Longtime wrestling fan, writer Georgiann Makropoulos dies
Casual fans may not be familiar with the name Georgiann Makropoulos, but to scores of insider fans, wrestling journalists and those in the pro wrestling industry, she was an institution.
Makropolous, a beloved figure in the wrestling community who was involved in the wrestling fan club and newsletter business for nearly 50 years, died of a heart attack Monday, according to various reports. She was 69.
Makropoulos, a longtime fan from New York who was a fixture at Madison Square Garden shows in the 60s, 70s and 80s, wrote the Wrestling Chatterbox newsletter and contributed to wrestlefigs.com, where she provided news updates and kept readers abreast of when and where wrestlers would be doing autograph signings. Makropolous also ran the fan clubs of several wrestlers, the most notable of which was Bruno Sammartino.
I regret that I never had any direct personal interaction with her, but I can attest to the fact that anyone who knew her held her in very high regard.
I extend my condolences to her family and her many friends.
Comments
Kevin, I've never read anything she wrote before, so I was wondering if you could perhaps post something she wrote?
May she rest in peace!
Posted by: MitZi | January 25, 2010 10:53 PM
I knew Miss Georgie. Being on both sides of the wrestling business, we have met many times. Alot of Wrestling conventions or wrestling shows in the NY/NJ area. She also helped me with some autograph signings over the years, helping me book some of those tough guys to get. And becasue I Miss Georgie, I was able to bring Bruno Sammartino into Baltimore for a public event the first time in years. Heaven just got another Angel.
Posted by: Chris Adonis | January 25, 2010 11:29 PM
I was very saddened to hear of Georgiann's passing. I always thought it was cool their was at least 1 woman who wrote about wrestling. We girl fans are in the minority. She will be sorely missed. RIP
God needed someone to report on his matches in heaven with past wrestlers.
Posted by: Angie Wilson | January 26, 2010 1:22 AM
A nice tribute to the woman who I feel is indeed "The First Lady" of wrestling journalism.
Haven't seen such an outpouring of emotion for even some of the wrestlers themselves. She truly touched and made an impact on a lot of people.
Posted by: Josh Watko | January 26, 2010 2:15 AM
Sorry to hear about this. Georgiann was a class act and was one of the pioneers of the pro wrestling internet community. My condolences as well to her family and friends.
Posted by: AtomicDog3 | January 26, 2010 9:44 AM
As a long time wrestling fan, I definitely know that name. She was the quintessential wrestling fan! Very sorry to hear that news.
Posted by: Gary | January 26, 2010 10:38 AM
Kev, I was very familiar with her. I actually purchased a book she put together about Bruno, and gave it to my father as a birthday gift a while ago. I emailed her and thanked her for the book and the memories it gave my Dad. A few days later I received a reply from her telling me she forwarded my email to The Legend himself......how cool is that? She was a real fan........RIP Georgie
Posted by: Horseman420 | January 26, 2010 11:42 AM
I had met her at a couple of Indy conventions in and around the NY/NJ/CT area...Woman was passionate about wrestling and her unbiased wrestling knowledge especially about the 70's scene blew me away. Her straightforward style will definitely be missed in a time where a lot of our views are tainted by loves and dislikes. Thx Mrs. G!!!
Posted by: Daryll B | January 26, 2010 12:46 PM
I remember corresponding with Georgiann several (OK more than "several") years ago. At the time she was running the Ken Patera fan club with Eleanor Finley. I met her when they both came down to Baltimore...the night bruno lost the championship to Superstar Billy Graham.
Hmmmm...the big camera set up to tape the match, both Bill Apter and Georgiann Makropoulos in town? How could anyone NOT have known something big was going to go down that night?
Posted by: Rich Barnett | January 26, 2010 10:36 PM
Never thought I would be writing this. Georgi seemed like she would be here forever, and I felt as if I had known her for my whole life. We spent more then thirty years involved in the business together. And YES, those of us that worked in the ring considered Georgi a valued part of our business. Two of my kids were born on 1/25; I guess now that day will also bring a bit of sadness to me. You are gone Georgiann, but never will you be forgotten. R I P. Davey O'Hannon
Posted by: Davey O'Hannon | January 30, 2010 12:18 PM