Eldridge Wayne Coleman (born June 7, 1943), better known as “Superstar” Billy Graham, is an American professional wrestler. He gained recognition as the WWWF Heavyweight Champion from 1977 to 1978. He is a three-time world champion in major professional wrestling.
An award-winning bodybuilder, he was Arnold Schwarzenegger’s training partner and close friend. He is remembered for revolutionizing the interviewing and physical aspects of the professional wrestling industry, as well as for his charismatic showmanship. Some of his wrestling protégés include Hulk Hogan, Jesse Ventura, Scott Steiner and Rick Flair.
In November 2015, Graham announced in a Facebook post that he had signed a Legends contract (an infrequent, non-wrestling long-term deal). He signed a five-year contract extension in 2021.
Graham was hospitalized in January 2023 with an ear and skull infection. By April, his condition had worsened; he had lost 80 pounds and was being treated for kidney, heart and lung disease. Graham died on May 17, three weeks before his 80th birthday, after being placed on life support earlier that week.
Superstar Billy Graham’s Wife: Who Is Valerie Irwin?
As described in his autobiography, “Tangled Cords,” Graham and his wife, Valerie Irwin, whom he married in 1978, had been infertile. Graham has two children from a previous marriage to Madeleine Miluso.
His daughter Capella was born on June 8, 1972. She was named after a star he read in an atlas of the universe. His son Joey was born on March 18, 1975. Joy was born with double pneumonia and an enlarged heart, which was later surgically corrected. His godfather is wrestler Dusty Rhodes.