El Santo, whose real name was Rodolfo Guzmán Huerta, was born on September 23, 1917, in Tulancingo, Mexico. He was the son of Jesús Guzmán Campuzano and Josefina Huerta de Guzmán, and grew up in a large family with six siblings. As a child, El Santo played baseball and American football before discovering his passion for wrestling.
After studying Ju-Jitsu and competing in amateur wrestling, El Santo made his competitive wrestling debut in the early 1930s. By the late 1930s, he had already established himself as a formidable wrestler and began to rise to fame in the world of lucha libre.
El Santo quickly gained popularity for his dynamic in-ring persona and innovative wrestling techniques. Known for his iconic silver mask and cape, he captured the hearts of Mexican audiences and became a symbol of justice and heroism. Throughout his nearly 50-year wrestling career, El Santo starred in over 54 lucha films, solidifying his status as a cultural icon.
His most financially successful movie was the 1970 film "The Mummies of Guanajuato," in which he co-starred with fellow legendary luchadores Blue Demon and Mil Mascaras.
After retiring from wrestling in 1984, El Santo made a final appearance on the Contrapunto television program, where he shocked his fans by removing his mask for the first and only time in his career. He passed away just a week later, but his legacy lived on.
By his own wishes, El Santo was buried wearing his silver mask. Over 10,000 people attended his funeral, marking one of the largest funerals in Mexico's history. His influence in Mexican sports and entertainment continues to be felt to this day.
El Santo was the fifth of seven children, including his three brothers who followed in his wrestling footsteps as Pantera Negra, Black Guzmán, and Jimmy Guzmán. He also had 11 children, including his son who carried on his wrestling legacy as "El Hijo del Santo."
Of his 25 grandchildren, three also became wrestlers, ensuring that the Guzmán family's wrestling tradition would live on for generations to come.
El Santo's impact on Mexican culture and sports cannot be overstated. His contributions to lucha libre and entertainment continue to inspire fans around the world, cementing his place as one of the greatest legends in Mexican sports history.