American actor of Ukrainian origin.
Awarded the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame's New York State Award, which was presented to an individual who made significant contributions to the sport of Professional Wrestling in the PWHF's home state of New York.
Best remembered as the lumbering, intense yet soft-hearted Moose Malloy in the classic 1945 film-noir adaptation of Raymond Chandler's novel 'Farewell, My Lovely', called Murder, My Sweet (1944) in the US (while retaining the novel's title overseas).
Contrary to his image as a brawny, not very smart tough guy, Mazurki graduated at the top of his class from Manhattan College, class of 1930, with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Father of actress Michelle Mazurki.
In 1936 he played minor=league football with the Wessington Passaic (NJ) Red Devils, a team in the American Football Association.
Well known to generations of wrestling fans as "Iron" Mike Mazurki, whom he delighted with several world-class battles in during his long career. Outside the squared circle, Mike was dedicated to serving those in his wrestling brotherhood, and in the 1960s founded the "Cauliflower Alley Club", a non-profit organization that awarded scholarships and financial assistance to retired or injured wrestlers and their families.
Wrestler turned actor in tough guy roles.