Ed Farhat

In 2003, he passed away, leaving behind his legacy as a trailbazer for the oncoming hardcore movement, a top national draw, and as one of the most respected athletes in the history of the Detroit area. Award nominations:. Sheik wrestled into his 70s, but he also found the time to train future stars such as his nephew Sabu, Rob Van Dam and Scott Steiner. Award wins:. Outside of his in-ring role, he took control of the Detroit promotion, pushing himself on top as the United States Champion until the promotion died in the early 1980s. A belated sequel, The Sting II appeared in 1983. He had major feuds with the likes of Bobo Brazil, Abdullah the Butcher, Pampero Firpo, Mark Lewin, Tiger Jeet Singh, Terry Funk and Fred Blassie. A major box office success, it was the highest grossing film of 1974, taking in more than US$160 million.

His favorite haunts in North America were Detroit, Los Angeles, and Toronto. It is noted for its musical score -- particularly its theme song, "The Entertainer" -- a piano rag by Scott Joplin, which was lightly adapted for the movie by Marvin Hamlisch. The character of the madman from Syria had universal appeal, and the Sheik was a top drawing heel all over the country and in Japan. The film is divided into distinct sections with old-fashioned title cards. He was an explosive, crazy heel and to some people, the embodiment of insanity and cruelty. The story is based in part on a real life con game orchestrated by "Count" Victor Lustig. His wild facial expressions and his ability to roll back his eyes, added to his violent repertoire, frightened fans and made them hate him. The Sting was a 1973/1974 big caper movie based in the 1930s and centered around a convoluted plot by two professional "grifters" (Paul Newman and Robert Redford) to con a mob boss (Robert Shaw).

While many wrestlers of the era had to start all over again when they entered a new territory, the Sheik's reputation preceded him. Ward). Fans also feared The Sheik. WGA Award for Best Drama Written Directly for the Screen - (David S. Very few people ever got up from the fireball, not even André the Giant could go on after being hit by the Sheik's fireball during a match at the Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, which led to a Sheik victory over the giant legend in 1974, 15 years before Hulk Hogan supposedly broke André's winning streak at WrestleMania III. Ward). In desperation, he would light the fireball and toss it into the face of his opponent. Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay - Motion Picture - (David S.

Concealed pencils were also common; however, his most feared tactic was his use of fireballs. Academy Award for Sound - (Ronald Pierce & Robert R. Bertrand). He would often lock on a hold that is normally mundane but not let go, forcing the opponent to give in. Academy Award for Best Cinematography - (Robert Surtees). The Sheik had many strange habits. Academy Award for Best Actor - (Robert Redford). He did not speak at all on camera, relying on his flamboyant managers like Abdullah Farouk and later Eddy Creechman to get his message across. Academy Award for Best Music, Scoring Original Song Score and/or Adaptation - (Marvin Hamlisch).

He was a star football player in high school and served his country in World War II before he became "The Sheik of Araby" or later, just "The Sheik." His calling card was his tendency for violence and foreign weapons, pencils being his favorite. Academy Award for Film Editing - (William H. Reynolds). Edward Farhat was born to a family of Lebanese immigrants in Michigan. Academy Award for Best Costume Design - (Edith Head). Edward George Farhat (June 11, 1924–January 18, 2003) was a professional wrestler best known as The Sheik (or The Original Sheik to distinguish him from the wrestler the Iron Sheik of the 1980s). Academy Award for Best Art Direction - (Henry Bumstead & James W. Payne). He also won the PWI Most Hated Wrestler Award in 1972. Ward).

Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) ranked him #368 of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the "PWI Years" in 2003. Academy Award for Writing Original Screenplay - (David S. 1-Time NWA Texas Heavyweight Title. Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures - (George Roy Hill). 1-Time NWA International Heavyweight Title. Academy Award for Directing - (George Roy Hill). 1-Time NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Title. Academy Award for Best Picture.

1-Time WWA Martial Arts Title. Jack Kehoe  : Joe Erie. 2-Time ICW United States Heavyweight Title. Sally Kirkland  : Crystal. 1-Time United National Heavyweight Title (Tokyo). Mann  : Mr. Clemens. 1-Time NWA Americas Heavyweight Title. Larry D.

3-Time United States Heavyweight Title (Toronto). Dana Elcar  : FBI Agent Polk. 12-Time United States Heavyweight Title (Detroit). John Heffernan  : Eddie Niles. Movie(s): I Like to Hurt People. Harold Gould  : Kid Twist. Finishing/Signature Move(s): Camel Clutch, Fireball, Hidden pencil. Eileen Brennan  : Billie.

Previous Manager(s): The Princess, Abdullah Farouk, Eddy Creechman. Singleton. Previous Identities: The Sheik of Araby. Ray Walston  : J.J. Professional Debut: 1950. William Snyder. Billed from: The Syrian Desert. Charles Durning  : Lt.

Hometown: Lansing, Michigan. Robert Shaw  : Doyle Lonnegan. Obituary Date: January 18, 2003 (heart failure). Robert Redford  : Johnny Hooker aka Kelly. Birthday: June 11, 1924. Paul Newman  : Henry Gondorff aka Shaw. Weight: 247 lbs.

Height: 5'11.