The Real-Life Inspiration Behind the Cartoon ‘Shrek’!
Maurice Tillet, better known in the wrestling world as “The French Angel,” was a star figure in the 1940s. His unique appearance and towering presence made him a top draw in the sport. Interestingly, there were countless speculations that Tillet was the real-life inspiration for the beloved animated character ‘Shrek.’ This is mainly due to their strikingly similar facial features.
Maurice was healthy and perfectly normal as a child. However, things took a turn when Maurice got a condition called “Acromegaly.” Who was Maurice Tillet, and how did his condition change his life? Let’s have a look.
Early Life and Background
Childhood in Russia and Move to France
Maurice Tillet was born on October 23, 1903, in the Ural Mountains of Russia to French parents. His mother was a teacher, and his father was a railroad engineer. Unfortunately, Tillet’s father passed away when he was young, leaving a significant impact on his early life. Due to the Russian Revolution in 1917, Tillet and his mother fled to France, eventually settling in Reims.
Normal Appearance and Early Nickname
As a child, Tillet had a completely normal appearance. In fact, his mother lovingly nicknamed him “The Angel” because of his innocent and angelic face. However, things took a dramatic turn when Tillet turned twenty. He began to notice swelling in his feet, hands, and head. After visiting a doctor he was diagnosed with ‘Acromegaly.’
Understanding Acromegaly
Acromegaly is a condition often caused by a benign tumor on the pituitary gland, leading to excessive growth hormone production. This results in the enlargement and thickening of bones, particularly in the hands, feet, and facial features. This condition profoundly affected Tillet’s appearance, giving him the distinctive look that later defined his wrestling persona.
Education and Time In The Military
Despite his condition, Maurice Tillet pursued higher education and earned a law degree from the University of Toulouse. However, he struggled with his deep voice and altered appearance, which made him feel that a traditional career might not be in his future. Seeking a different path, Tillet joined the French Navy. He served as an engineer in the submarine service for five years.
Professional Wrestling Career
Meeting Karl Pojello and Wrestling Debut
In February 1937, Tillet’s life took a significant turn when he met Lithuanian professional wrestler Karl Pojello in Singapore. Pojello saw potential in Tillet and convinced him to enter wrestling. The duo moved to Paris for training, and Tillet began his wrestling career, performing in France and England. However, with the onset of World War II, they moved to the United States in 1939.
Rise to Fame in the U.S.
In Boston, Massachusetts, promoter Paul Bowser recognized Tillet’s potential and pushed him as a main event attraction under the ring name “The French Angel.” Tillet quickly became a sensation. He remained unbeaten for 19 consecutive months. His popularity soared, and he held the AWA World Heavyweight Championship twice between 1940 and 1942.
The Shrek Connection
Rumors and Speculation
The rumors linking Maurice Tillet to Shrek stem from their similar facial features. Tillet’s enlarged jaw and distinct facial structure caused by acromegaly bear a striking resemblance to the animated character.
He was also believed to be in a relationship with a beautiful named ‘Olga.’ The inspiration for Princess Fiona in the movie ‘Shrek,’ is rumored to stem from their relationship. However, there are no official statements from the creators of Shrek confirming or denying this inspiration.
Influence and Imitators
Tillet’s unique persona inspired a wave of imitators in the wrestling world, each adopting a similar “Angel” moniker. These included Paul Olaffsen (Swedish Angel), Tony Angelo (Russian Angel), Tor Johnson (Super Swedish Angel), and many others, each contributing to the mystique and allure of the “Angel” identity in wrestling.
Later Years and Legacy
Decline in Health and Final Years
By 1945, Maurice Tillet’s health began to decline, impacting his wrestling career. His final match took place in Singapore on February 14, 1953, when he agreed to lose to Bert Assirati. Tillet retired from wrestling soon after, and his health continued to decline.
Maurice’s Death | A Friendship Broke His Heart!
Tillet passed away on September 4, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 51. He suffered a heart attack upon hearing about the death of his close friend and former trainer, Karl Pojello. Tillet and Pojello were buried together at the Lithuanian National Cemetery in Justice, Illinois, with their gravestone poignantly inscribed, “Friends Whom Even Death Couldn’t Part.”
Plaster Busts by Louis Linck
In 1950, Chicago sculptor Louis Linck created a series of plaster busts of Tillet, commemorating his wrestling career. These busts are displayed in locations such as Chicago’s International Museum of Surgical Science and in the personal collection of wrestling historian Bruce Prichard.
Championships and Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Maurice Tillet achieved significant accolades, including twice winning the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. His contributions to professional wrestling were recognized with his induction into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012.
Conclusion
Maurice Tillet’s story is a fascinating blend of resilience, uniqueness, and impact. From his early struggles with acromegaly to his rise as a wrestling icon, Tillet’s journey continues to inspire and intrigue people today. Whether or not he was the inspiration for Shrek, his legacy in wrestling and his enduring curiosity about his life remain strong, captivating those who appreciate unique historical figures.
