Randy Savage, also known as “Macho Man,” was a renowned American professional wrestler. Born into a wrestling family, he was groomed for success by his father who started the ‘International Championship Wrestling’ promotion. Randy made a name for himself in the wrestling world, winning titles such as the ‘WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship’ and the ‘WCW World Heavyweight Championship.’ Known for his in-ring persona as a bully, he married his manager, Miss Elizabeth, but later divorced. Tragically, Randy Savage passed away at the age of 58 due to a sudden heart attack while driving his jeep in Florida.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Randall Mario Poffo, Macho Man
- Died At Age: 58
- Family: Spouse/Ex-: Lynn Payne (m. 2010–2011), Miss Elizabeth (m. 1984–1992), father: Angelo Poffo, mother: Judy Poffo, siblings: Lanny Poffo
- Born Country: United States
- Quotes By Randy Savage
- WWE Wrestlers
- Height: 6’1″ (185 cm), 6’1″ Males
- Died on: May 20, 2011
- Place of death: Seminole, Florida, United States
- Diseases & Disabilities: Coronary Artery Disease
- Ancestry: Lithuanian American, Italian American
- U.S. State: Ohio
- Notable Alumni: Downers Grove North High School, Southern Illinois University–Carbondale
- City: Columbus, Ohio
- Cause of Death: Heart Attack
- More Facts
- Education: Southern Illinois University–Carbondale, Downers Grove North High School
Childhood & Early Life
Randy Mario Poffo was born on November 15, 1952, in Columbus, Ohio, US, to Judy and Angelo Poffo. His mother was Jewish, and his father was Italian–American. Randy’s younger brother, Lanny Poffo, was also a professional wrestler. He was raised in Zanesville, Ohio, and studied at the ‘Grover Cleveland Middle School.’ Later, he completed his graduation from the ‘Downers Grove North High School’ in Illinois. After completing his education, he moved to Staten Island, New York, and later to Lexington, Kentucky.
Career
Randy got his first taste of wrestling during the off-season of baseball in 1973. He soon came to be known as “The Spider” and later adopted the ring name “Randy Savage.” He gave up baseball and became a full-time professional wrestler, following in the footsteps of his father and younger brother. In order to promote his two sons, his father started the ‘ICW’ promotion, based in Lexington, Kentucky. The ‘ICW’ operated from 1978 to 1984.
Randy and his brother, Lanny, joined Jerry Jarrett and Jerry Lawler’s ‘Continental Wrestling Association’ in Memphis and feuded over the ‘AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship’ title. He had various feuds and matches with different wrestlers throughout his career, including Paul Christy, The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express, and George “The Animal” Steele.
He won several championships throughout his career, including the ‘WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship’ and the ‘WCW World Heavyweight Championship.’ He also had memorable matches, such as his bout against Ricky Steamboat at ‘WrestleMania III,’ which was named the “Match of the Year” by ‘Pro Wrestling Illustrated’ and the ‘Wrestling Observer.’
Major Works
Apart from his wrestling career, Randy Savage also appeared in movies such as ‘Ready to Rumble’ (2000), ‘Spider-Man’ (2002), and ‘Glago’s Guest’ (2008). He also made guest appearances in TV shows like ‘Baywatch’ (1996), ‘The Jeff Foxworthy Show’ (1997), and ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ (1999). He lent his voice to the video game ‘Cars Race-O-Rama.’
Awards & Achievements
Randy Savage won numerous championships throughout his career, including the ‘AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship,’ the ‘NWA Mid American Heavyweight Championship,’ the ‘Grand Prix Wrestling (GPW) International Heavyweight Championship,’ the ‘ICW World Heavyweight Championship,’ and the ‘WCW World Heavyweight Championship.’ He was inducted into the ‘Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame,’ the ‘World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Fame,’ and the ‘llio DiPaolo Legends of the Aud Hall of Fame.’ He also received the ‘Man of the Year’ award from ‘Harvard Lampoon’ in 1998.
Personal Life & Legacy
Randy Savage married Elizabeth Hulette, known as “Miss Elizabeth” in the ring, in 1984. They divorced in 1992, and he later married his high-school sweetheart, Barbara Lynn Payne, in May 2010. Randy Savage died in 2011 at the age of 58 due to a sudden heart attack. He had no previous history of heart-related ailments, but the autopsy revealed advanced coronary artery disease.
Trivia
Randy Savage chose Miss Elizabeth as his manager and built his in-ring persona as a bully who mistreated her. He also sang songs, such as ‘Speaking from the Heart’ from ‘WrestleMania: The Album,’ and released his own rap album, ‘Be a Man.’