George Kotsonaros (Greek: Γεώργιος Κωτσονάρος; October 16, 1892 in Nafplio, Greece – July 13, 1933 in Eutaw, Alabama) was a Greek-born professional wrestler and film actor. He acted mostly in silent pictures. His original name was Giorgios Demetrios Kotsonaros. He emigrated to the United States in July 1910.
George Kotsonaros | |
|---|---|
| Born | Giorgios Demetrios Kotsonaros October 16, 1892 |
| Died | July 13, 1933 (aged 40) Eutaw, Alabama, U.S. |
| Nationality | Greek-American |
| Occupation(s) | Wrestler, actor |
His swarthy, menacing face—and pugilist's rearranged nose—got him many roles as a tough guy or a prizefighter at a time when boxing movies were a flourishing subgenre due to the sport's huge popularity with the public.
Most of Kotsonaros's films are today considered lost. Later, Kotsonaros began a career in professional wrestling.[citation needed]
On July 13, 1933, Kotsonaros was driving through Alabama when his car overturned, killing him.[1]
Filmography
- Honeymoon Lane (1931) as Nolay
- Dangerous Paradise (1930) as Pedro
a.k.a. Two Against Death (USA: alternative title) - The Body Punch (1929) as Paul Steinert
- The Shakedown (1929) as Battling Roff
- We Faw Down (1928) as One-Round Kelly (uncredited)
a.k.a. We Slip Up (UK) - Beggars of Life (1928) as Baldy (uncredited)
- Street of Sin (1928) as Iron Mike
- The Fifty-Fifty Girl (1928) as Buck (the Gorilla Man)
- The Love Mart (1927) as Fleming Henchman (uncredited)
- The Private Life of Helen of Troy (1927) as Hector
a.k.a. Helen of Troy (USA) - The Wizard (1927) as The Gorilla
- King of the Jungle (1927, serial)
- Catch-As-Catch-Can (1927) as Butch
- The Tender Hour (1927) as The Wrestler
- When a Man Loves (1927) as Convict Prisoner (uncredited)
a.k.a. His Lady (UK) - While London Sleeps (1926) as The Monk
- Cupid's Knockout (1926)
- The Fighting Doctor (1926)
- Vanishing Millions (1926)