Kerry Von Erich was a member of the legendary Von Erich family, one of wrestling’s most iconic — and tragically cursed — dynasties.
Full Name: Kerry Gene Adkisson
Ring Name: Kerry Von Erich
Born: February 3, 1960
Died: February 18, 1993 (age 33)
From: Dallas, Texas
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 250 lbs
Known As: “The Modern Day Warrior” / “The Texas Tornado”
Kerry was best known for his time in World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) — the promotion run by his father, Fritz Von Erich. He became a fan favorite for his charisma, physique, and intense in-ring style. Kerry had a natural star presence and was considered the breakout star of the Von Erich brothers.
In 1984, Kerry defeated Ric Flair to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at Texas Stadium — a huge moment not just for him, but for WCCW as a promotion.
Wrestled in WWF (now WWE) under the name The Texas Tornado, where he won the Intercontinental Championship in 1990.
Behind the scenes, Kerry’s life was marked by tragedy. In 1986, he was in a motorcycle accident that led to the amputation of his right foot — a fact kept secret from the public for years. He continued to wrestle with a prosthetic, which is nothing short of incredible, though it took a heavy toll on his health and career.
He struggled with drug addiction and personal loss, especially as several of his brothers died young under tragic circumstances. In 1993, Kerry took his own life, making him the fifth Von Erich brother to die prematurely.
Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009, along with the rest of the Von Erich family.
Kerry Von Eric: Born: February 3, 1960
Kerry Von Eric shares a birthday with:
- Magellan (1480)
- Norman Rockwell (1894)
- Pretty Boy Floyd (1904)
- Joey Bishop (1918)
- Shelley Berman (1926)
- Johnny Guitar Watson (1935)
- Victor Buono (1938)
- Michael Cimino (1939)
- Fran Tarkenton (1940)
- Bob Griese (1945)
- Dave Davies and Melanie (1947)
- Blyth Danner (1943)
- Morgan Fairchild (1950)
- Fred Lynn (1952)
- Nathan Lane (1956)
- Maura Tierney (1965)
- Isla Fisher (1976)
- Amal Clooney (1978)
