Man Mountain Dean: The Wrestling Giant of the Early 20th Century

The larger-than-life figure

Man Mountain Dean, born Frank Simmons Leavitt, was an American professional wrestler of the early 1900s, renowned for his extraordinary size, strength, and agility in the ring. Weighing in at over 300 pounds and standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall, Dean was an intimidating presence that left a lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling.

Early Life and Military Service

Born on June 30, 1891, in New York City, Leavitt was the son of John McKenney Leavitt and Henrietta N. ne Decker Leavitt. His above-average size and strength from an early age led him to develop a lifelong interest in competitive sports. This inclination, combined with his desire for adventure, prompted him to join the Army at the age of 14 by lying about his age. During his time in the Army, Leavitt saw duty on the Mexico-United States border with John J. Pershing and later participated in combat during World War I in France. It was during this period, in 1914, that Leavitt began his wrestling career under the ring name of Soldier Leavitt.

Rise to Prominence in Professional Wrestling

After the war, Leavitt embarked on a career in athletics, playing with the New York Brickley Giants of the National Football League from 1919 to 1920. However, he eventually concentrated most of his efforts on professional wrestling, competing in the ring under various monikers, including Hells Kitchen Bill and Stone Mountain. Although he initially met with limited success, Leavitt persisted, and his perseverance paid off.

The Making of Man Mountain Dean

In 1926, Leavitt's wife, Doris Dean Cooper, became his manager, and it was at her suggestion that he adopted the now-famous ring name of Man Mountain Dean. This marked a turning point in his career, as he began to gain widespread recognition and acclaim.

A Life of Public Service and Promotion

Aside from his illustrious wrestling career, Leavitt also served as a police officer in Miami Beach and later in Miami, where he became a traffic officer. He was a fixture at his traffic post at East Flagler Street and 2nd Avenue, and it was during this time that he met his wife, Doris. Interestingly, the City of Miami would send Leavitt on summer publicity tours across the United States and Canada to promote Miami, further cementing his status as a beloved public figure.

Awards and Legacy

Man Mountain Dean's contributions to professional wrestling are still celebrated today. He was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2004. Dean's legacy extends beyond the world of wrestling, serving as an inspiration to many with his larger-than-life personality, tireless work ethic, and unwavering dedication to his craft.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Man Mountain Dean was known for his incredible strength, which allowed him to perform feats such as bending iron bars and breaking chains.
• Dean was a close friend of the famous writer Damon Runyon, who often accompanied him on his publicity tours.
• In addition to his wrestling career, Dean also worked as a professional strongman and performed in circuses and carnivals.

Man Mountain Dean's remarkable life and career serve as a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and dedication. His enduring legacy continues to inspire generations of wrestling fans and beyond.