The French Angel

Wrestling. The Angel...Lou Thesz BAnQ P48S1P06188

Radio. At C.H.L.P. Wrestler "The Angel" BAnQ P48S1P22990

01-26-1953 11274 Maurice Tillet (4304937426)

The French Angel
Birth name	Maurice Tillet
Born	October 23, 1903 St. Petersburg, Russian Empire
Died	September 4, 1954 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Professional wrestling career
Billed height	{{This person-related article is a stub.}}
Billed weight
Debut	1937
Retired	1953

Maurice Tillet (October 23, 1903 – September 4, 1954), better known by his ring name The French Angel, was a professional wrestler known for his unique appearance and successful career in the 1940s. Tillet's distinctive look was a result of acromegaly, a condition caused by a benign tumor on the pituitary gland leading to abnormal growth of bones and tissues.

Early Life

Maurice Tillet was born in St. Petersburg, Russian Empire, to French parents. His father was an engineer, and his mother was a teacher. After the Russian Revolution, Tillet and his mother moved to France. He was a bright student and initially pursued a career in law, but his life took a different turn when he developed acromegaly in his early twenties.

Wrestling Career

Tillet began his professional wrestling career in 1937. He quickly gained popularity due to his impressive strength and unique appearance. He adopted the ring name "The French Angel" and became a major attraction in the wrestling world. Tillet's career peaked in the early 1940s when he won the American Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Championship.

Personal Life and Legacy

Despite his intimidating appearance, Tillet was known to be a kind and intelligent individual. He was fluent in several languages and had a deep interest in literature and poetry. Tillet's life and career have left a lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling, and he remains a memorable figure in the sport's history.

Death

Maurice Tillet passed away on September 4, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois, due to heart disease. He was 50 years old.

Related Pages

• Professional wrestling
• Acromegaly
• American Wrestling Association (Boston)
• Pituitary gland