Bruno Elrington

Bruno Elrington (December 13, 1929 – July 19, 1993) was an English professional wrestler and actor. Known for his work in Joint Promotions in the United Kingdom in the 1960s. His physical appearance at 6"6 and a big bushy beard.

Bruno Elrington
Birth nameBruno Elrington
Born(1929-12-13)December 13, 1929
Barnsley, Yorkshire, England
Died19 July 1993(1993-07-19) (aged 63)[1]
England
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Big Bruno Elrington [2]
Billed height6'6
Billed weight230 lb (104 kg)
Debutlate 1950s
Retired1980

Early life

Elrington was born in Barnsley, Yorkshire, England in 1929. He served in the British Army and was a boxing champion within the forces.

Career

Elrington began his professional wrestling career in the United Kingdom for Joint Promotions and Dale Martin Promotions. In 1964, he fought Indian wrestler Dara Singh in India drawing 57,000 fans and ending in a no contest.

In February 1967 he won the One Night Tournament defeating Sean Regan in King's Lynn, Norfolk. In 1969, he won the Royal Albert Hall Tournament Trophy defeating Tibor Szakacs in the finals. He lost to Andre the Giant that same year at Royal Albert Hall.[3]

Also in 1969, he went to Japan to work for International Wrestling Enterprise. He returned to England and finished his wrestling career there.

Wimbledon wrestling enthusiast Palais Fan recalled: “He was never less than excellent in his role as the bad-tempered, scary big guy, who was there to fight. His barrel chest, beard and height, set him apart from the average heavyweight and he gave the impression of being a great bloke to have on your side at a fight at a pub, on a Saturday night.”[4]

Later life and death

After wrestling he trained wrestlers Johnny Wilson, Peter Wilson and John Kowalski.

On July 19, 1993, Elrington passed away at 63.[5]

Championships and accomplishments

  • British Championships
    • Southern England Championship
    • One Night Tournament (1967)
    • Royal Albert Hall Tournament Trophy (1969)

Filmography

Movies

YearFilmRoleNotes
1976The New AvengersChoy
1969Nine Ages of NakednessThe Leader
1968The TouchablesBruno
1965BoxerWrestler

References