Theodore Marvin DiBiase, Sr. was born on January 18, 1954, in Omaha, Nebraska. He is the son of wrestler Helen Nevins and entertainer Ted Wills. DiBiase’s adoptive father, wrestler “Iron” Mike DiBiase, married his mother after his parents’ divorce. Sadly, Mike DiBiase died of a heart attack in the ring when Ted was 15 years old. Due to his mother’s depression and alcoholism, Ted was moved to Arizona to live with his grandparents. He attended Creighton Preparatory high school and later West Texas State University on a football scholarship. However, he dropped out of college after suffering an injury and decided to pursue a career in professional wrestling.
Ted DiBiase’s Early Life Highlights:
- Born on January 18, 1954, in Omaha, Nebraska
- Son of wrestler Helen Nevins and entertainer Ted Wills
- Adoptive father “Iron” Mike DiBiase died of a heart attack in the ring
- Lived with grandparents in Arizona due to his mother’s struggles with depression and alcoholism
- Attended Creighton Preparatory high school and West Texas State University on a football scholarship
- Dropped out of college after a career-ending injury to pursue professional wrestling
