He was quite a showman. My Great Uncle, Gus Copulos, 1894-1981 was one of the most feared three cushion players during the 20's. He told me that he played Rudy Wanderone at the Detroit Athletic Club one night. He didn't go by Minnesota Fats at the time. Uncle Gus was able to silence the fat man with his game. Uncle Gus never gained the same notoriety as Wanderone but those who knew the game back then knew of him. Please look him up if any lf you are interested. Thanks.
First of all, I love fats but Jesus Cripes - fucking television pisses me off just as much yesterday and they do today for their inaccurate utterly bullshit lies. Fats played Moscoti 3 times in his entire life. Twice on television. He only won once and he got completely lucky when he did. TV is all bullshit. Always has been always will.
@fenderjaguar1985 Mosconi who worked on the movie said during the time that the character was based on Rudolf. That is why he threatened to sue and changed his mind and ended up changing his name to Minnesota Fats. Walter Tevis would have never admitted that due to the fact the Rudolf would have been entitled to the profits. So he denied it to his dying days and everyone with a brain knew during the time that the character was based on New York Fats aka Rudolf Wanderone.
the man was as old as dirt and still almost running a 15 rack and not making excuses for his eyes or age! everyone hs bad days but this guys played attitude and I respect that!
Rudolf Wanderone was not the basis of the character Minnesota Fats from The Hustler. Gleason had no respect for Wanderone and claimed he could beat him with his left hand and didn't model his character after him. The author of the 1959 novel that the movie was based on said he made up Minnesota Fats and resented Wanderone claiming to be the inspiration. It wasn't until after the movie that Wanderone changed his name to Minnesota Fats. This guy is a sham.
@fenderjaguar1985 agreed...most people dont know this but gleason actually WAS a world class pool player, paul newman could hold his own also but not on the level of gleason, tom cruise can also play a lick, when they did color of money he took everything out of his apartment except his bed and put a 9 foot table in there to practice for 9 straight months before the movie. But on the same note, dont take too much from Fats he could really play, just not as good as mosconi or any of them.
@mastercueartist "gleason actually WAS a world class pool player".
No he wasn't. He was above average (not saying much). Moscoti was the technical director of that movie and showed every shot to Gleason. He positioned him and when Gleason was ready, Mosconi moved out of the camera shot. You don't know what the hell you're talking about. Were you even fucking born yet when that movie came out?
@capitalismforme Actually YES he was. The only things that Mosconi did in that movie was some of the trick shots. When they made that movie Paul Newman thought that he was a good player and challenged Gleason to a match in which gleason promptly rolled right over the top of Newman with quite a high run. On another note were you even fucking born yet when it came out? Do you even fucking know when that movie came out?
@mastercueartist I twice your age you little twerp. There's a video on this site of Fats saying Gleason was no more than an average pool player. You're full of shit. Typical with your generation, when you don't know something - make it up.
@capitalismforme Ok, well for your information, I have proof of MANY MANY pool players who knew Mosconi and all of them said that Mosconi himself said he was a 40 to 50 ball runner. Another thing, I'm pretty sure your the one full of shit. Even if mosconi said he was an average player, think about what that means. An average player to one of the best that ever lived...will still toast most people. Maybe you didn't know Gleason made his living between movies by playing pool.
@mastercueartist just about every drunk you run across in a bar says he knows someone that knows someone that knew Masconi. You're 23 and I'd expect nothing less of this kind of response from you. Not going to get in a pissing match with someone barely out of high school. All I'll sat is that you look very ignorant making these inaccurate comments of yours.
@capitalismforme For your information I personally know several top pros like Shane VanBoening, Thorsten Hohmen and others. I am not just some kid that plays pool in the bar, believe it if you want but its true. Second, my proof isn't from drunks in the bar its from a pool forum site.
@mastercueartist A pool form site you say? :) LOL. That's what I thought. You're too young and inexperienced to debate with. It's not a fair fight. I don't even have to do anything for you to hang yourself on your own words.
fats lost all the games they had until one exhibition game of seven ball in Resorts International Shoot-Out of October 1984 willie lost hes first game to fats, it was fats last big tv appearance
clearly willie was in totally different level he was calculating professional, fats was typical banger and showman who got lucky once in a while
My bad dv. I almost immediately tried to cancel that when I wrote it. I was thinking of Erwin Rudolf (Fats' first name, maybe?) who, stopped Mosconi. My statement was wrong, period. Sorry. Anyway, I just now learned how t remove posts, I think.
My bad dv. I almost immediately tried to cancel that when I wrote it. I was thinking of Erwin Rudolf (Fats' first name, maybe?) who, stopoped Mosconi. My statement was wrong, period. Sorry.
I watched to great pool shootout on TV back in the late 70s and I still have those matches on tape. Mosconi beat fats in every game they played not only straight pool. He beat him in 8 ball, 9 ball, and the gamblers favorite one pocket. I must admit that fats was entertaining and he had a good heart. He took care of animals and was generous. In later matches they teamed up with other champions and fats was the weak link.
Fats caused Mosconi to miss in a world championship match and fats ran 40 and out??? Mosconi did miss a shot to become the youngest ever but it was not because of fats.
Where do you get your information from????
Fats was the biggest liar ever but that was about it, entertaining yes, great skill NO.
Mosconi would beat him like a drum, he was not that good a player but had a great mouth and even got his own TV show called celebrity billiards. Mosconi beat him every type of pool when the challenge finally happened even Fats favorite 1 pocket. Alan Hopkins wanted to play him when Hopkins was world champ and Fats refused.
Mosconi would beat him like a drum, he was not that good a player but had a great mouth and even got his own TV show called celebrity billiards. Mosconi beat him every type of pool when the challenge finally happened even Fats 1 pocket. Alan Hopkins wanted to play him when Hopkins was world champ and Fats refused.
Minnesota Fats is a creature of Walter Tevis. He said thhat he created Minnesota Fals like Disney created Mickey Mouse...who's this man? He cheats surely!
thank you for posting. R.I.P. Mr Rudolf Wanderone JR. AKA Double Smart Fats, Triple Smart Fats, New York Fats, Chicago Fats, and the most recognizable name in billiard history-Minnesota Fats. Man, what a character. What a gentleman. What a story teller. Most of all, what a pool player. Read one of his books, The Bank Shot and Other Great Robberies. You'll enjoy every page.
I worked at the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, TN from 1986-89. Minnesota was a real character. Very friendly, spent every day in the lobby chatting with guests and employees. A real class act.
A class act, and nice guy who just loved to play pool. He entertained us effortlessly. Never refused anyone an autograph. His kind is sadly a dying breed.
Well at least he helped bring the greatest singer ever to this world. ETTA James We love you..
indiefilms111 1 month ago
Yes, he was Etta James dad, but of course he didn't want anybody to know that he was creeping with the other race....
sexysinglesaved 1 month ago
He was quite a showman. My Great Uncle, Gus Copulos, 1894-1981 was one of the most feared three cushion players during the 20's. He told me that he played Rudy Wanderone at the Detroit Athletic Club one night. He didn't go by Minnesota Fats at the time. Uncle Gus was able to silence the fat man with his game. Uncle Gus never gained the same notoriety as Wanderone but those who knew the game back then knew of him. Please look him up if any lf you are interested. Thanks.
BilliusEllison 3 months ago
I wonder if old Fats banged Zsa Zsa? I would have tried!
sivazh 3 months ago
First of all, I love fats but Jesus Cripes - fucking television pisses me off just as much yesterday and they do today for their inaccurate utterly bullshit lies. Fats played Moscoti 3 times in his entire life. Twice on television. He only won once and he got completely lucky when he did. TV is all bullshit. Always has been always will.
capitalismforme 3 months ago
Often beating Mosconi? When did that happen? All the footage I've ever seen of their TV matches have Mosconi winning.
rb1763 8 months ago
self proclaimed genius who is "double smart" and even "triple smart" that's a true genius right there
SwagMaster9000 8 months ago
@fenderjaguar1985 Mosconi who worked on the movie said during the time that the character was based on Rudolf. That is why he threatened to sue and changed his mind and ended up changing his name to Minnesota Fats. Walter Tevis would have never admitted that due to the fact the Rudolf would have been entitled to the profits. So he denied it to his dying days and everyone with a brain knew during the time that the character was based on New York Fats aka Rudolf Wanderone.
nomibe2911 8 months ago
this guy had me rolling on the floor
AhYaOk 8 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
100% pure awesomeness
TheWillsmith13 8 months ago
100% pure awesomness
TheWillsmith13 8 months ago
the man was as old as dirt and still almost running a 15 rack and not making excuses for his eyes or age! everyone hs bad days but this guys played attitude and I respect that!
bobadork 11 months ago
my grND FATHER told me he could beat you john rice from temperence
wildrice64 1 year ago
Rudolf Wanderone was not the basis of the character Minnesota Fats from The Hustler. Gleason had no respect for Wanderone and claimed he could beat him with his left hand and didn't model his character after him. The author of the 1959 novel that the movie was based on said he made up Minnesota Fats and resented Wanderone claiming to be the inspiration. It wasn't until after the movie that Wanderone changed his name to Minnesota Fats. This guy is a sham.
fenderjaguar1985 1 year ago
@fenderjaguar1985 agreed...most people dont know this but gleason actually WAS a world class pool player, paul newman could hold his own also but not on the level of gleason, tom cruise can also play a lick, when they did color of money he took everything out of his apartment except his bed and put a 9 foot table in there to practice for 9 straight months before the movie. But on the same note, dont take too much from Fats he could really play, just not as good as mosconi or any of them.
mastercueartist 5 months ago
@mastercueartist "gleason actually WAS a world class pool player".
No he wasn't. He was above average (not saying much). Moscoti was the technical director of that movie and showed every shot to Gleason. He positioned him and when Gleason was ready, Mosconi moved out of the camera shot. You don't know what the hell you're talking about. Were you even fucking born yet when that movie came out?
capitalismforme 3 months ago
@capitalismforme Actually YES he was. The only things that Mosconi did in that movie was some of the trick shots. When they made that movie Paul Newman thought that he was a good player and challenged Gleason to a match in which gleason promptly rolled right over the top of Newman with quite a high run. On another note were you even fucking born yet when it came out? Do you even fucking know when that movie came out?
mastercueartist 3 months ago
@mastercueartist I twice your age you little twerp. There's a video on this site of Fats saying Gleason was no more than an average pool player. You're full of shit. Typical with your generation, when you don't know something - make it up.
capitalismforme 3 months ago
@capitalismforme Ok, well for your information, I have proof of MANY MANY pool players who knew Mosconi and all of them said that Mosconi himself said he was a 40 to 50 ball runner. Another thing, I'm pretty sure your the one full of shit. Even if mosconi said he was an average player, think about what that means. An average player to one of the best that ever lived...will still toast most people. Maybe you didn't know Gleason made his living between movies by playing pool.
mastercueartist 3 months ago
@mastercueartist just about every drunk you run across in a bar says he knows someone that knows someone that knew Masconi. You're 23 and I'd expect nothing less of this kind of response from you. Not going to get in a pissing match with someone barely out of high school. All I'll sat is that you look very ignorant making these inaccurate comments of yours.
capitalismforme 3 months ago
@capitalismforme For your information I personally know several top pros like Shane VanBoening, Thorsten Hohmen and others. I am not just some kid that plays pool in the bar, believe it if you want but its true. Second, my proof isn't from drunks in the bar its from a pool forum site.
mastercueartist 3 months ago
@mastercueartist A pool form site you say? :) LOL. That's what I thought. You're too young and inexperienced to debate with. It's not a fair fight. I don't even have to do anything for you to hang yourself on your own words.
capitalismforme 3 months ago
@capitalismforme No, you just have nothing to say, you say the same exact thing over and over and it is just stupid.
mastercueartist 3 months ago
@mastercueartist Young man, you've thoroughly bored me.
capitalismforme 3 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@mastercueartist And you have no facts to present.
capitalismforme 3 months ago
@capitalismforme In fact, Mosconi himself called him a pretty decent player who could run 40 or 50 balls playing straight pool whenever he wanted to.
mastercueartist 3 months ago
Etta James looks just like him !!
4687878 1 year ago
fats lost all the games they had until one exhibition game of seven ball in Resorts International Shoot-Out of October 1984 willie lost hes first game to fats, it was fats last big tv appearance
clearly willie was in totally different level he was calculating professional, fats was typical banger and showman who got lucky once in a while
nNorthWestern 1 year ago
Is this really edda james father??
rhinson5263 1 year ago
My bad dv. I almost immediately tried to cancel that when I wrote it. I was thinking of Erwin Rudolf (Fats' first name, maybe?) who, stopped Mosconi. My statement was wrong, period. Sorry. Anyway, I just now learned how t remove posts, I think.
Odhinn222 1 year ago
My bad dv. I almost immediately tried to cancel that when I wrote it. I was thinking of Erwin Rudolf (Fats' first name, maybe?) who, stopoped Mosconi. My statement was wrong, period. Sorry.
Odhinn222 1 year ago
@Odhinn222
Thank you for the reply and correction.
I watched to great pool shootout on TV back in the late 70s and I still have those matches on tape. Mosconi beat fats in every game they played not only straight pool. He beat him in 8 ball, 9 ball, and the gamblers favorite one pocket. I must admit that fats was entertaining and he had a good heart. He took care of animals and was generous. In later matches they teamed up with other champions and fats was the weak link.
dv713 1 year ago
Comment removed
Odhinn222 1 year ago
@Odhinn222
Fats caused Mosconi to miss in a world championship match and fats ran 40 and out??? Mosconi did miss a shot to become the youngest ever but it was not because of fats.
Where do you get your information from????
Fats was the biggest liar ever but that was about it, entertaining yes, great skill NO.
dv713 1 year ago 2
We want you back, Fattie!
answerstolucky 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Fats took on the name Minnesota after the movie.
Mosconi would beat him like a drum, he was not that good a player but had a great mouth and even got his own TV show called celebrity billiards. Mosconi beat him every type of pool when the challenge finally happened even Fats favorite 1 pocket. Alan Hopkins wanted to play him when Hopkins was world champ and Fats refused.
dv713 1 year ago
Fats took on the name Minnesota after the movie.
Mosconi would beat him like a drum, he was not that good a player but had a great mouth and even got his own TV show called celebrity billiards. Mosconi beat him every type of pool when the challenge finally happened even Fats 1 pocket. Alan Hopkins wanted to play him when Hopkins was world champ and Fats refused.
dv713 1 year ago
Minnesota Fats is a creature of Walter Tevis. He said thhat he created Minnesota Fals like Disney created Mickey Mouse...who's this man? He cheats surely!
halsamdu 1 year ago
love his fast shots a true hustler
HateClips 1 year ago
A straight up hustler! You surely can glorify him for that fact only!
peacefulblonde39 1 year ago
According to the movie Cadillac Records, he was Etta James's father.
honeegrrl 1 year ago
Mosconi or Wanderone? What's your take? Does Wanderone's showmanship improve or damage the reputation of the game? What of Mosconi?
ORUPRANKSTAZ 1 year ago
You know why? Cause I'm a hundred per cent PURE!
tobiashoiss 1 year ago 8
Great man should have stepped up and proved he wasn't Etta's father. Seek an answer then react.
BabyDee4416 1 year ago
Fats never won any pro tourneys. He was a good amateur, nothing more. Couldn't carry Mosconi's jock.
notbestfriends 1 year ago
@notbestfriends
Absolutely true, Mosconi beat him in every type of pool despite what Fats says and this was well after Mosconi was at his peak.
He was a great talker and could make you laugh but his pool skills were not the best. Mosconi won 15 world pool titles Fats won eating contests.
Every top player today would wipe him off the table.
dv713 1 year ago
The film Cadillac records was fiction.
pinksax 1 year ago
he needed to claim his baby etta james
flyazzva 2 years ago
"he's the one on the right"
Thanks for specifying which side he was on, douche.
Descente36 2 years ago
HE WAS IS ETTA JAMES FATHER!
peaceman4u 2 years ago
yeah I agree this bloke has American cool
bullsnutsoz 2 years ago 2
thank you for posting. R.I.P. Mr Rudolf Wanderone JR. AKA Double Smart Fats, Triple Smart Fats, New York Fats, Chicago Fats, and the most recognizable name in billiard history-Minnesota Fats. Man, what a character. What a gentleman. What a story teller. Most of all, what a pool player. Read one of his books, The Bank Shot and Other Great Robberies. You'll enjoy every page.
soprano803 2 years ago 8
What a Nice man this guy was. I especially liked when he talked about letting kids Beat him. A True Gentleman. Class Act.
jd426999 2 years ago
R.I.P. Mr. Fats.
elementskateboardsyo 2 years ago
I worked at the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, TN from 1986-89. Minnesota was a real character. Very friendly, spent every day in the lobby chatting with guests and employees. A real class act.
CofCGuy 2 years ago 3
A class act, and nice guy who just loved to play pool. He entertained us effortlessly. Never refused anyone an autograph. His kind is sadly a dying breed.
R.I.P. Mr. Wanderone.
One of a kind and Triple Smart!
DAVIDINTEL 2 years ago
Thanks for posting. Fats was great! What an entertainer! R.I.P. Fats.
sussexcounty 2 years ago