LOU ALBANO
Lou Albano applies for renewal of his New York Wrestler License
Document signed twice "Louis Albano" and "Lou Albano", 5x3 printed card. New York State, no date (but stamped approval date on verso is 1969 October 23). Application for Renewal of Wrestler License. Photo (B/w, 1½x1¾) stapled on verso. Albano has filled out the form with last license no. (13"), address ("183 Park Ave, Mt Vernon, N.Y."), weight ("260") date of birth ("7-29-33"), ring name ("Lou Albano"), other states where licensed ("N.J., Penn, Virginia"). He checks the box that he has been convicted of no crime since last license. Lou Albano (1933-2009) paired with Tony Altimore to form the wrestling tag team, The Scicilians, which won the Midwest Tag Team title (1961) and US Tag Team championship (1967). Showmen like most successful wrestlers, they were purportedly warned by real crime bosses to tone down their stereotypical Italian mobster hi-jinks. Albano had even greater success later as a manager, leading Ivan "the Russian Bear" Koloff to the WWWF Heavyweight Championship. Managing colorful tag teams like the Wild Somoans and the British Bulldogs, Albano was at first hated and eventually beloved by fans. On programs like Wrestlemania, he helped spark the current enthusiasm for TV wrestling. He also played Mario in the TV series The Supermario Brothers (1989-1991). Ink notes (unknown hand) on both sides. File holes at top center. Vertical fold bisects card, touching "o" in second signature. Staple in upper left. Otherwise, fine condition.