Karl Erik Tore Johansson (19 October 1902 or 1903; sources differ â€"
12 May 1971), better known by the stage name Tor Johnson, was a
Swedish professional wrestler and actor. As an actor, Johnson appeared
in many B-movies, including some famously directed by Ed Wood. In
professional wrestling, Johnson was billed as Tor Johnson and Super
Swedish Angel.Johnson was born on 19 October 1902 in Brännkyrka,
Stockholms län, Sweden, the son of Karl Johan Johansson and Lovisa
Kristina Pettersson. His death certificate and grave list 1903 as the
year of his birth, contradicting published genealogy records.Johnson
weighed 440 pounds (200 kg) at his heaviest. He had a full head of
blond hair, but shaved it to maintain an imposing and villainous
appearance in his wrestling and acting work. He began getting bit
parts in films upon moving to California, usually as the strongman or
weightlifter, as early as 1934. His film career ended in the early
1960s, after he appeared in a string of poorly-rated films. However,
he continued to make appearances on television and made a number of
commercials.Tor Johnson used the ring name Super Swedish Angel to
distinguish himself from Nils Phillip Olafsson who used the ring name
Swedish Angel. The name was derived from wrestler Maurice Tillet,
known as the French Angel.
12 May 1971), better known by the stage name Tor Johnson, was a
Swedish professional wrestler and actor. As an actor, Johnson appeared
in many B-movies, including some famously directed by Ed Wood. In
professional wrestling, Johnson was billed as Tor Johnson and Super
Swedish Angel.Johnson was born on 19 October 1902 in Brännkyrka,
Stockholms län, Sweden, the son of Karl Johan Johansson and Lovisa
Kristina Pettersson. His death certificate and grave list 1903 as the
year of his birth, contradicting published genealogy records.Johnson
weighed 440 pounds (200 kg) at his heaviest. He had a full head of
blond hair, but shaved it to maintain an imposing and villainous
appearance in his wrestling and acting work. He began getting bit
parts in films upon moving to California, usually as the strongman or
weightlifter, as early as 1934. His film career ended in the early
1960s, after he appeared in a string of poorly-rated films. However,
he continued to make appearances on television and made a number of
commercials.Tor Johnson used the ring name Super Swedish Angel to
distinguish himself from Nils Phillip Olafsson who used the ring name
Swedish Angel. The name was derived from wrestler Maurice Tillet,
known as the French Angel.
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