Tor Johnson
| Tor Johnson | |
|---|---|
Tor Johnson in Plan 9 from Outer Space
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|
| Born |
Karl Oscar Tore Johansson 19 October 1903 Kalmar län, Sweden |
| Died | 12 May 1971 (aged 67) San Fernando, California, U.S. |
| Other names | Super Swedish Angel Thor Johnson |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler, actor |
| Years active | 1934–1961 |
Tore Johansson (19 October 1903 – 12 May 1971), better known by the stage name Tor Johnson, was a Swedish professional wrestler (billed as The Super Swedish Angel) and actor. He appeared in many B-movies including some Ed Wood films.
Johnson was born in Kalmar län, Sweden, the son of Karl J. Johansson and Lovisa Petersson.
Johnson weighed 181 kilograms (400 pounds) at his heaviest. He had a full head of black 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.
During his career as an actor, Johnson befriended director Ed Wood, who directed him in a number of films, including Bride of the Monster and Plan 9 from Outer Space. He was very friendly to work with; actress Valda Hansen, who worked with Johnson in 1959's Night of the Ghouls, described him as "like a big sugar bun." During this period, Johnson appeared as a guest contestant on the quiz show You Bet Your Life, during which he showed the show's host, Groucho Marx, his "scariest face." Marx ran off the stage in mock terror, then returned and pleaded: "Don't make that face again!"
In 1971, Johnson died from heart failure at the San Fernando Valley Hospital in San Fernando, California. He was buried at the Eternal Valley Memorial Park in Newhall, California.
Johnson was portrayed by wrestler George "The Animal" Steele in Tim Burton's film Ed Wood (1994).
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