotty “2” Hotty,WWE superstar and NXT trainer
"As I recently told Jim's wife, Pat, his heart was even bigger than he was. He showed me this in so many ways throughout the years that I knew him. He was always ready and willing to help organizations that helped kids, individuals with disabilities, and high schoolers who may have needed guidance with career paths. He accomplished this through his volunteer work with BridgesInc. as a board member, Rockledge Rotaryand countless other organizations. I was blessed to know him personally and will miss him immensely, but I also know that our community will miss him immensely as well. He was a colorful, caringcharacter who made life better for so many people in this county and elsewhere."
—Lisa Mazzarell of Brevard,longtime friend
"I first met Jim when WWE had the takeover of ECW at the Manhattan Center. Jim was a guy who would sometimes somewhat stay in character even when he wasn’t onscreen. He was like a lot of the old school guys and he would let you know how you did and what you needed to work on. He was always helpful and was a heck of a guy. He was one of those guys that really gave back to the business when he was done. He gave me advice, and he put me on the right track. He was knowledgeable and always had words of encouragement. He really helped me. Veterans like him are the reason we are still here today."
—Devon Hughes aka D-Von Dudley of Suntree,WWE superstar
"When I first got to the WWF Jim/George was an agent. He was always super cool to work with and an awesome guy to work for as well. George was a true iconic figure in the '80s. It was hilarious when he would eat the turnbuckles, and he developed such a great character that was unforgettable."
—Kip Sopp, WWE superstar Billy Gunn
"My son Dillon and I met Jim at his book signing in the Merritt Island mall a few years ago. In addition to getting his book signed, I had brought along my George 'the Animal' Steele action figure from 1986 or 20 years before my son was born. Jim loved seeing that I had kept his figure, but then looked at me and started laughing. He told me I must not have been a big fan of his when I was a kid. We talked for a while about who I liked from back then, but then I had to ask how he knew I didn’t like him that much as a kid. He showed me the toy and then pointed to the heels of his feet. The paint had been worn off of his red shoes. He said that is a sign you had me get pinned a lot because I must have been laying on my back which would scratch the back of my feet up a bunch. He then thanked me for the trip down memory lane and signed his autograph on his figures back. He said, 'now you won't be having me pinned anymore.' What a great guy. And he's right. I haven't put him on his back since he signed it.
—Pete Lynch of Brevard