Les Kellett

Leslie Kellett (11 May 1915 – 9 January 2002) was an English professional wrestler who rose to prominence due to the popularity of televised wrestling in the 1960s and 1970s. He was born in Laisterdyke, Bradford, West Riding of Yorkshire, the son of Bill Kellett, an engineer, and Sarah Kellett.

Les was an engineer in the merchant navy and was demobbed in Manchester, where a meeting with Joe Hill led him to consider life as a professional wrestler. During the 1950s he earned £50 a week, wrestling nationwide. In the 1960s Kellett was nominated for ITV's Sports Personality of the Year and met Prince Philip in the 1970s. Although not seen in televised action after the 1970s, he is still fondly remembered as one of its most endearing characters.

Kellett died in a nursing home in Ilkley at the age of 86. He was survived by Margaret, a son, Christopher, and two grandchildren. His other son, David Barrie, himself a wrestler, predeceased him.