Houston Harris was a pioneering wrestler who broke racial barriers in professional wrestling. He was born on July 10, 1924, in Little Rock, Arkansas, and became known by his ring name, Bobo Brazil. He was one of the first African American wrestlers to gain fame in North America.
From a young age, Harris had a tough life. After losing his father at the age of 7, he worked various jobs, including playing baseball in the Negro Leagues. He was discovered for wrestling after meeting Joe Savoldi, who trained him.
Bobo started wrestling in 1948 and quickly became popular due to his skill and professionalism, despite the racism and racial restrictions of the time. His name was a result of an accident—he was initially named BuBu Brasil, but a promotional error led him to adopt the name Bobo Brazil. Throughout his career, he faced legendary wrestlers like Killer Kowalski, Dick the Bruiser, and The Sheik. He also became a pioneer by participating in the first racially mixed match in Atlanta in 1970.
Outside the ring, Bobo mentored other wrestlers, including Rocky Johnson, and left a lasting legacy in the world of wrestling. He retired in 1993 and later opened a restaurant, which he ran for over 20 years. In 1994, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the WWF.
Bobo Brazil passed away on January 20, 1998, at the age of 73, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the sport.