Dusty Rhodes Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Wife, Net Worth, Parents, Cause of Death, Height

Biography

Dusty Rhodes, born Virgil Riley Runnels Jr. on October 11, 1945, and passing on June 11, 2015, was a legendary figure in professional wrestling, famously known as “The American Dream.”

His career, which spanned several decades, left an indelible mark on both WWE (formerly WWF) and NWA/WCW. In the 1970s and 1980s, Rhodes became a key figure in WWE, known for iconic rivalries with Ric Flair and The Four Horsemen. He also claimed the NWA World Heavyweight Championship twice during his time in NWA/WCW, with his matches and promos from this era being regarded as some of the greatest in wrestling history.

Beyond the ring, Dusty Rhodes profoundly influenced behind the scenes, crafting storylines and matches, with his signature “Dusty Finishes” adding drama to the outcomes. His in-ring persona was equally beloved, featuring signature moves like the “Bionic Elbow” and “Punch,” while his passionate promos, often beginning with “Let me tell you something, Mean Gene…,” resonated deeply with fans.

Known for his connection to the “common man,” Rhodes earned the nickname “The American Dream” by embodying the hopes and struggles of everyday people. Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007, his legacy lives on through his sons, Cody Rhodes and Dustin Rhodes (Goldust), who have continued his wrestling tradition.

Dusty Rhodes
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Virgil Riley Runnels Jr.
Stage Name:	Dusty Rhodes
Born:	October 1945 (age 69 years old)
Place of Birth:	Austin, Texas, United States
Died:	11 June 2015 (age 69 years), Orlando, Florida, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	West Texas A&M University, Arlington Heights High School, Sacred Heart High School (East Grand Forks, Minnesota)
Height:	1.88 m
Parents:	Katherine Trefell, Virgil Runnels Sr.
Siblings:	Larry Rhodes, Connie Rhodes, Randy Runnels
Spouse:	Michelle Rubio (m. 1978–2015), Sandra Runnels (m. 1965–1975)
Girlfriend • Partner:	N/A
Children:	Cody Rhodes, Dustin Rhodes, Teil Runnels, Kristin Runnels Ditto
Occupation:	Wrestler
Net Worth:	$3 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Dusty Rhodes, born Virgil Riley Runnels Jr. on October 11, 1945, in Austin, Texas, became an iconic figure in professional wrestling, beloved for his charisma and deep connection with fans.

Of White ethnicity, his father, Virgil Runnels Sr., was a plumber, a fact Dusty often incorporated into his wrestling persona to highlight his humble roots as a “common man.” His mother was Katherine Trefell, and Dusty had three siblings: Larry Rhodes, Connie Rhodes, and Randy Runnels, the latter of whom also pursued wrestling but did not reach the same level of fame.

Dusty Rhodes‘ education included time at Sacred Heart High School in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, and Arlington Heights High School, followed by West Texas A&M University attendance. However, in the late 1960s, he left college to pursue his passion for wrestling.

Initially introduced as a heel (villain), Dusty‘s career took off when he transformed into the beloved “American Dream.” This character, representing an everyman who could triumph against the odds, resonated with audiences and mirrored Dusty’s rise from modest beginnings to wrestling superstardom.

Career

Dusty Rhodes, born Virgil Riley Runnels Jr., built an iconic wrestling career that spanned decades. He was known for his charisma, in-ring storytelling, and influence behind the scenes. Starting in the late 1960s as a heel, it wasn’t until he transformed into the beloved “American Dream” in the 1970s that he truly connected with fans. This persona, representing an everyman who could overcome adversity, resonated with audiences, reflecting Dusty’s journey from humble beginnings to stardom.

Rhodes left a lasting impact on the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), winning the NWA World Heavyweight Championship twice. His legendary feuds, particularly with Ric Flair, became some of wrestling’s most memorable moments, blending physicality with dramatic storytelling. His underdog persona made his victories especially meaningful.

Dusty Rhodes had multiple stints with WWE, first in the late 1970s and early 1980s, feuding with stars like “Superstar” Billy Graham and Sgt. Slaughter. When he returned in the late 1980s, he brought even more experience, delivering the iconic “Hard Times” promo, which connected deeply with fans and cemented his reputation as a voice for the common man.

In World Championship Wrestling (WCW), Dusty wrestled and played a key role in booking storylines. While some of his decisions, known as “Dusty Finishes,” were controversial for their complexity, his influence on the company’s creative direction and wrestler development was undeniable. His signature moves, the “Bionic Elbow” and “Punch,” along with his powerful promos, became trademarks of his wrestling style.

Even after his wrestling days, Dusty Rhodes remained a vital figure in the industry, mentoring young talent and contributing to the wrestling world. His legacy lives on through his sons, Cody and Dustin Rhodes (Goldust), who continue to honour their father’s influence in their successful careers.

Social Media

• IMDb: Dusty Rhodes
• Twitter: Dusty Rhodes (@WWEDustyRhodes) / X

Personal Life

Dusty Rhodes married his first wife, Sandra Runnels, in 1965 at the age of 20. The couple had two children, Dustin Patrick Runnels (widely known as Goldust in WWE) and Kristin Runnels Ditto, before divorcing in 1975.

In 1978, Dusty married Michelle Rubio, and their marriage lasted until his passing in 2015, spanning over 37 years. Together, they had two children, Teil Runnels and Cody Rhodes (born Cody Garrett Runnels).

Standing at about 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters), Dusty’s physical presence was key to his charismatic appeal in wrestling, even though he didn’t have the typical physique of a wrestler at the time.

Cause of Death

Dusty Rhodes, known as “The American Dream,” passed away on June 11, 2015, at the age of 69. The immediate cause of his death was kidney failure, as noted in various reports and his Wikipedia entry.

This health complication was not publicly linked to any specific event or chronic condition in his wrestling career but is often associated with a variety of underlying health issues that could develop over time, potentially exacerbated by the physical toll of professional wrestling. Despite his robust persona in the ring, health issues can affect anyone, and in Dusty‘s case, it led to his untimely death.

Net Worth

Dusty Rhodes, famously known as “The American Dream,” had an estimated net worth of around $3 million at the time of his passing in 2015. His wealth came from a long and successful career in professional wrestling, both as a performer and a backstage producer, particularly with WWE and WCW.

Rhodes‘ financial success was further boosted by his involvement in booking and creative roles within wrestling promotions, which played a significant part in his overall earnings.