Jorge Gonzáles was an Argentine actor and professional wrestler, best known for his time in WCW as “El Gigante” and in WWF as “Giant Gonzales.” He was born on January 31, 1966, in El Colorado, Formosa, Argentina, and became famous for his towering height of 8′ (2.44 m).
Personal and Family Life
Jorge Gonzáles was a talented athlete before becoming a wrestler. He played basketball for Argentina’s national team from 1985 to 1988 and was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA. However, an injury prevented him from pursuing a career in basketball. Following his sports career, he transitioned to professional wrestling, where he made a significant impact.
Career
Gonzáles’s wrestling career took off when he was signed by Ted Turner to wrestle as “El Gigante” in WCW. He later jumped to the WWF, where he became known as “Giant Gonzales,” famously feuding with The Undertaker. Despite facing health issues later in life, he continued to influence the world of wrestling and remained a beloved figure among fans.
Death and Legacy
Jorge Gonzáles passed away on September 22, 2010, in San Martín, Chaco, Argentina, due to complications from diabetes. He was only 44 years old. Although his wrestling career was shorter than many of his peers, he is fondly remembered by fans for his unique character and contributions to wrestling in the early 1990s.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| WCW Great American Bash ’90: New Revolution | 1990-07-07 | El Gigante |
| WCW/New Japan Supershow: Rumble in The Rising Sun | 1991-03-21 | El Gigante |
| WCW SuperBrawl: Return from The Rising Sun | 1991-05-19 | El Gigante |
| WCW Halloween Havoc ’91 | 1991-10-27 | El Gigante |
| WCW/New Japan Supershow II | 1992-01-04 | El Gigante |
| Undertaker: The Streak 21-1 | 2014-05-09 | Giant González |
| Thunder in Paradise | 1993-09-22 | Terremoto |
| WWE: Undertaker 20-0 – The Streak | 2012-07-23 | Giant Gonzales (archive footage) |
| The True Story of WrestleMania | 2011-03-13 | Giant Gonzales (archive footage) |
| WCW Clash of the Champions XV: Knocksville USA | 1991-06-12 | El Gigante |
| WCW The Great American Bash 1991 | 1991-07-14 | El Gigante |
| WCW Clash of The Champions XVI: Fall Brawl ’91 | 1991-09-05 | El Gigante |
| WCW Starrcade 1991 | 1991-12-29 | El Gigante |
| WWE Royal Rumble 1993 | 1993-01-24 | Giant González (Appearance) |
| WWE March to WrestleMania IX | 1993-03-28 | The Giant González |
| WWE WrestleMania IX | 1993-04-04 | The Giant González |
| Thunder in Paradise 2 | 1994-04-27 | Mortador |
| WWE Invasion of the Bodyslammers | 1993-06-24 | The Giant Gonzalez |
| Hercules in the Underworld | 1994-11-07 | Eryz the Boxer |
| WCW WrestleWar 1991 | 1991-02-24 | El Gigante (Interview) |
| WWE Raw | 1993-01-11 | Giant Gonzalez |
| Inas Nacht | 2007-06-09 | Self |
| Thunder in Paradise | 1994-03-25 | Mortador |
| WWE Raw | 1993-01-11 | Giant Gonzalez (archive footage) |