Adrian Street, a Welsh professional wrestler and author, rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s for his unique and flamboyant androgynous wrestling character. He and his wife, Miss Linda, who also served as his manager, were known for their heel (villain) personas in the wrestling world.
December 1940: Early Life and Family Background
Adrian Street was born in December 1940 in Brynmawr, South Wales, into a coal mining family. His father was a miner for 51 years.
December 1940: Adrian Street is Born
Adrian Street was born in December 1940 in Brynmawr, South Wales.
August 1957: Professional Debut
On August 8, 1957, Adrian Street had his first professional wrestling match. Using the name Kid Tarzan Jonathan, he defeated Geoff Moran.
1957: Beginnings in Wrestling
At 16, Adrian Street left home and began his professional wrestling career in 1957, inspired by wrestlers like Lou Thesz, Buddy Rogers, and Don Leo Jonathan. He initially adopted the moniker "Kid Tarzan Jonathan."
1969: Meeting Miss Linda
In 1969, Adrian Street met Linda Gunthorpe Hawker, who would become his manager, valet, and wife.
1971: The "Exotic" Adrian Street Persona and the Jimmy Savile Incident
Adrian Street developed his "Exotic" persona, an androgynous character, incorporating flamboyant attire and makeup. In 1971, he had a match with TV presenter Jimmy Savile, during which Street physically attacked Savile due to disagreements and Savile's behavior toward young girls.
1972: Appearance in "The Canterbury Tales"
Street made an appearance in Pier Paolo Pasolini's 1972 film "The Canterbury Tales."
1977: Early Singles
Street and his band, The Pile Drivers, released their first singles in 1977.
1980: Continuing Music Career
Street and his band released more music in 1980, further solidifying their presence in the music scene.
1981: North American Debut
Adrian Street and Miss Linda debuted in North America in 1981.
1981: Appearance in "Quest for Fire"
Adrian Street appeared in the 1981 film "Quest for Fire."
1985: Joining Continental Championship Wrestling
By 1985, Street and Linda settled into Ron Fuller's Continental Championship Wrestling (CCW) in Birmingham, Alabama.
1985: Role in "Grunt: The Wrestling Movie"
He also had a role in the 1985 film "Grunt: The Wrestling Movie."
1986: Release of "Shake, Wrestle and Roll"
Adrian Street and his band, The Pile Drivers, released the LP "Shake, Wrestle and Roll" in 1986. This album included previously released singles and new tracks.
1986: Face Turn
Initially a heel, Street's convincing performance led to a face turn in 1986 after saving Bob Armstrong (disguised as the Bullet) from an attack.
1989: Return and Final Years in CCW
Street returned to CCW shortly before its closure in the summer of 1989, engaging in feuds and tag team matches.
2005: Proposal and Marriage to Miss Linda
In 2005, at a Cauliflower Alley Club reunion, Adrian Street proposed to Miss Linda, with Don Leo Jonathan serving as best man at their wedding.
June 2014: Final Match
Adrian Street's wrestling career, encompassing an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 matches, concluded with his final match in Birmingham, Alabama, in June 2014.
August 2018: Podcast Episode on Love and Radio
Adrian Street's life story was featured on an episode of the podcast "Love and Radio" in August 2018.
2018: Return to Wales
Adrian Street and Miss Linda moved back to Wales in 2018, citing reasons related to weather in Florida and the impact of Hurricane Ivan on his wrestling academy.
2019: Documentary Release
The documentary "You May Be Pretty, But I Am Beautiful: The Adrian Street Story," directed by Joann Randles, was released in 2019.
July 2023: Adrian Street Passes Away
Adrian Street died on July 24, 2023, at age 82 in Cwmbran, Wales. The cause of death was sepsis from colitis.
July 2023: Passing and Legacy
Adrian Street died on July 24, 2023, at age 82. He was known for his flamboyant wrestling persona and contributions to the industry.