Early Life and Education of Bret Hart: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 19, 2025

An overview of the childhood and early education of Bret Hart, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Bret Hart, a Canadian-American retired professional wrestler from the Hart wrestling family, is celebrated as one of the greatest of all time. Known as "The Hitman," he popularized technical wrestling in North America during the early 1990s. His background includes amateur wrestling, and he became a major international draw, significantly impacting the perception of mainstream professional wrestling. Hart's legacy emphasizes his exceptional skill and contributions to the sport.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

July 2, 1957: Bret Hart's Birth

On July 2, 1957, Bret Sergeant Hart was born. He is a Canadian-American retired professional wrestler and a member of the Hart wrestling family.

March 25, 1960: Julie Smadu's birth

Julie Smadu, who later married Bret Hart, was born on March 25, 1960.

1974: Calgary City Championships Win

In 1974, Bret Hart won the city championships in Calgary in amateur wrestling.

1977: Collegiate Champion at Mount Royal College

In 1977, Bret Hart was a collegiate champion at Mount Royal College while studying filmmaking, leading to encouragement to compete at the Commonwealth Games.

1980: Bob Eklund - Outstanding Wrestler of the Year

In the years 1980-1981, Bret Hart's old competitor, Bob Eklund, would go on to become a Canadian Interuniversity Sport national champion, winning "Outstanding Wrestler of the Year".

1981: Bob Eklund - Outstanding Wrestler of the Year

In the years 1980-1981, Bret Hart's old competitor, Bob Eklund, would go on to become a Canadian Interuniversity Sport national champion, winning "Outstanding Wrestler of the Year".

July 8, 1982: Bret Hart married Julie Smadu

On July 8, 1982, Bret Hart married Julie Smadu. They later had four children together.

1988: Face Turn and Sunglasses

In 1988, following his face turn, Bret Hart started giving away his signature mirrored sunglasses to young audience members before matches.

1991: Michelle and Tom Billington divorce

In 1991 Julie's sister Michelle divorced Tom Billington.

May 1998: Separation from Julie Smadu

Bret Hart and Julie Smadu separated in May 1998.

May 23, 1999: Owen Hart's Death and Hiatus

On May 23, 1999, the night before his scheduled appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Bret Hart's brother, Owen Hart, tragically died in an accident during a WWF pay-per-view. Bret subsequently took four months off from WCW to be with his family.

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July 1999: Start of Autobiography Writing

In July 1999, Bret Hart began writing his autobiography with Marcy Engelstein.

October 26, 2000: Retirement from professional wrestling

On October 26, 2000, Bret Hart announced his retirement from professional wrestling.

June 24, 2002: Divorce from Julie Smadu finalized

On June 24, 2002, Bret Hart and Julie Smadu's divorce was finalized just hours before Hart had his stroke.

2002: Hart's Stroke

In 2002, Bret Hart suffered a stroke, which delayed the completion of his autobiography.

May 2003: WWA appearance in Auckland, New Zealand

In May 2003, Bret Hart made a major appearance in Auckland, New Zealand, at a World Wrestling All-Stars (WWA) event, marking his first major appearance since recovering from a stroke.

September 15, 2004: Marriage to Cinzia Rota

On September 15, 2004, Bret Hart married Cinzia Rota.

September 2007: Completion of Autobiography

In September 2007, Bret Hart and Marcy Engelstein completed the writing of his autobiography, eight years after starting it in July 1999.

2007: Divorce from Cinzia Rota

In 2007, Bret Hart and Cinzia Rota divorced after failing to agree on where they should live.

November 2010: Expiration of WWE contract

In November 2010, Bret Hart's WWE contract expired.

2010: Marriage to Stephanie Washington

In 2010, Bret Hart married Stephanie Washington.

February 1, 2016: Diagnosis of prostate cancer

On February 1, 2016, Bret Hart announced he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

March 2, 2016: Report of beating prostate cancer

On March 2, 2016, Jim Ross claimed that Bret Hart had beaten prostate cancer following surgery.

August 23, 2018: Niitsitapi Naming Ceremony

On August 23, 2018, Bret Hart was honoured with a traditional Niitsitapi naming ceremony and named 'Courageous Chief' by Siksika Elder Miiksika'am (Clarence Wolfleg) in recognition of his and Stu Hart's cultural relationship building contributions.

2018: Honorary Degree from Mount Royal University

In 2018, at the age of 60, Bret Hart received an honorary degree — a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education/Physical Literacy from Mount Royal University.

2019: Donation to Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre

In 2019, Bret Hart and the Calgary Hitmen Team donated $16,300 to the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre.

February 2023: Opening of Hitman's Bar in Calgary

In February 2023, Bret Hart opened Hitman's Bar in Calgary, displaying his most iconic memorabilia, including the world heavyweight championship belt he won in 1992.