Born to John and Mary Clancy in 1924, Clancy attended Warren Academy and wrestled as an amateur in his youth.[3] During World War II Clancy served in the United States Coast Guard. He began his professional wrestling career in 1945 at the close of the war.
During one match, he was 'attacked' by Mr. Moto outside the ring with a shoe. Moto was a native of Hawaii but was billed from Japan, whom the United States had only recently accepted surrender from, ending World War II. One fan became so enraged at the 'attack' that he took out a knife and indicted to a security guard called Billy Jack that he intended to "kill the bad guy". Jack, who was armed, told the fan that he disliked Moto also and told him to do it. As the fan approached the ring, Jack disarmed him from behind and stopped the potential assault.[4]
Post-wrestling and retirement
Clancy retired from professional wrestling in 1967 and relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he became the owner of "Clancy's Pizza Parlor" and county Sheriff.[3][5] He died on June 11, 1988, in Tulsa.