

Tyrus
professional wrestler•actor•political pundit
Also known as: George Murdoch, Brodus Clay, Tyrus
Birthday
February 21, 1973
Birth Sign
Sagittarius
Birthplace
Boston, Massachusetts
Age
53 years old
Height
6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
About
George Timothy Murdoch, known professionally as Tyrus, is an American cable news personality, author, actor, and retired professional wrestler born on February 21, 1973. He currently co-hosts the late-night talk show Gutfeld! on Fox News and hosts his own program, Maintaining with Tyrus, on the streaming platform OutKick. His career spans multiple industries, blending physical performance with sharp political commentary. Standing at approximately 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm), he has built a multifaceted career that includes significant tenure in WWE under the ring name Brodus Clay, time in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) as "Tyrus," and a prominent role in conservative media circles. Beyond media, Murdoch achieved significant success in professional wrestling, winning the NWA World Television Championship and the NWA World's Heavyweight Championship. As a bestselling author, he has released three books, including Just Tyrus: A Memoir and What It Is, America. He also hosts the podcast Planet Tyrus, which covers politics, culture, and everyday life with a distinct, unfiltered perspective.
Early Life & Background
George Timothy Murdoch was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, where he developed an early interest in sports and physical discipline. Before entering the world of professional wrestling, he attended high school in the Boston area, though specific details regarding his higher education are less documented in public records compared to his athletic achievements. His early life was marked by a focus on physical discipline, which laid the groundwork for his future in wrestling. He began his journey toward fame not in the ring immediately but through various local and regional circuits before catching the attention of major promotions. Murdoch spent time navigating these early stages, honing his skills and building a reputation for his physical presence. He eventually caught the eye of WWE scouts, leading to training in their developmental territories, specifically Deep South Wrestling and Florida Championship Wrestling. These years were crucial for learning the ropes of professional storytelling through athletic competition, preparing him for a main roster debut that would soon redefine his public image. Despite his large size, he cultivated agility and dancing skills during this formative period, setting the stage for his later persona.
Career Growth
Murdoch made his official main roster debut in WWE in 2011 as Alberto Del Rio's bodyguard, utilizing his imposing stature and charisma. In 2012, the company rebranded him as "The Funkasaurus," a funk-dancing character accompanied by the backup dancers known as the Funkadactyls. This gimmick became one of the most recognizable and polarizing characters in WWE history, appearing in numerous segments and matches throughout 2012 and 2013. He left WWE in 2014 following the end of this era. Following his departure from WWE, Murdoch signed with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in 2014, adopting the ring name "Tyrus." He remained with TNA until 2017, engaging in high-profile feuds and storylines that showcased his versatility beyond the dance moves. In 2021, he joined the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), where he achieved significant success. He won the NWA World Television Championship and later captured the promotion's primary title, the NWA World's Heavyweight Championship, cementing his legacy as a top-tier veteran in the independent circuit.
Transitioning into media, Murdoch became a prominent voice on Fox News and its streaming service, Fox Nation. He serves as a regular panelist and co-host on the late-night talk show Gutfeld!, where his background in wrestling often informs his comedic and opinionated segments. In 2024, he launched his own show, Maintaining with Tyrus, on OutKick, a platform owned by Fox. The show focuses on culture, politics, and personal anecdotes, further solidifying his status as a media personality. He also hosts the podcast Planet Tyrus, which covers politics, culture, and everyday life with a distinct, unfiltered perspective. Beyond the ring and the screen, Murdoch has established himself as a successful author. His 2022 autobiography, Just Tyrus: A Memoir, became a New York Times bestseller. He followed this with a second book, Nuff Said, released in 2023. His third book, What It Is, America, was published on November 11, 2025.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Tyrus stands at 6'4" and weighs approximately 330 lbs, a physique that has defined his wrestling persona and media presence. His signature style often includes a hat, a detail frequently discussed by fans and media alike, though he has not explicitly detailed a specific reason for the habit in all interviews. He is known for his charismatic, often humorous, and sometimes provocative commentary style. His public image is that of a larger-than-life figure who seamlessly transitions between the grit of professional wrestling and the polished environment of cable news. He emphasizes authenticity and resilience in his communications, often using direct and blunt language to discuss controversial topics. His ability to embrace quirky, non-traditional personas like "The Funkasaurus" while maintaining serious credibility in the NWA and on Fox News demonstrates his versatility. This unique blend of humor, insight, and physical presence has solidified his reputation as a distinctive figure in modern entertainment.
Fame & Fandom (iFAMOUS Rankings)
iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. While there is no official ranking in the current global lists, Murdoch maintains a strong presence across multiple platforms. He does not appear on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. Tyrus has cultivated a dedicated fanbase, particularly among wrestling enthusiasts and viewers of Gutfeld!. While there is no official, universally recognized fandom name like those found in music or pop culture, his supporters often refer to themselves informally through social media hashtags and community discussions. His "Funkasaurus" persona remains a nostalgic favorite for many WWE fans, and his current political commentary has attracted a new demographic of followers who appreciate his unique blend of humor and insight. Fan campaigns often revolve around promoting his books and supporting his media projects. He maintains an active presence on social media platforms, with his Instagram handle @tyrussmash sharing updates on his shows, books, and personal life, and a presence on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @BrodusClay.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Tyrus lost over 170 pounds during his career, a transformation he has openly discussed on his podcast and in interviews. Despite his large size, he is known for his agility and dancing skills, particularly during his "Funkasaurus" era. One of the most iconic moments in his career was his transformation into "The Funkasaurus," where the character's debut, complete with funk music and dance routines, became a viral sensation. Another legendary moment was his victory in the NWA World's Heavyweight Championship, which validated his status as a serious competitor beyond his WWE gimmicks. Fans remember the energy and creativity of the segment, which showcased Murdoch's ability to embrace a quirky, non-traditional wrestling persona. Notable quotes from his media appearances include: "I don't care when these people talk," reflecting his unapologetic approach to discussing controversial topics. In interviews about his weight loss, he stated, "I lost over 170 pounds," highlighting his personal journey of health and self-improvement. His book What It Is, America was released in late 2025, continuing his trend of successful publications. He has collaborated with numerous figures in wrestling and media, working closely with wrestlers like Alberto Del Rio and frequently appearing alongside Greg Gutfeld.
Notable Quotes
“I don't care when these people talk.”
“I lost over 170 pounds.”
Family & Personal Life
Public information regarding Tyrus's immediate family is sparse compared to his professional achievements. There are no widely reported marriages or long-term public partnerships confirmed by credible sources in the available data up to 2026. He has not publicly disclosed any children. Unlike many celebrities who maintain extensive public dating histories, Murdoch has kept his private life relatively low-key. The lack of public relationship details suggests a deliberate choice to keep his personal life separate from his public persona. While he occasionally discusses his personal life on his shows without confirming specific romantic partners, no details about parents, siblings, or household members have been verified. This privacy extends to his ethnic heritage; while he is of African American descent, he has not extensively discussed his family history in public forums. His focus remains on his career, leaving his domestic life largely out of the spotlight.
Notable Connections
Relationships & Dating History
Public information regarding Tyrus's romantic relationships is sparse compared to his professional achievements. Unlike many celebrities who maintain extensive public dating histories, Murdoch has kept his private life relatively low-key. There are no widely reported marriages or long-term public partnerships confirmed by credible sources in the available data up to 2026. He has not publicly disclosed any children. As of 2026, he is generally considered single, though he occasionally discusses his personal life on his shows without confirming specific romantic partners. The lack of public relationship details suggests a deliberate choice to keep his personal life separate from his public persona. No offspring have been confirmed by credible sources, and he has maintained a consistent boundary between his public career and his private affairs. This discretion has allowed him to focus on his evolving roles in media and entertainment without the distraction of personal tabloids.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$5 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
The iFANN Editorial Team estimates Tyrus's net worth at approximately $5 million as of 2026. This figure reflects his diverse income streams, including his salary from Fox News and OutKick, book royalties, wrestling appearances, and merchandise sales. Specific breakdowns indicate that his media roles likely provide the bulk of his current income, with Gutfeld! and Maintaining with Tyrus serving as primary revenue generators. His book sales, particularly the bestseller status of his memoir, have contributed significantly to his wealth. Real estate holdings and other investments are not publicly detailed, but his financial stability is supported by his continued relevance in both the wrestling and media worlds. The iFANN Editorial Team notes that his earnings have grown steadily since his transition from full-time wrestling to media personality. As of 2026, his net worth is estimated to be between $3 million and $5 million, derived from his consistent work across multiple entertainment sectors.
Awards Won (2)
While Tyrus has not won major mainstream entertainment awards such as Oscars, Emmys, or Grammys, his wrestling accolades are significant within the industry. He is a former NWA World's Heavyweight Champion and NWA World Television Champion. These titles represent the pinnacle of achievement in the National Wrestling Alliance. Additionally, his books have achieved commercial success, with Just Tyrus reaching the New York Times bestseller list, a distinction that serves as a form of industry recognition in the literary world.
2022 · Championship
National Wrestling Alliance
2021 · Championship
National Wrestling Alliance
Known For
Gutfeld!
2020 · Co-host
Maintaining with Tyrus
2024 · Host
Just Tyrus: A Memoir
2022 · Author
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Profession
- professional wrestler, actor, political pundit
- Born
- February 21, 1973
- Birthplace
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Gender
- Male
- Birth Sign
- Sagittarius
Personal Details
- Full Name
- George Timothy Murdoch
- Height
- 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
- Children
- Education
- Lakeside High School
Filmography
15
Total
5
Film
10
TV
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Tyrus always wear a hat?
What is Tyrus doing these days?
What ethnicity is Tyrus?
What happened to Tyrus Gutfeld?
Does Tyrus have kids?
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