He transformed himself into the brash, bombastic manager Captain Lou Albano. In July 1967, they won the But several photographs of the pair with their title belts were taken, which provided good publicity fodder later in Albano's career.įollowing the encouragement of fellow wrestler Bruno Sammartino, in 1969 Albano retired from active wrestling to focus on managing. A credible threat on their lives occurred during a run as Midwest tag team champions, resulting in the pair abandoning the territory quickly enough that they did not lose the title before leaving. Their realistic depiction of gangster characters caught the attention of actual mafiosi in 1961. The pair won the Midwest tag team championship on the undercard of the JComiskey Park event starring Pat O'Connor and Buddy Rogers that set the all-time record gate in the United States to that point. Dubbed The Sicilians, Altimore and Albano competed as a stereotypical Italian gangster combo. Capitalizing on his success, he later ventured into Hollywood with various television, film, and music projects.Īlbano made little impact as a solo wrestler, but he achieved moderate success as a tag team performer with partner Tony Altimore. Collaborating with Cyndi Lauper, Albano helped usher in wrestling's crossover success with a mainstream audience. The trio would be fixtures in the company for a decade, until the Grand Wizard's death in 1983.Ī unique showman, with an elongated beard, rubber band facial piercings, and loud outfits, Albano was the forefather of the 1980s Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection. Albano was part of the "Triumvirate of Terror," a threesome of nefarious WWF managers that also included The Grand Wizard of Wrestling and Fred Blassie. The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer described Albano as "one of the most important figures when it comes to the growth and popularity of pro wrestling in the Northeast." Throughout his 42-year career, Albano guided 15 different tag teams and four singles competitors to championship gold. Louis Vincent "Lou" Albano was an Italian professional wrestler, manager and actor. Notable Feuds: Mr Fuji, Wild Samoans, Rocky Johnson, Tony Atlas, Bobby Heenan, Big John Studd, King Kong Bundy Marital Status: Married to Geri w/4 children Lived: Carmel, New York, Billed from Italy Hometown: Born in Rome, Italy, Moved: Mount Vernon, New York
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