Mike Mazurki

Professional heavyweight wrestler turned character actor. Mazurki was discovered by Josef von Sternberg and made his screen debut in a bit part in his 1941 film "The Shanghai Gesture." Typecast as dull-witted, sharp-knuckled thugs in a score of supporting roles, because of his huge frame, coarse features and harsh voice, Mazurki created his first memorable character--Moose Malloy, the ex-convict seeking his lost love--in the film noir "Murder, My Sweet" (1944). Surprisingly he played the lead in the children's nature-adventure film, "Challenge to Be Free" (1976). From the 1950s, Mazurki pursued a second career, refereeing championship wrestling matches in the US, Europe and the Far East.

Professional heavyweight wrestler turned character actor. Mazurki was discovered by Josef von Sternberg and made his screen debut in a bit part in his 1941 film "The Shanghai Gesture."

Typecast as dull-witted, sharp-knuckled thugs in a score of supporting roles, because of his huge frame, coarse features and harsh voice, Mazurki created his first memorable character--Moose Malloy, the ex-convict seeking his lost love--in the film noir "Murder, My Sweet" (1944). Surprisingly he played the lead in the children's nature-adventure film, "Challenge to Be Free" (1976). From the 1950s, Mazurki pursued a second career, refereeing championship wrestling matches in the US, Europe and the Far East.

CAST: (feature film)