Nat Pendleton 1895 – 1967

Biography

Nat Pendleton was born on August 9, 1895, in Davenport, beginning a life that would span nearly seven decades and touch two distinct worlds of American entertainment and athletics. His early years shaped him into a competitor of remarkable skill, eventually leading him to represent the United States as an Olympic wrestler—an achievement that marked him among the nation’s finest athletes of his generation.

Beyond the wrestling mat, Pendleton found a second calling in acting, transitioning from the physical demands of sport to the creative demands of performance. This dual career demonstrated his versatility and determination to excel in whatever pursuit he undertook. Whether grappling on the mat or performing before cameras, he brought the same dedication and strength that defined his character.

Pendleton spent his final years in San Diego, where he passed away on October 11, 1967, at the age of seventy-two, succumbing to a myocardial infarction. He was laid to rest at Cypress View Mausoleum and Crematory in San Diego. His legacy endures as a testament to a life fully lived—one marked by athletic achievement, artistic expression, and the lasting impression he left on all who knew him.