Date of Birth: January 19, 1913
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: January 15, 1996
Biography
Minnesota Fats, born Rudolph Walter Wanderone Jr., was an American professional pool player who became a household name in the mid-20th century. He was born in New York City and became a legend in the world of billiards through his charismatic personality, showmanship, and unparalleled skill at the pool table. Wanderone adopted the moniker “Minnesota Fats” after the release of the 1961 film “The Hustler,” in which Jackie Gleason portrayed a character with the same name. Though Wanderone claimed the character was based on him, the film’s writers denied this. Regardless, he capitalized on the association and became a beloved figure in popular culture. Minnesota Fats was known for his colorful personality, entertaining quips, and his ability to make the game of pool accessible and enjoyable for the masses. He appeared on numerous television shows, wrote books, and even had a brief stint in politics. His contributions to the sport of billiards have left an indelible mark, making him one of the most memorable figures in the history of the game.
5 Interesting Facts about Minnesota Fats
1. Minnesota Fats was originally named Rudolf Walter Wanderone Jr., but he legally changed his name to Minnesota Fats in 1970.
2. He was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America’s Hall of Fame in 1984.
3. Minnesota Fats claimed to have never lost a match for money, although this claim is widely debated.
4. He wrote several books on pool, including “The Bank Shot and Other Great Robberies.”
5. Despite his fame, Minnesota Fats never won a major pool tournament but was known for his incredible exhibition matches and trick shots.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Minnesota Fats
1. “A pool player has a kid, and every 20 minutes he has to stop and put down a few balls.”
2. “I don’t brag about playing pool, I just say I’m the best.”
3. “You can’t hustle a hustler.”
4. “When I play pool, I think of nothing else. It is the perfect escape.”
5. “The game of pool is the ultimate test of nerves and skill.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Minnesota Fats was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Minnesota Fats did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Minnesota Fats – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Fats
3. [Minnesota Fats Biography](https://www.biography.com/athlete/minnesota-fats
4. [The Hustler – Film Information](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054997/
5. [Minnesota Fats Books on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Minnesota+Fats&i=stripbooks
