George "The Animal" Steele

1937 - 2017

George "The Animal" Steele

1937 - 2017

BORN

1937

DIED

2017

George Steele Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 17, 2017.
George "The Animal" Steele, a World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame professional wrestler who gained fame in the 1980s for his eccentric look and wild antics, died Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, following an extended illness. He was 79.

Born William James Myers April 16, 1937, Steele attended Michigan State University and played football there until a knee injury forced him to quit the sport. After earning bachelor's and master's degrees and beginning a career in teaching and coaching, he began wrestling in the mid-1960s, signing on with the World Wide Wrestling Federation in 1967.

Over the following decades, Steele honed his character as a feral menace, a "crazy heel" in wrestling parlance. By the mid-1980's, when pro wrestling hit a peak of popularity, Steele made an impression in stark contrast to the typical chiseled grappler: hirsute but bald, bug-eyed with a green tongue (he'd chew a handful of breath mints before appearances), babbling gibberish and biting both opponents and the foam pads at each corner of the ring. Fans either loved him or loved to hate him.

Steele initially retired from wrestling in 1988 but returned for a short stint in 1998. In 1994, he appeared as a wrestler in the 1994 film "Ed Wood." Click to get weekly celebrity death news delivered to your inbox.

As news broke of his death, fellow wrestlers expressed their condolences on Twitter.

"RIP my brother," said Hulk Hogan, "Only love, only grateful."

Hacksaw Jim Duggan tweeted "God Bless. George 'The Animal' Steele. A friend over the years. RIP"

"George Steele was a one of a kind performer who could make fans smile or boo ... and his competitors laugh or cry," offered wrestler Triple H. "I worked with him a lot when I first got to @WWE and was able to learn so much. My condolences to his family."

The Iron Sheik, who was a tag-team partner of Steele's for a time, tweeted that Steele was "always the intelligent brother."

Fellow WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase tweeted that "the wrestling world lost one of the best today and I lost a good friend."

Steele is survived by his wife of 60 years, Pat Myers, and three children.

Sign George Steele's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 23, 2025

Joey posted to the memorial.

October 29, 2024

Patrick the Cincinnati kid Tumilty posted to the memorial.

August 31, 2024

Jennifer Lowry posted to the memorial.

133 Entries

Joey

June 23, 2025

George the animal Steele was great a doing his job and entertaining everybody around him and always a legend R.I.P

Patrick the Cincinnati kid Tumilty

October 29, 2024

Hello my name is Patrick and I just want to say that I'm very sad about George The animal Steele passing away I know it's been a long long time ago and this is the first time I got to say anything or write anything about George but I used to see George at the Los Angeles when he was in WWF at that time before it was WWE I always wanted to say I liked George and I like to style and I want to say to his family and friends and everyone that wrestled against him and manage with him and on very sudden and George I will see you up in heaven I'm saying this as a friend and has a phone sports entertainer fan I always loved watching you in the rain and watching your annex taking the cotton out of the the pads on the four corners and I just I loved watching you scared the crap out of the kids and even adults you are a great entertainer and I want to say that rest in peace George from a friend by the name of Patrick and I know that's your life name Pat I like being called Patrick

Jennifer Lowry

August 31, 2024

George was so entertaining. I was a wrestling fan growing up, and George was always a favorite. Never a dull match. R.I.P to a true legend

Harry Johnson

October 24, 2023

R.I.P. George Steel you were one of my favorite wrestlers in the 80s

Cheryl O.

August 2, 2023

I am privileged that I actually got to see him live in Sacramento. He was one of my favorite wrestlers. RIP Mr. Myers... I will always be a fan of yours.

GENE PITELLI

June 16, 2023

"HE BROUGHT A LOT OF ENJOYMENT (AND FRIGHT) TO ME AND MY SONS (MOSTLY ENJOYMENT). GOD REST HIS SOUL......
HE WAS BORN THE YEAR I WAS BORN AND COINCIDENTLY DIED ON MY BIRTHDAY

Dennis Winship

May 14, 2021

George the animal steel tore the stuffyings out of the turn buckle at wrestle mania 2 because he's a animal he will always be remembered for being a animal in the ring. Dennis winship Lynn massachusetts

Rick Dake

February 23, 2018

Grew up watching him, was one of my all time favorites in the ring, his antics were hilarious, he was an amazing showman, he kept the audience in the palm of his hand.
Just finished watching "A walk through life with Jim Meyers - AKA George (The Animal Steel)". He was an amazing man and a huge role model as a coach and teacher, great story! RIP George

February 20, 2018

Rest in peace.

Gerald Nicholoff

February 18, 2018

Rip george love u with wwf i know ur with all the great ones my prayers are with ur love ones

October 5, 2017

I loved him. He was crazy. RIP "Animal".

brad steele

March 27, 2017

i miss youpapa

Corinne Durfee-MacNeill

March 9, 2017

Mr. Steele and his family were my neighbors on 2nd street in Royal Oak when I was in High School. His sons played nearly everyday with my little brother Clint. I still remember coming home and he was rolling around the front yard with those 3 little boys. He adored his wife and daughter too.Many years later I saw him at an event and introduced myself, he asked about my brother and when I told him Clint died of Cancer at 31 the sadness was so obvious on his face. He was a good man with a good heart. May he have eternal peace and knows that he left a wonderful Legacy for his children and Grandchildren.

March 1, 2017

Saddnens happens to us all . and like Johnny cash sings I don't like it but I guess things happens that way. My wife an I Loved him when he came to the ring good man we will miss him God be with the family they say time heals but I still feel sadness for the ones we have lost R I P Animail an thanks for the part of yr life

GEORGE AND RODDY PIPER AT THE PWHF 2007

DAVE CHELSTOWSKI

March 1, 2017

AT THE READING PHILLIES 2005

DAVE CHELSTOWSKI

March 1, 2017

FROM THE PWHF CONVENTION 2004

DAVE CHELSTOWSKI

February 28, 2017

February 28, 2017

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Betty Hoffa

February 26, 2017

Pat, Jim will always hold a special place in my heart because of his kindness. My prayers are with you and your family at this time. Betty Hoffa

February 24, 2017

My most sincerest and heartfelt condolences go out to the immediate and extended family of Mr. George "The Animal" Steele. I enjoyed his wrestling ability as well as his antics. He was fun to watch and he won a lot of matches. He was so different from the other pro wrestlers and it was obvious that he was a powerful man."The Animal" wasn't scary...his actions were hilarious. Another great pro wrestler has now entered the "squared circle" in Heaven. Mr. George "The Animal" Steele has "walked that aisle" - an aisle that all of us must walk someday. "Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way" (Booker T. Washington). Respectfully submitted by Artemus Flagg, Ph.D., LPC of Charlotte, NC.

Charles Barthelemy

February 23, 2017

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of George. He was my favorite wrestler of all time!

James gamble

February 23, 2017

Please lord watch over the Myers family.

James gamble

February 23, 2017

Dear Mrs. Myers and family. I am so saddened by the loss of your husband and father.I only met him once. It was Easter of 2014. My family and I visited your church. I was the one who had the action figure of your husband. He could not have been more kind to my cousin and I. He will be forever missed. Sincerely, James Gamble

February 22, 2017

RIP Jim always fun to watch thanks for the vidios we have those to remember you by forever

James Husar

February 22, 2017

Condolences to the Myer Family. George was a true American Icon, and was loved my many. I remember when I was a young lad visiting his house as I grew up down the street from the Myers Family. I remember playing with his son Randy. I also remember he used to scare me with his signature yell! I was quite young but remember Randy and Dennis. The street was taken so that they could put a section of Interstate 75 through and we moved back to Pennsylvania. We still have family living in Detroit. I never met up with him again, as he would visit Pittsburgh for various wrestling matches. Prayers go out to his wife and three grown Children.

February 22, 2017

OUR CONDOLES TO THE FAMILY.MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BE OF COMFORT TO YOUR FAMILY. PROV. 17:17.

Jackie Lecher

February 21, 2017

May you RIP , we had the opportunity to see you when our kids were little and you told my son to come up to the ring after you bit open the stuffing and gave it to him . We still have to this day and do we are honored to have seen one of the best wrestlers there ever was. God Bless you!

Ramon Beltran

February 21, 2017

Prayers to his family. Thank you for sharing "The Animal" with us, he was a great person and a great wrestler.

Lisa Chase

February 21, 2017

When I was 12 or 13 my dad took us to see George the "Animal Steele" at Joe Louis Arena. I was the happiest young person in the world. Little did I know at age 16 we would move to Madison Heights and attend Madison High School only to look up and see this huge man standing there with his coach shirt, shorts and a whistle around his neck that I knew I had seen before. It took me about 2 minutes to realize I was standing 2 feet from "George the Animal Steele". I could not believe it, I just stood there staring as he walked toward me and pretended to slap me in the face and said " Get off my wrestling mats with your street shoes". Scared me to death. After that each time I would see him be would point to my shoes and we would laugh. He was a wonderful person, teacher and coach and of course wrestler. He was also a wonderful dad. I graduated with his son Randy, you could see when he looked at him be just adored his son. He will be dearly missed by all those who were lucky enough to have known him. He touched many young lives not only in his wrestling career and more in his career as a gym teacher, a football coach and a speaker. You will be missed but your memories will forever remain. Madison High Class of 1978.

Vic Rebello

February 21, 2017

Dear Pat, So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Remember still so vividly, our wonderfully happy times at Cocoa Beach with Jim, you and all the Xanadu residents. A great and gentle man. May he rest in peace. Love, Dianne and Vic Rebello

Bonnie R

February 21, 2017

My condolences to George's Family... George was one of my favorite wrestlers to watch back in the day, I also got a kick out of his stuffed animal buddy "Mine".
RIP George, We're going to miss you!

February 21, 2017

To the Myers family my deepest condolences to you all and just reassure Jim (George) is in the best hands possible and not in any discomfort at all. God Bless him you Pat.
Meet and played celebrity softball with him at the space coast stadium (tried to eat the cover off the ball)and saw him at many a football games in Rockledge and Cocoa Beach. Always took time to talk to you. It was my pleasure to have meet him and to know a little about him......he is so funny, you just never knew what he would do or say, but he could make you laugh. Great entertainer in the ring but more of "jokester" in person. Thanks for the memories and yes you will be missed. God Bless.

Alan, Merritt Island

Kurt

February 21, 2017

RIP George. What a man.

February 21, 2017

Truly saddened to hear about George "The Animal" Steele. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! (Luke23:43)

February 21, 2017

My deepest sympathy to the Steele family. Thanks George for all your years of entertainment.

Wilber R.

February 21, 2017

Always loved his style! Every time I think of "the Animal" I want to chew a turnbuckle. Watch out Goldberg!!

Dale Repke

February 21, 2017

I had the pleasure of playing softball with Randy Meyer and visited their home in Madison Heights after a game. George and his wife were the nicest couple to host a bunch of young wild guys.
a good time was had by all and my prayers go out to the Meyer family.

Jerry Stiles

February 21, 2017

Thank you for the wrestling years George,,I always played you when I was a kid WHEN WE played pro-wrestling,,
R.I.P. sir,,

Leonard h an Michelle R

February 20, 2017

We have been watching Wrestling from the 70s he was a very good wresler God be with the family R I P animail

Capt Joe

February 20, 2017

I met George in Philadelphia in 1978 my dad was a Philadelphia cop working at the spectrum and got to shake his hand I was a young kid he pick me up and carry me out to the ring thanks George you made a young kid very happy rest in peace my friend

Gay Stier

February 20, 2017

It was a great thing to hear How the Lord became part of his life! Wrestling was just a career! I should say all of his life! He loved the Lord and he was not ashamed to say it! He wanted to talk about Jesus not wrestling and how Jesus changed his life! God bless his wonderful wife!

Charles Woodruff

February 20, 2017

One of my favorite WWF wrestling characters. Thanks for the memories. You will be missed!

James Kiss

February 20, 2017

I always loved watching him chew the
padding off the turnbuckles when I was
a kid. RIP

mitanopo vazquez

February 20, 2017

One of my big hero the crazy George th Animal

February 20, 2017

George watched from beginning until your end enjoyed each show you were super RIP to the family so sorry for your great loss Charlotte Brown West Manchester Ohio

KATHLEEN RANDOLPH

February 20, 2017

I remember George "The Animal" Steele from my much younger years!!! He was fascinating and very funny, but he could be baaaadddd too. He was truly an entertainer and my heart goes out to the family, friends, and associates of George. My sincere thoughts and prayers...we have lost a real legend.

CC.

February 20, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with the STEELE FAMILY in their time of grief. May 'God' give you peace at this most difficult time. -Romans 15:13

February 20, 2017

My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time now and days ahead.

M C

February 20, 2017

I would like to express my condolences to the family for their loss. May you find comfort and help in God during this time of sorrow. (Psalms 86:17)

Rolly danny Duguay

February 19, 2017

He was a great man. We took him around show to show on Rollys bus when he worked for Canadian wild man DAVE Mckigney always made every one laugh my you rest in peace with all your friends in heaven danny Duguay. Rollys son. So sorry for your great loss

Pete Cullen

February 19, 2017

George was a colorful wrestling personality who made it interesting and fun!R.I.P. !

Bob StLace

February 19, 2017

A great wrestler, Christian, and man. You will be missed.

somesh sharma

February 19, 2017

Good bless your soul. As good as anybody as a main eventer which very few people can claim. We need more to aspire to his realm.

Daniel

February 19, 2017

You were a legend while you were entertaining the wrestling world.You paved your own way to the elite status in the business.RIP George "THE ANIMAL" Steele

Ronnie Grau

February 19, 2017

I spent many years helping the folks of Capitol Wrestling to sell the programs and magazines at the matches, and always found George Steele to be one of the most entertaining performers, back in the day when wrestling meant something to its fans that is not there today.......I had the privilege of spending a few minutes chatting with him at one of those autograph sessions in Allentown, PA a while ago, and I am glad to have had that opportunity to let him know how much his work was appreciated.......My most sincere condolences to his family, and may perpetual light shine upon him.....

bill davids

February 19, 2017

Loved coaching against him and visiting with him afterwards. He was a wonderful man and the entire Davids family thought the world of him.
Bill and Patty Davids MPLS, MN

Gary Cianftocca

February 19, 2017

I watch u as a kid I love u. God Bless.

Jeff Dockum

February 19, 2017

I always looked forward to seeing George the Animal Steele in the ring!! You never knew what George would do next!!! He was a great part of the WWF!! God Bless you George!!

ricnard crossman

February 19, 2017

i send my condolences to his wife pat myers and his children god bless you richard crossman erie pa

Judith Warren

February 19, 2017

RIP you were my favorite WWE star

Jerry Nichols

February 19, 2017

Watch your matches a few time in Columbus, Ohio. Alone with tv many times. You was my flavorite. RIP

chris cazzato

February 19, 2017

Rest in peace so sorry u suffered.u will be missed. God bless.

Patrick Foss

February 18, 2017

Rest in peace, William Myers.
Thank you for the many years of entertaining us as the great wrestler George 'The Animal' Steele. You were wonderful and your fans love you still.
Condolences to your loving family and friends.

ELLIOT RIEBMAN

February 18, 2017

SO SADDENED TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF WRESTLER GEORGE"THE ANIMAL"STEELE AS HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY FORMER WRESTLERS AS WELL AS FANS,GOD BLESS THE FAMILY,AND DEAREST LORD ABOVE,DELIVER THE ANIMAL TO HEAVEN,WITH GODS ANGELS ALWAYS WATCHING OVER THIS WRESTLING LEGEND,AND DELIVER HIM TO EVERLASTING PEACE.ELLIOT BRUCE RIEBMAN "LILWOLF"

Suzanne Hetrick

February 18, 2017

I loved him dearly

February 18, 2017

Pat, Kids, Family,

Sorry do hear about the loss of your dear loved one. Our prayers are with your family at this difficult time. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.

Jacob Seidel

February 18, 2017

Bless you George "The Animal" Steele!

Glen Hausfeld

February 18, 2017

Peace.

Karen Davis

February 18, 2017

Thanks for the awesome memories. Condolences to family and friends. GOD BLESS

Harry Simpson

February 18, 2017

Godspeed George, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Steven

February 18, 2017

He was unique and had a style all his own.One of the greatest.loved how he always stood up for Miss Elizabeth.condolences to his family.RIP Geoge(the animal)Steele!

Gary Brightman

February 18, 2017

George the Animal Steele was one of my favorites. I will miss him. God Bless and prayers to his family. 61 years of watching wrestling. And still do every Monday and Tuesday nights.

Debra Gibson-Marshall

February 18, 2017

Thank you so much for sharing your husband and father to all the people who enjoyed the world of wrestling.

Greg Wright

February 18, 2017

to one of Wrestling's greatest warriors , amongst the more honorable critters you'll find ole George still giving people a thrill unequalled

RIP tough guy

Eric Halstead

February 18, 2017

Have fond memories of watching you with my grandmother who has since passed . Thanks for those cherished memories ! You were a great entertainer and always one of our favorites! RIP thoughts and condolences to your family . Eric H.

G. Freeman

February 18, 2017

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Jerry Mitchell

February 18, 2017

A true legend, you made watching wrestling fun RIP ANIMAL my prayers are with the family God Bless

February 18, 2017

It was wonderful to get to know you and Pat thru MSU Alumni at Beef O' Brady's . Jim you were a very intelligent man. Pat you are a saint.
We sent our condolences to Pat and family.
May you rest in peace until we meet again.
Gary

David Barnick

February 18, 2017

My condolences to the family. Mr Myers- AKA- George Steele- was a great showman and obviously a bright and kind man.

Les Breese

February 18, 2017

10 memorial chimes of the ring bell to honor yet another fallen classic wrestler...with thanks to you, George Steele.

February 18, 2017

R.I.P. George, you made a part of my life fun again. I will never forget you. God Bless !!

FTMY FL.

February 18, 2017

Rest In Peace

Brian

February 18, 2017

The animal would enter the ring slowly, peer around, then walk over to the turnbuckle and start eating it! He was also covered in hair, resembling an animal of some sort. He was great!

Clay Moore

February 18, 2017

Only GEORGE could hide the foreign object in his trunks or under his arm pit and put his hands in the air and act like the ref was the crazy one! RIP ANIMAL!1

Don McLeod

February 18, 2017

My condolences go out to the entire Myers family. Rest in Peace Jim.

Whether it was a main event or just a match on that nights card if George Steele was on it you were in for a treat.
His style was unique and his ring psychology was second to none. If it was a concealed foreign object, a folding chair to settle the score, throwing a police barricade into the ring or chasing a youngster up a isle he always had the crowd glued to the action.
There will never be another like him.

Mark Peden

February 18, 2017

Rest Well Big Guy !! You were one of my fav's and watching your talent in the ring, NEVER left me yawning !!! Thanks for the memories !

Bobby Schelling

February 18, 2017

I remember him what a great showman and entertainer. Made the sport what it is...Miss this great man

Curly Melnik

February 18, 2017

He was my Favorite-wished he made more movies.
Bless his Family. RIP Mr.Steele

Grady Youngblood

February 18, 2017

Ann Marie Stokman

February 18, 2017

Sorry to hear of the loss

Dave Mann

February 18, 2017

To the Steele Family:

I had the honor and privilege of meeting George nearly 20 years ago at a WSCR Bowl-a-Rama outside Chicago. He could not have been nicer. Willingly holding conversations and signing autographs and posing for pictures.

To meet him up-close was a once in a lifetime experience, which I'll never forget.

My condolences to you all.

Vincent Pittman

February 18, 2017

I know that he was one of the sweetest people that you could ever know. Mr. Myers was my introduction to wrestling. May you forever be in the hearts of all your family and fans!

crazy jackson

February 18, 2017

RIP ANIMAL!..you were great at what you did! Condolence to his family, and thanks for sharing him with us who watched wrestling!

Showing 1 - 100 of 133 results

Make a Donation
in George Steele's name

How to support George's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor George Steele's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Sign George Steele's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 23, 2025

Joey posted to the memorial.

October 29, 2024

Patrick the Cincinnati kid Tumilty posted to the memorial.

August 31, 2024

Jennifer Lowry posted to the memorial.