Who is Rudolf Wanderone?
Rudolf Walter Wanderone, also known as Minnesota Fats or New York Fats, was an American professional billiards player.
Despite never winning a major pool tournament, “Fats” was once the most well-known pool player in the United States, not only as a player but also as an entertainer.
Similarly, Rudolf began playing as a child in New York City. In addition, as a child, he worked as a traveling pool hustler.
Wanderone used to be known as “New York Fats.” However, after the character of the same name appeared in the 1961 film The Hustler, he adopted the moniker “Minnesota Fats,” falsely claiming that the character portrayed by Jackie Gleason was based on him.
Relationship Details, Rudolf Wanderone is Married?
Wanderone and his friend Jimmy Castras relocated to Du Quoin, Illinois, a major hustling hub on the fast track to televised tournament competition, in 1941.
On May 7, 1941, he married Evelyn Inez Graff, whom he met two months earlier.
After their wedding, the Wanderones relocated to Dowell, Illinois. Finally, in 1942, the couple moved to Norfolk, Virginia.
He did, however, abandon his wife Evelyn in 1984, and the couple divorced a year later.
Wanderone moved to the Hermitage Hotel in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, for several years in 1985.
He later survived a major heart attack while undergoing surgery for a knee ailment in 1992.
In 1993, he married his second wife, Teresa Talley Bell. Wanderone was aware that he had no children.
However, singer Etta James stated that she believed he was her biological father after hearing it from her mother and others who knew her mother, whom James referred to as “those who were there and should have known.”
Despite this, there is no documented proof of such a link. Only one encounter between James and Wanderone is known to have taken place in 1987.
He died in Bell’s Nashville home on January 15, 1996, four days before his 83rd birthday. Meanwhile, many other news outlets, including The New York Times, reported his death date as January 18th.
Quick facts about Rudolf Wanderone
| Full name | Rudolf Walter Wanderone |
| Nickname | Minnesota Fats, New York Fats, Rudy |
| Birthdate | January 19, 1913 |
| Birthplace | New York City, United States |
| Died on | January 15, 1996 |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Not available |
| Religion | Not Available |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricon |
Rudolf Wanderone: Early Life, Age, Wiki, Parents, Ethnicity
Rudolf Wanderone was the son of Swiss immigrants Rosa and Rudolf Wanderone in New York City.
He was born in 1913, but he believed he could have been born much earlier, as early as 1900.
Wanderone, known as “Rudy” to friends and family, began playing pool as a child in Washington Heights, Manhattan.
Similarly, he accompanied his father on a flight to Europe in 1923, where he received training from German pool champion Erich Hagenlocher.
Wanderone’s first notable match occurred in 1926 when he faced previous nine-ball champion “Cowboy” Weston; Wanderone easily won.
Furthermore, the native of the United States dropped out of school in the eighth grade to pursue a career as a traveling pool hustler.
Similarly, he spent the majority of the 1920s at Cranfield’s in New York City, where he earned his nickname after defeating another hustler known as “Smart Henry.”
By the mid-1930s, Wanderone had become the manager of a pool hall owned by a friend in Anacostia, Southeast Washington, D.C.
As a result, he was dubbed “Triple-Smart Fats,” “New York Fats,” “Broadway Fats,” and “Chicago Fats,” among other things.
Education, Schooling, University
There is no information about his education and schooling.
Professional Career, (Professional Billiard Player)
“Boys, the only difference between me and everyone else is that everyone else drives a Volkswagen, whereas Minnesota Fats drives a Duesenberg.” Rudolph Wanderone
The New Yorker was known for his ostentation and arrogance, as well as his fantastic stories, quick wit, and amusing banter.
Rudolf Wanderone, according to Dyer, never stopped talking about things he didn’t know much about or telling anecdotes about himself.
Similarly, Wanderone was an animal lover who was said to have hundreds of cats and dogs at the same time.
Despite his celebrity, he spent a significant amount of time looking for homes for stray animals. He was also a crowd-pleaser, going almost anywhere to promote the game.
Wanderone owned several limos throughout his career. He once toured the country in a flashy Lincoln limousine with the words “Minnesota Fats, King of Pool” spray-painted on the side.
“Minnesota Fats, King of Pool,” the title and side panels changed colors as they moved with the sun’s reflections:
Similarly, until it was closed, his 1980 Cadillac Fleetwood limousine was on display at the Nashville Automobile Museum.
Wanderone was known for his quick wit in general.
He never participated in tournaments and was dubbed the “uncrowned king” of the pool because he was always hustling.
Net Worth, Salary, Assets
Throughout his professional career, Rudolf Walter Wanderone did not win any main pool championships or compete in any tournaments because he was too busy hustling.
He did, however, engage in and participate in a variety of activities, such as publishing books and appearing in television shows.
According to Billiard Guides, Rudolf Wanderone’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million.
Rumors and Controversy
Talking about her rumors and controversy, she has not been in any part of rumors as well as controversy to date.
What is the Height of Rudolf Wanderone? Weight, Full Body Status
| Weight | 136 Kg/ 300 lbs |
| Height | 175 cm/ 5′9″ |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | White |
| Profession | Professional Billiard Player |
Social Media Accounts
Rudolf Wanderone is not active on any social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or Snapchat.
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