Stanislaus Zbyszko was an American actor best known for his roles in Night and the City, Madison Square Garden, and Gotch-Zbyszko World’s Championship Wrestling Match. He was also a professional wrestler who gained fame in the early 20th century.
Personal and Family Life
Born on April 1, 1879, in Jodlowa, Galicia, he was originally named Stanislaw Jan Cyganiewicz. Zbyszko married Anna in 1917, and they enjoyed a long marriage. He was known for his impressive physique, which led to him being rejected from military service due to having “too much muscle.”
Career Highlights
Zbyszko began his wrestling career in the United States around 1909 and continued through the mid-1920s. He had a remarkable comeback in 1928 when he faced the Great Gama in India in front of 60,000 fans, although he was defeated in just 40 seconds. He later retired to a pig farm near Savannah, Missouri, where he trained amateur wrestlers while farming.
Death and Legacy
Stanislaus Zbyszko passed away on September 23, 1967, in St. Joseph, Missouri, from a heart attack. His legacy in wrestling is remembered through his achievements and his influence on the sport. He was awarded $25,000 in a lawsuit against a newspaper that compared him to a gorilla, highlighting how public perception challenged his career.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Night and the City | 1950-06-15 | Gregorius |
| Madison Square Garden | 1932-11-04 | Wrestler Stanislaus Zbyszko |
| Gotch-Zbyszko World’s Championship Wrestling Match | N/A | N/A |