Terry funk was a legend in the professional ring. He truly loved the sport and wrestled well into his golden years. After his passing last month, fans have been coming together to share their favorite Terry funk stories and moments. Chainsaw Charlie has been mentioned more than a few times. Many are surprised to find out Funk had small career in Hollywood which included stunt work on Sylvester Stallone’s film Rocky III. Since there are already many stories out there dedicated to Funk’s life and career in the squared circle, FSM is ranking Terry Funk’s Top 4 Movie Roles:
4. The Ringer – In this 2005 comedy, Funk plays a debt collector who gets a little physical with the main character’s (Johnny Knoxville) uncle in order to get some cash that is owed.
3. Road House – Funk appeared in the 1989 action film Road House in the role of Morgan, a tough bouncer and one of the henchmen working for the film’s antagonist, Brad Wesley, played by Ben Gazzara. Most notably, the film also stars Patrick Swayze as a bouncer named Dalton who is hired to clean up a rowdy bar. Terry Funk’s presence in the film certainly added to the action and intensity of some of the fight scenes.
2. Over the Top – Funk’s role in the 1987 Sylvester Stallone film Over the Top was the character Ruker, a fellow arm wrestler and antagonist to Stallone’s main character, Lincoln Hawk. Over the Top is a sports drama film centered around the world of professional arm wrestling, and Terry Funk’s appearance added to the fighting atmosphere of the movie. The film has become a bit of a cult classic over the years.
1. Paradise Alley – In the film, Terry Funk’s character, Frankie the Thumper, is a professional wrestler. Frankie is one of the wrestlers in the local wrestling circuit that the Carboni brothers, played by Sylvester Stallone (Cosmo), Armand Assante (Lenny), and Lee Canalito (Victor), are involved with. Frankie the Thumper is known for his wrestling skills and is part of the wrestling world that the Carboni brothers navigate as they pursue their dreams and get involved in various wrestling matches and events throughout the film. The film portrays their interactions and challenges within the wrestling community in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen during the 1940s. Funk also served as the stunt coordinator.
Which was your favorite Terry Funk movie? Did it make our list?
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