From his humble beginnings as an Italian-born American who devoted his time to becoming a weightlifter to ultimately headlining Madison Square Garden as a professional wrestler, Bruno Sammartino’s penchant for being one of the most popular Italian-Americans in the Pittsburgh region sparked a long-lasting and rewarding career. Pittsburgh has been home to many great athletes—but none loom larger than Sammartino himself.

Born October 6, 1935, Sammartino is best known for being the longest-running champion of the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), holding the title across two reigns for over 11 years—longest in the history of professional wrestling history. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he was one of the most popular American wrestlers of all time. Fans not only adored his mat skills, but his personal charisma and charm as well.