Ernie Roth

Abdullah Farouk (1958–1974) Roth portrayed "Abdullah Farouk", the heel (villainous) manager of The Sheik. Roth, who was Jewish, reportedly took the name "The Grand Wizard" as a snub to the white supremacy organization the Ku Klux Klan, whose leaders were called Grand Wizard. He also replaced his fez with a turban.

Almost immediately after arrival in 1971, the Wizard managed Blackjack Mulligan and "Beautiful Bobby" Harmon. He later led Mr. Fuji and Prof. Toru Tanaka to two reigns with the WWWF World Tag Team Championship. Killer Kowalski, "Crazy" Luke Graham, Sgt. Slaughter, "Big Cat" Ernie Ladd, Ox Baker, "Cowboy" Bob Orton and The Masked Superstar, or Masked Demon from parts unknown.

Other media Roth on many occasions (when out of character and greasepaint mustache) co-hosted the syndicated Big Time Wrestling show with fellow announcer Bob Finnegan until 1969 when the hosting duties went to Lord Athol Layton.

Personal life Roth was revealed posthumously to be homosexual, although some claim they were aware of his sexual orientation during his lifetime. He was the godfather of protégé Don Muraco's daughter. His parents were Evrum (Edward) Roth and Rizel (Rose) Stern. According to the autobiography of former WWE referee and wrestler Dangerous Danny Davis, Roth was also in charge of helping get the ring to all shows. The position was eventually taken over by Davis himself after Roth's death.

Death On October 12, 1983, Roth died of a heart attack at his Fort Lauderdale, Florida home at the age of 57.

Awards and accomplishments Pro Wrestling Illustrated Editors' Award (1983) Manager of the Year (1973, 1977) Ring Chronicle Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee World Wrestling Federation WWF Hall of Fame (Class of 1995)