Used in the Exhibit: Play by Play - A Century of L.A. Sports Photography, 1889-1989 George Wagner wrestled for a decade in near-obscurity before he came up with a gimmick: he grew out his hair and dyed his curly locks platinum blond; entered the ring in an elegant cape to "Pomp and Circumstance;" and had his valet douse the ring with Chanel No. 5. "Gorgeous George" infuriated opponents and fans, while his theatrics inspired a future boxing champ named Muhammad Ali. According to a song from that era: "He has an armful of muscle and a head full of curls, He wrestles with the fellows and thrills all the girls." Photo dated: September 6, 1948.
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