Tyrus is an American actor, political analyst, and skilled wrestler with a net worth of $2.5 million.
George Murdoch, better identified by his ring name Tyrus (formerly Brodus Clay), has established himself as an influential figure in entertainment, moving from professional wrestling to political commentary and acting. Standing 6 feet 7 ins tall and weighing over 375 pounds, Tyrus first rose to fame in WWE as “Funkasaurus” before moving to Impact Wrestling, where he won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Outside of the ring, he has built a successful media career as a correspondent for Fox News and co-host of “Gutfeld!”. He has also appeared in various television programs and films. His journey from troubled youth to sports entertainment star and political commentator demonstrates his adaptability and determination to reassert himself in many areas of the public eye.
Early Life and Background
George Murdock was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on February 21, 1973. Tyrus had a difficult childhood. Growing up in a blended family, he faced poverty and domestic Violence, which forced him and his brother to live in foster care. Despite these challenges, he developed a resilience that will serve him well in future endeavours.
After graduating high school, Tyrus attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney on a football scholarship. Although his football skills were not translated into professional wrestling, his size and athleticism later became valuable in the industry. Before entering professional wrestling, he worked various jobs, including bouncer and bodyguard for Snoop Dogg.
WWE Breakthrough
In 2006, Tyrus signed a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and trained in their developmental territory before debuting in 2010 as a protégé of Alberto Del Rio. His career took off when he took on the character of “Brodus Clay,” which later evolved into “Funkasaurus,” a dancing, sports-loving wrestler who entered the ring with his fellow dancers, the “Funkadactyls.”
While initially met with skepticism by Tyrus, the character resonated with viewers and established himself as an interesting character in WWE programming. He participated in high-profile matches and WrestleMania events during his WWE career, although he never won championship gold.
Impact Wrestling and Championship Success
After leaving WWE in 2014, Tyrus moved to Impact Wrestling (TNA), where he made his current name in the ring. His time with Impact allowed him to become a more serious character in the ring, teaming with established stars and being involved in major storylines.
In 2022, representing the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), Tyrus reached the pinnacle of his wrestling career by defeating Trevor Murdoch to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, a historic title previously held by legends such as Ric Flair, Harley Race, and Dusty Rhodes. He had the championship for over 400 days, establishing a winning reign, before retiring from the ring in 2023.
Media Career and Political Commentary
Tyrus’ transition into media began while wrestling when he joined Fox News as a correspondent in 2016. First appearing on The Greg Gutfeld Show (now Gutfeld!), his honest commentary and unique perspective helped him gain an unrivalled following.
He became a regular on various Fox News programs, offering his views on political and cultural issues. His role on Gutfeld! Expanded to include a partner on what would become one of the highest-rated late-night television shows. In 2022, he published a memoir, Simply Tyrus: A Memoir, detailing his difficult childhood and rise to success.
With a liberal and conservative identity, Tyrus has earned a reputation for expressing independent ideas that sometimes diverge from the mainstream party, allowing him to reach a diverse audience.
Acting and Entertainment
In addition to wrestling and political commentary, Tyrus has dabbled in acting in television and film. He has appeared on shows like Matador, Preach, and Glitter, demonstrating versatility beyond his physical presence. His film credits include supporting roles in No One Survived and Supercon.
Personal Life & Real Estate
Tyrus married his girlfriend, Ingrid Herbert, in January 2024. They had been together for many years and were already raising a daughter, born in 2014.
In April 2017, Tyrus and Ingrid paid $630,000 for a 2-acre property in Highlands, New Jersey. Today, the home is worth nearly $2 million.