Mark Tendler

American professional wrestler (1933–1991) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mark Tendler (March 4, 1932 – February 15, 1990) was an American professional wrestler and actor. He worked for in Hawaii in the late 1950s and the World Wide Wrestling Federation in the 1970s.[2][3]

Born(1932-03-04)March 4, 1932
The Bronx, New York, U.S.
DiedFebruary 15, 1990(1990-02-15) (aged 57)
Causeof deathMurdered by gunshot
Billedheight6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Quick facts Personal information, Born ...
Mark Tendler
Personal information
Born(1932-03-04)March 4, 1932
The Bronx, New York, U.S.
DiedFebruary 15, 1990(1990-02-15) (aged 57)
Cause of deathMurdered by gunshot
Professional wrestling career
Billed height6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Billed weight264 lb (120 kg)[1]
Trained byGeorge Tragos
Debut1955
RetiredJuly 7, 1979
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Professional wrestling career

Originally a boxer, Tendler made his professional wrestling debut in 1955 in New Jersey after being trained by George Tragos. In 1956, he went to Hawaii to work for 50th State Big Time Wrestling as Prince Charming. In 1959 he went to his hometown of New York City and worked for Capitol Wrestling Corporation. Later that year Tendler took a hiatus from wrestling to focus on his acting career.

In 1974, he came out of retirement and returned to Capitol Wrestling Corporation now renamed the World Wide Wrestling Federation.[4] He worked as a jobber and his biggest victories were a disqualification win over WWE Hall of Famer Johnny Rodz in December 1975[5] and a pinfall win over Rodz in August 1978.[6] He worked for the WWWF until 1979.

In 1979, he worked for All Japan Pro Wrestling.

His last match was on July 7, 1979, for WWWF now WWF (World Wrestling Federation) when he defeated Tony Altomare in Poughkeepsie, New York.[7] He would retire from wrestling after that match.

Personal life

He was married to wrestler Kitty Adams who worked the WWWF from the mid to late 1970s.

Outside of wrestling during the 1960s he worked as a full-time lingerie salesman.

Tendler trained wrestlers The Sandman,[8] Chris Michaels, Sonny Blaze and Brian Donahue.

Death

On February 13, 1990, Tendler was at the parking lot of the Crazy Clown in Riverhead, New York where he was the manager of the club. He was found shot in the head in his car. He was flown by helicopter to University Hospital in Stony Brook, New York, where he died two days later on the 15th. He was 57. As of September 2023, the killer has not been found.[9][better source needed][10]

Filmography

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Notes
1970 Hercules In New York Samson Film
1973 Badge 373 Harobur Lights Boucher Film
1979 Night-Flowers Referee Film
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References

Further reading

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