Jesse Ventura facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jesse Ventura
Ventura in 2024
38th Governor of Minnesota
In office January 4, 1999 – January 6, 2003
Lieutenant	Mae Schunk
Preceded by	Arne Carlson
Succeeded by	Tim Pawlenty
Mayor of Brooklyn Park
In office January 11, 1991 – January 13, 1995
Preceded by	James Krautkremer
Succeeded by	Grace Arbogast
Personal details
Born	James George Janos (1951-07-15) July 15, 1951 (age 74) Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
Political party	Independent (1969–1998, 2003–present)
Other political affiliations	Independence (2000–2003) Reform (1998–2000)
Spouse	Theresa Larson Masters ​ (m. 1975)​
Children	2
Residences	White Bear Lake, Minnesota, U.S. Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Education	North Hennepin Community College
Occupation	Politician actor professional wrestler television presenter author commentator
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Navy
Years of service	1969–1975
Rank	Petty officer third class
Battles/wars	Vietnam War
Awards	National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)	Jesse "The Body" Ventura Surf Ventura
Billed height	6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Billed weight	245 lb (111 kg)
Billed from	San Diego, California Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Trained by	Eddie Sharkey
Debut	1974
Retired	1986

Jesse Ventura (born James George Janos on July 15, 1951) is an American politician, actor, and former professional wrestler. He became famous in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE). After his wrestling career, he served as the 38th Governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003. He was elected governor as a member of the Reform Party. He is the only candidate from that party to win a major government office.

Ventura was a member of the United States Navy Underwater Demolition Team during the Vietnam War. After leaving the military, he became a professional wrestler from 1975 to 1986. He used the ring name "Jesse 'the Body' Ventura." He was a performer and color commentator for the WWF/WWE. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004. Ventura also acted in movies like Predator and The Running Man.

In 1991, Ventura entered politics and was elected mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. He served until 1995. In the 1998 Minnesota gubernatorial election, he ran as the Reform Party candidate. His campaign was unique, focusing on local events and unusual ads. He surprised everyone by winning against both the Democratic and Republican candidates. After a year in office, Ventura left the Reform Party and joined the Independence Party of Minnesota. He finished his term as a member of this party.

As governor, Ventura made changes to Minnesota's property tax system. He also oversaw the state's first sales tax rebate. Other projects included building the METRO Blue Line light rail in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area. He also cut income taxes. Ventura decided not to run for reelection. After leaving office in 2003, he hosted political TV shows and wrote several books. He has often considered running for President as an independent candidate.

In 2020, Ventura showed interest in running for president with the Green Party. He joined the Green Party of Minnesota but later decided not to run. In the 2024 presidential election, Ventura supported the Democratic candidates, Kamala Harris for president and Tim Walz for vice president.

Early Life and Military Service

Ventura was born James George Janos on July 15, 1951. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His parents, George William Janos and Bernice Martha, were both World War II veterans. His mother was a nurse, and his father worked for the Minneapolis Street Department.

Ventura has an older brother who served in the Vietnam War. Ventura says he is Slovak because his father's parents were from Slovakia. His mother was of German descent. Ventura grew up as a Lutheran. He went to Cooper Elementary School and Sanford Junior High School. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1969. In 2014, Roosevelt High School put Ventura in its first hall of fame.

Ventura served in the United States Navy from 1969 to 1975. This was during the Vietnam War, but he did not see combat. He completed special training in December 1970. He was part of Underwater Demolition Team 12.

Ventura often talks about his time in the military. He was criticized for saying in a 2001 interview, "Until you have hunted men, you haven't hunted yet."

Life After the Navy

Near the end of his Navy service, Ventura spent time with the "South Bay" chapter of the Mongols Motorcycle Club in San Diego. He would ride his Harley-Davidson motorcycle onto Naval Base Coronado. He wore his Mongol "colors," which are like club badges. Ventura said he was a full member and a leader in his chapter. He also said he never had problems with the police. His biker nickname was "Superman."

In 1974, Ventura left the bike club and went back to Minnesota. Soon after, the Mongols started fighting with their rivals, the Hells Angels. In 2018, Ventura spoke in court for the Mongols. He defended the club against claims that it was a criminal group. He said he was still an inactive member of the Mongols. He called his time with the club "a stepping stone" to help him move from military life back to civilian life.

Ventura went to North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, in the mid-1970s. He used money from the G.I. Bill to pay for it. At the same time, he started lifting weights and wrestling. He also joined the Japan Karate Association. For a while, he worked as a bodyguard for bands like The Rolling Stones and Grateful Dead. Then he started professional wrestling and took the name Jesse Ventura.

Professional Wrestling Career

Becoming "The Body"

Ventura and Adrian Adonis, c. 1982

Ventura created his wrestling name, Jesse "The Body" Ventura. He wanted a character that was a confident, muscular beach bodybuilder. He chose "Ventura" from a map to sound like he was from California. As a wrestler, he played the role of a "heel" or villain. He believed being a villain allowed him to be more creative. He often used the motto, "Win if you can, lose if you must, but always cheat!"

In 1975, Ventura started wrestling in the Central States area. He then moved to the Pacific Northwest, where he was known as Jesse "The Great" Ventura. He won the Pacific Northwest Wrestling title twice and the tag team title five times with different partners. Later, he joined the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in Minnesota. In 1979, he teamed up with Adrian Adonis to form the "East-West Connection." In 1980, they won the AWA World Tag Team Championship. They held the titles for almost a year before losing them.

Joining the WWF and Becoming a Commentator

Ventura, c. 1982

Ventura, c. 1987

After losing their AWA titles, Ventura and Adonis moved to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). They were managed by Freddie Blassie. While they didn't win the WWF tag team championship, both Ventura and Adonis became strong contenders for the singles title.

Ventura continued wrestling until September 1984. Blood clots in his lungs ended his in-ring career. He believed these clots were from his exposure to Agent Orange during his time in Vietnam. He briefly returned to the ring in 1985, teaming with Randy Savage.

Ventura retired from wrestling in March 1986. His last match was a tag team match in Los Angeles in 1990.

After his wrestling career ended, Ventura hosted his own talk show segment on WWF's All Star Wrestling called "The Body Shop." He then became a popular color commentator for WWF television shows like Superstars of Wrestling and Saturday Night's Main Event. He also called the first six WrestleMania events.

Ventura's commentary style was unique because he often favored the villains, which was new at the time. This made the broadcasts more exciting. He sometimes praised the skills of fan favorites like Ricky Steamboat and Randy Savage.

Ventura left the WWF in August 1990 after a disagreement. He later worked as a radio announcer for National Football League teams, including the Minnesota Vikings.

World Championship Wrestling and Return to WWE

In 1992, Ventura joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as a commentator. He left WCW in 1994.

In 1999, Ventura returned to WWF television while he was governor of Minnesota. He was a special guest referee for the main event of SummerSlam in Minneapolis. He also did commentary for Vince McMahon's XFL football league.

On March 13, 2004, Ventura was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. The next night, at WrestleMania XX, he interviewed Donald Trump. Ventura hinted at a possible future run for president.

Ventura was a guest host on Raw in November 2009. He continued his villainous persona by siding with Sheamus against WWE Champion John Cena. He also reunited with Vince McMahon to provide commentary during the show.

Ventura has made several appearances on Saturday Night's Main Event in 2024 and 2025, providing commentary for major matches.

Acting Career

Near the end of his wrestling career, Ventura started acting. He appeared in the movie Predator (1987) with future California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He also appeared in The Running Man (also with Schwarzenegger), No Holds Barred, and Demolition Man. He had a starring role in the 1990 sci-fi movie Abraxas, Guardian of the Universe.

Ventura made cameo appearances in movies like Major League II and Batman & Robin. In 2008, he starred as a high school shop teacher in the independent comedy Woodshop.

Filmography

Other Media Appearances

In the late 1980s, Ventura appeared in commercials for Miller Lite beer. In 1989, he co-hosted a children's TV show called Record Breakers: World of Speed. He also co-hosted a game show called The Grudge Match.

Between 1995 and 1998, Ventura hosted radio call-in shows in Minneapolis–Saint Paul. He also had a brief role on the soap opera The Young and the Restless in 1999.

From 2009 to 2012, Ventura hosted the TV series Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura on TruTV. In 2013, he launched a new show called Jesse Ventura: Uncensored, later renamed Off the Grid, which aired until 2016. In 2017, he became the host of The World According to Jesse.

Political Career

Mayor of Brooklyn Park

After leaving the WWF, Ventura decided to run for mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, in 1990. He won, defeating the mayor who had served for 18 years. He was mayor from 1991 to 1995. Ventura was one of the few professional wrestling personalities to remain active in wrestling while holding a government position.

Governor of Minnesota

Ventura in the Minnesota House of Representatives Chamber in 2000

Ventura ran for governor of Minnesota in 1998 as the Reform Party candidate. His campaign was low-budget but very creative, using the slogan "Don't vote for politics as usual." He used the internet to reach voters, which was new at the time.

He won the election in November 1998, surprisingly defeating the Republican and Democratic candidates. After his win, people in Minnesota wore bumper stickers and T-shirts that said, "My governor can beat up your governor."

In 2002, Ventura announced he would not run for a second term. He said he no longer felt dedicated enough and felt the media focused too much on his personal life instead of important policy issues.

Ventura's Political Ideas as Governor

Minnesota Governor Ventura (center) testifies on China's participation in the WTO, March 2000

Ventura greeting President George W. Bush and Norm Coleman in 2002

In political discussions, Ventura often called himself "fiscally conservative and socially liberal." This means he believed in careful spending of government money but supported individual freedoms and social progress. He chose a teacher, Mae Schunk, as his running mate.

Ventura faced challenges because his party didn't have many members in the state legislature. However, he still achieved some of his goals. One major success was the rebate on sales tax. Each year he was governor, Minnesotans received a tax-free check. He believed that if the state had a budget surplus, the money should be returned to the people.

Ventura supported a unicameral (one-house) legislature, which means having only one group of lawmakers instead of two. ..... He provided good funding for public schools.

Ventura was critical of both the Democratic and Republican parties. He called them "monsters that are out of control," saying they cared only about their own plans.

Criticisms During His Time as Governor

Ventura faced some criticism during his time as governor. He chose not to live in the governor's mansion, staying at his own home instead. This led to discussions about security spending.

When Ventura left office in 2003, Minnesota had a budget deficit. This was different from the budget surplus when he started in 1999.

Ventura often had disagreements with the media. He called reporters "media jackals." He once made a joke about the city of St. Paul that some found offensive, but he later apologized.

Considering Other Political Roles

Ventura has not held public office since 2003, but he remains interested in politics. He has sometimes hinted at running for office again. In 2008, he considered running for a United States Senate seat in Minnesota but decided not to, partly due to concerns about his family's privacy.

He has also talked about running for President of the United States as an independent candidate. In 2011, he expressed interest in running with Ron Paul if Paul ran as an independent. In 2015, he considered running for president as a Libertarian. He later supported Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson.

In 2020, Ventura expressed interest in running for president under the Green Party. He joined the Green Party of Minnesota but later decided not to run for health reasons. Even though he didn't run, the Green Party of Alaska nominated him without his involvement.

Jesse Ventura and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. at a 2024 Presidential campaign rally

In March 2024, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. considered Ventura as a possible vice president for his independent presidential campaign. After Kennedy withdrew from the race, Ventura endorsed Kamala Harris for president and Tim Walz for vice president in the 2024 election.

Other Activities

Life After Being Governor

Ventura was succeeded as governor by Republican Tim Pawlenty in 2003.

In October 2003, he started a weekly show on MSNBC called Jesse Ventura's America, but it was canceled after a few months. Ventura believed it was because he opposed the Iraq War.

Ventura has also been a spokesperson for an online sports betting company. He has supported Ron Paul and Gary Johnson in past presidential elections. In 2012, he and his wife appeared in an advertisement supporting same-sex marriage in Minnesota. In 2022, he endorsed Governor Tim Walz for reelection, praising his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his support for women's rights.

Books Written by Ventura

Ventura at a book signing in 2016

Ventura has written several books. In 2008, he released Don't Start the Revolution Without Me, which imagined him as an independent presidential candidate. In 2012, he wrote DemoCRIPS and ReBLOODlicans: No More Gangs in Government, which talks about his opposition to the two-party political system.

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Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura

In December 2009, Ventura hosted a new show on TruTV called Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura. On the show, Ventura investigated different conspiracy theories. The show was very popular, with its first episode drawing 1.6 million viewers. The show ran for three seasons until 2013.

We The People Podcast

In 2014, Ventura launched a weekly podcast called We The People. He interviewed various guests, including Larry King and Donald Trump. The podcast ran until 2015.

Personal Life

Family Life

Jesse Ventura married his wife, Terry, on July 18, 1975. They have two children: a son named Tyrel, who is a film director, and a daughter named Jade. Ventura often greeted his family during his wrestling commentary. His son, Tyrel, inducted him into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.

Ventura and his wife divide their time between White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and Los Cabos, Mexico. In Mexico, he lives "off the grid," meaning his home is powered by solar energy.

Health and Beliefs

During his wrestling career, Ventura used anabolic steroids. After retiring, he spoke out about the dangers of steroid abuse. In 2002, he was hospitalized for a severe blood clot in his lungs, similar to the injury that ended his wrestling career.

Ventura was raised as a Lutheran. Later in life, he stated that he is an atheist. He has said that he believes organized religion can be a "crutch for weak-minded people." He believes in treating others as you would want to be treated. He has also said that he thinks religion is often the "root of all evil" and a cause of wars.

As governor, Ventura supported equal rights for religious minorities and people who do not believe in God.

Championships and Awards

• American Wrestling Association
  • AWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Adrian Adonis
• Cauliflower Alley Club
  • Iron Mike Mazurki Award (1999)
• Central States Wrestling
  • NWA World Tag Team Championship (Central States version) (1 time) – with Tank Patton
• Continental Wrestling Association
  • AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
• George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
  • Frank Gotch Award (2003)
• NWA Hawaii
  • NWA Hawaii Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Steve Strong
• Pacific Northwest Wrestling
  • NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
  • NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship (5 times) – with Bull Ramos (2), Buddy Rose (2) and Jerry Oates (1)
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • Ranked No. 239 of the top 500 singles wrestlers during the "PWI Years" in 2003
  • Ranked No. 67 of the top 100 tag teams of the "PWI Years" with Adrian Adonis
• Ring Around The Northwest Newsletter
  • Wrestler of the Year (1976)
• World Wrestling Entertainment
  • WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2004)
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards
  • Best Color Commentator (1987–1990)

Electoral History

See also

In Spanish: Jesse Ventura para niños

• List of American politicians who switched parties in office