Peter Fanene Maivia(1937-1982)
- Actor
- Stunts
"High Chief" Peter Maivia, originally from Samoa, wrestled for several
years in Asia and the United States. He gained his greatest fame as a
fan favorite in the WWF (now WWE), taking on such heels as "Superstar"
Billy Graham,
Ken Patera, and
Ivan Koloff. Maivia though later turned into
a heel himself (at the behest of manager "Classy" Freddie Blassie)
towards the end of his career. Soon after, he was diagnosed with cancer
and retired from active wrestling, but was busy as a wrestling promoter
in Hawaii. He died of cancer in 1982, but his legacy lives on as his
grandson Dwayne Johnson, has made
his name as arguably the biggest star from professional wrestling ever
to successfully crossover into a sustainable Hollywood acting career.