Navigate to News section

A Truly Macho Man

Shivah Stars

by
Marc Tracy
May 26, 2011
Randy Savage, in his prime.(WWE, via AP/NYT)
Randy Savage, in his prime.(WWE, via AP/NYT)

Each week, we select the most interesting Jewish obituary. This week, it’s that of Randy “Macho Man” Savage, one of the biggest stars in professional wrestling during the 1980s apex of the sport (or, if you prefer, “sport”). He died late last week in a car accident at 58. Born Randy Poffo to a Catholic father and a Jewish mother, he emerged as one of the most flexible wrestlers, “equally successful playing a villain (known in the industry as a heel) and a good guy (a face).”

Marc Tracy is a staff writer at The New Republic, and was previously a staff writer at Tablet. He tweets @marcatracy.

Support Tablet Today

Help keep our unique brand of independent journalism alive