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French Angel

Also known as El Angel, Angel, Maurice Tillet, Angel Frances

Personal Data
Birthday:
23.10.1903
Birthplace:
Russland
Day of death:
04.08.1954 (at the age of 50)
Cause of death:
Herzkrankheit
Gender:
male
Height:
5' 8" (173 cm)
Weight:
251 lbs (114 kg)

Career Data
Alter egos:
Angel Frances
French Angel
    a.k.a.  El Angel
    a.k.a.  Angel
Maurice Tillet
Roles:
Singles Wrestler
Beginning of in-ring career:
1938
End of in-ring career:
14.02.1953
In-ring experience:
15 years
Nicknames:
"The Ugliest Man In The World"
Signature moves:
Bearhug

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6.50
Current Total Rating (?)
Valid votes: 5
Number of comments: 6
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Average rating: 6.60  [5]
Average rating in 2025: 6.00  [3]
Average rating in 2020: 7.00  [1]
Average rating in 2019: 8.00  [1]
Your Options:
Other:
DyingOfTheLight wrote on 16.12.2025:
[8.0] "When it comes to wrestlers of this era, it's less about their workrate and more about did they leave a legacy behind, and Maurice absolutely did. His look was iconic and made him a top draw of the 1940's, and it's clear why. What footage we have of his shows why you would buy a ticket to see him wrestle in his prime, he was truly one of a kind."
Mark4Lyfe wrote on 15.12.2025:
[3.0] "Maurice Tillet is one of the most fascinating curiosities in wrestling history, but strictly as an in-ring worker, there's very little to judge. What footage exists shows a very limited, basic style built almost entirely around his unique look and physical presence rather than wrestling ability. Matches were slow, simple, and clearly designed to present him as an attraction rather than someone expected to carry a competitive bout.That said, judging Tillet by modern standards would miss the point. In his era, he succeeded at exactly what he was meant to do: draw attention, create spectacle, and stand out immediately. He had undeniable presence, and crowds reacted to him. As a historical figure and special attraction, he matters. As an in-ring worker, he was extremely limited, which keeps the rating low."
BigPoppaSmurf wrote on 06.04.2025:
[7.0] "He was (legitimately) the inspiration for the movie 'Shrek'. His ring style wasn't flashy, but it really worked for the image he was trying to get across. Very much a snug brawler who could perform some holds, especially leg locks. His head was massive."
WhatIsLooveee wrote on 12.08.2020:
[7.0] "One of the famous wrestling 'Angels', "The Ugliest Man In The World" Maurice was perfect monster-type wrestler with good abilities and memorable appearance. True legend and pioneer of wrestling whose merits should not be forgotten"
JEK 1991 wrote on 24.01.2019:
[8.0] "The pioneer of scary wrestlers. He looked freaky with his looks and stature. Bald and hairy just like George Steele but a lit smaller. He is actually Russian but billed as from France. He was nicknamed "The Ugliest Man In The World" before Steele. He also appeared in movies. Never saw him wrestle so I can't say if he was good or bad. The 8 points is for him being a pioneer of the gimmicks."
autopsy12 wrote on 10.03.2015:
"Probably the earliest example of a sideshow wrestler. He was this era's version of Andre The Giant. I don't know how good of a wrestler he was but he's left his mark for sure."