Famous Like Me > Actor > R > Daniel 'Rudy' Ruettiger
Profile of Daniel 'Rudy' Ruettiger
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Name: |
Daniel 'Rudy' Ruettiger |
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Date of Birth: |
23rd August 1948 |
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Place of Birth: |
Joliet, Illinois, USA |
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Profession: |
Actor |
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From Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia
Daniel E. "Rudy" Ruettiger (b. August 23, 1948 in Joliet, Illinois) is a motivational speaker best known as the inspiration for the motion picture Rudy.
Ruettiger grew up in a working class household as one of fourteen children. He attended Joliet Catholic High School, where he played for legendary coach Gordie Gillespie. After graduating high school, Ruettiger served as a yeoman in the United States Navy and worked in a power plant before returning to school at Holy Cross Junior College in South Bend, Indiana.
After two years at Holy Cross, and three rejections to matriculate at the University of Notre Dame, Ruettiger was accepted as a student in the Fall of 1974. It was during his time studying at Holy Cross that Ruettiger discovered he suffered from dyslexia.
Rudy harbored a dream to play for Ara Parseghian and the Fighting Irish football team, despite being just 5'6" and 165 pounds. Ruettiger earned a place on the Notre Dame scout team, a practice-squad that helps the varsity team practice for games, where he was often injured. In his last opportunity to play for Notre Dame at home, Ruettiger was allowed to play against Georgia Tech on November 8, 1975. Ruettiger graduated from Notre Dame in 1976 with a degree in Sociology.
Since his graduation in 1976, his story has been told in the 1993 film Rudy. Written by Angelo Pizzo, directed by David Anspaugh and produced by Rob Fried, the award winning team who created Hoosiers, and actor Sean Astin portrays Rudy in the film. The movie was critically acclaimed, and received "Two Thumbs Up" from Siskel and Ebert.
Since beginning his career as a motivational speaker Rudy has made appearances in People Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Readers Digest and on The 700 Club, NFL Films, ABC's Good Morning America, Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, Montel Williams Show, Entertainment Tonight, and a cameo in the 1993 film Rudy.
Rudy is currently married and has two children.
Trivia
Rudy's biographical movie cameo: Rudy was a fan in the stands during the last game where he made his famous tackle. He was sitting right behind Ned Beatty (Rudy's dad in the movie) and Ned actually tugs on Rudy's shirt when everyone was cheering. Rudy was wearing a coat and hat.
Publications
- Rudy's Insights for Winning in Life
- Rudy's Lessons for Young Champions
- Rudy & Friends
- Dream Power (audio cassette)
Awards
- Honorary Doctorate Degree from Our Lady of Holy Cross College
- Honorary assist to the Attorney General of Louisiana
- Distinguished American Award
- Recognition from George W. Bush
- Recognition at the White House
- Recognition from the House of Representatives in the state of Texas
- A Proclamation from the Governor of Nevada granting an Official Rudy Award Day
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