Interestingly, the popular character of Shrek that we all adore has a real-life inspiration in the form of a man named Maurice Tillet, also known as the French Angel. Unfortunately, Tillet experienced a tragic event that led to the creation of the beloved character we know today as the kind-hearted ogre, Shrek. Let’s explore how this character was conceived.
During the 1930s and 1940s, Tillet was a prominent wrestling star and was called “The French Angel” due to his blonde hair and cherubic face, a name given to him by his childhood friends. However, at the young age of 17, he was diagnosed with acromegaly, a hormonal disorder that causes excessive bone growth in certain parts of the body such as the hands, feet, and face.
Following Tillet’s growth spurt caused by acromegaly, photographs of him showed a striking resemblance to Shrek. Although Tillet had originally aspired to become a lawyer, he joined the French navy and eventually pursued a career in professional wrestling in 1937.
Despite his best efforts to live a normal life, Tillet’s condition continued to deteriorate. Despite his physical abnormalities, Tillet managed to live an impressive life and adapt to the challenges presented by his condition.
Sadly, the available treatments for acromegaly were insufficient during his lifetime, causing his cardiovascular system to struggle to keep up with his body’s ongoing growth. As a result, Tillet experienced a decline in his physical and mental health, and his reputation as the “French Angel” faltered.
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As his health declined, Tillet collaborated with Louis Linck to produce several plaster busts of his face. These busts were created for two purposes: to commemorate his wrestling career and to document how acromegaly affects the body. Today, these busts are housed in the International Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame, serving as a testament to Tillet’s remarkable courage and resilience in the face of his condition.
On September 4, 1954, Maurice Tillet passed away at the age of 50 after suffering a heart attack caused by his acromegaly. Interestingly, rumors persist that the unique appearance of Tillet was the inspiration behind the design of the popular character Shrek.
While DreamWorks Animation has never officially confirmed this, the similarities between the two figures are striking. Tillet and Shrek both refused to let their unconventional looks define them, instead forging remarkable lives for themselves.
While Tillet will always be remembered for his distinctive appearance, his legacy extends far beyond that. He was a revered wrestler and a strong-willed individual who faced his condition with courage and grace. In the age of the internet, Tillet will forever be recognized as the man who inspired one of the most beloved fictional characters of all time, Shrek.