Joe Cornelius

Cornelius was born on 1 May 1928 in London, England.^[1] Before entering the entertainment world, he worked as a maintenance engineer for the Daily Mirror, maintaining the newspaper's printing presses.^[1] He was encouraged to pursue wrestling by friends and mentors Tony Mancelli and Joe D'Orazio.^[1]

Cornelius made his professional debut in Germany, serving as a last-minute substitute for an injured Joe D'Orazio.^[1] Known for his trademark black tights and gold-sequined capes, he earned the nickname "Dazzler" for his striking appearance and charismatic ring presence.^[1] He was a mainstay for the London-based Dale Martin Promotions and frequently headlined at prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall and the Wimbledon Palais.^[1] His signature move was a spectacular long-distance flying headbutt.^[1] Cornelius held the Southern England Heavyweight Championship until his retirement from active competition in 1967.^[1]

As his wrestling career wound down, Cornelius's physical presence led him into film and television.^[3] He is most remembered for his role in the 1970 film Trog, where he played a primitive caveman opposite Joan Crawford.^[4]

In Trog, Cornelius played a primitive caveman discovered in the English countryside.^[5] The role required him to wear a "ratty ape-suit"—reportedly a leftover from Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey.^[6] Despite the film's reputation as a "B-movie," Cornelius spoke warmly of his co-star, Joan Crawford.^[7]

Cornelius was a multifaceted businessman who operated a hairdressing salon throughout his wrestling and acting years.^[1] After retiring from the ring, he managed several pubs, including the Albion Pub in Pimlico and the Turners Arms, which served as the original home for the British Wrestlers Reunion.^[1] He married Antoniette Roma in October 1972.^[8] He eventually retired to Cyprus but returned to England for his final years. He was the older brother of actor and stuntman Billy Cornelius, known for his work in the Carry On series.^[8] In 1984, Joe published his autobiography, Thumbs Up: The Amazing Story of a Wrestler's Life, which detailed his global matches and personal antics with "warts and all" honesty.^[8] He became friends with Joan Crawford.^[7] The two formed an unlikely and lasting friendship; Crawford was impressed by his professionalism and kindness, and the pair exchanged Christmas cards for years until her death in 1977.^[7]

Cornelius died on 30 October 2021 at the age of 93.^[1] His daughter, Jane Cornelius, stated he died peacefully after having lived with dementia for several years.^[1]