Joe Cornelius (1 May 1928 – 30 October 2021), known by his ring name "Dazzler" Joe Cornelius, was a British professional wrestler, actor, and stunt performer. He held the Southern England Heavyweight Championship and famously retired in 1967 as the undefeated champion. A popular heavyweight in post-war British wrestling, he became a household name through frequent television appearances and his flamboyant showmanship. Outside the ring, he achieved cult cinematic fame for portraying the titular prehistoric creature in the 1970 horror film Trog.
Early life Cornelius was born on 1 May 1928 in London, England. Before entering the entertainment world, he worked as a maintenance engineer for the Daily Mirror, maintaining the newspaper's printing presses. He was encouraged to pursue wrestling by friends and mentors Tony Mancelli and Joe D'Orazio.
Career Wrestling career Cornelius made his professional debut in Germany, serving as a last-minute substitute for an injured Joe D'Orazio. Known for his trademark black tights and gold-sequined capes, he earned the nickname "Dazzler" for his striking appearance and charismatic ring presence. He was a mainstay for the London-based Dale Martin Promotions and frequently headlined at prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall and the Wimbledon Palais. His signature move was a spectacular long-distance flying headbutt. Cornelius held the Southern England Heavyweight Championship until his retirement from active competition in 1967.
Acting and stunt career As his wrestling career wound down, Cornelius's physical presence led him into film and television. He is most remembered for his role in the 1970 film Trog, where he played a primitive caveman opposite Joan Crawford.
In Trog, Cornelius played a primitive caveman discovered in the English countryside. The role required him to wear a "ratty ape-suit"—reportedly a leftover from Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. Despite the film's reputation as a "B-movie," Cornelius spoke warmly of his co-star, Joan Crawford."John Waters introduces Trog|BFI", interview with Joe Cornelius by John Walters prior to screening of Trog, published on YouTube October 28, 2015. British Film Institute (BFI), London, U.K. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
Personal life Cornelius was a multifaceted businessman who operated a hairdressing salon throughout his wrestling and acting years. After retiring from the ring, he managed several pubs, including the Albion Pub in Pimlico and the Turners Arms, which served as the original home for the British Wrestlers Reunion. He married Antoniette Roma in October 1972. He eventually retired to Cyprus but returned to England for his final years. He was the older brother of actor and stuntman Billy Cornelius, known for his work in the Carry On series. In 1984, Joe published his autobiography, Thumbs Up: The Amazing Story of a Wrestler's Life, which detailed his global matches and personal antics with "warts and all" honesty. He became friends with Joan Crawford. The two formed an unlikely and lasting friendship; Crawford was impressed by his professionalism and kindness, and the pair exchanged Christmas cards for years until her death in 1977.
Death Cornelius died on 30 October 2021 at the age of 93. His daughter, Jane Cornelius, stated he died peacefully after having lived with dementia for several years.
Filmography Television YearTitleRoleNotes 1964 Ring-a-Ding-Ding! Himself 1 episode 1964–1985 World of Sport Himself 2 episodes 1966 Adam Adamant Lives! Chauffeur Episode: "D is for Dangerous" 1968 Hold On: It's the Dave Clark Five Self TV Movie 1968 Softly, Softly Tobin Episode: "The Collector" 1968–1969 The Avengers Karate Opponent / Goon 2 episodes 1970 The Wednesday Play Prison Guard Episode: "The Cellar and the Almond Tree" 1970 The Befrienders Maxwell TV Movie 1974 Boy Dominic Prize Fighter Episode: "The Great Day" 1976 The New Avengers Burly Henchman Episode: "Target!"
Film YearTitleRoleNotes 1966 Khartoum Muscular Man Stunts 1967 Casino Royale Cowboy Stunts 1967 The Magnificent Two Man 1967 The Dirty Dozen American Officer 1967 The Sorcerers Taxi Driver 1968 Oliver! Man in crowd 1969 The File of the Golden Goose Gordie 1970 Trog Trog Titular role 1970 Carry On Loving Boxing Second
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See also Professional wrestling in the United Kingdom
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