- The legendary Von Erich family inspired Sean Durkin's latest film, "The Iron Claw."
- Kevin Von Erich (played by Zac Efron) is the last living sibling of the real-life wrestling family.
The legendary Von Erich family of wrestlers is the subject of A24's latest drama from director-writer Sean Durkin.
"The Iron Claw" chronicles the Texas-based Von Erich siblings' prominence in the '80s and the string of tragedies that plagued their family. The biopic is anchored by the experience of Kevin Von Erich (played by Zac Efron), the second-born son of Fritz Von Erich, and his determination not to succumb to his family's curse.
In real life, 66-year-old Kevin (whose real surname is Adkisson), is the only surviving member of the six Von Erich siblings.
Here's where the former professional wrestler is now.
Kevin and his family moved from Texas to Hawaii following his retirement, but he made occasional public appearances
During his time as a professional wrestler, four of his brothers died over the course of 10 years. David Von Erich died from an intestinal infection in 1984. Mike, Chris, and Kerry Von Erich committed suicide between 1987 and 1993. Before that, Fritz's eldest son, Jack Jr., died at 6 years old of accidental electrocution and drowning in 1959.
Kevin officially retired from wrestling in 1995 and said that his family's history was one of the factors that went into the decision.
"My situation was so different because I lost my brothers. I knew I didn't want to get old in the ring," Kevin told WWE.com. "The real thing that took me out of the business was that it wasn't fun anymore. Everything reminded me of my brothers."
He and his wife Pam Adkisson relocated their family to Kauai, Hawaii in 2006. The couple has been married for over 40 years and have four kids, two of whom are now professional wrestlers: Ross Von Erich and Marshall Von Erich. They also have 13 grandchildren.
Since moving, Kevin has made sporadic appearances in the wrestling world. He showed up at "WWE Homecoming" in October 2005 and represented his family when the Von Erichs were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in April 2009.
Although Kevin retired from the sport, he also returned to the ring with his sons in June 2014 and July 2017.
In 2015, Kevin appeared in an episode of ESPN's "30 for 30 Shorts" centered on his family and titled "Wrestling The Curse." The following year, he attended the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony for the Fabulous Freebirds, who were rivals of the Von Erichs.
In May, it was revealed that Kevin and his family were planning on moving back to Texas and eyeing a 60-acre ranch in Boerne.
Kevin returned to Dallas in September as part of a one-man show held at the Majestic Theater, in which he recounted stories from his career.
With the release of 'The Iron Claw,' Kevin has reentered the spotlight
Kevin wasn't involved in the production of "The Iron Claw," but other family members were, like Kerry's daughter Hollie. Kevin also met Durkin during preparation for the movie and has developed a friendship with the filmmaker.
Kevin has since given "The Iron Claw" and Efron's performance his seal of approval.
In October 2022, after set photos of Efron emerged, Kevin told TMZ that he was impressed by the actor's physique.
"I don't think I ever looked that good," he said.
Around that time, Kevin's sons, Ross and Marshall, who are professional wrestlers, also voiced their support for Efron on Instagram.
Kevin met Efron for the first time the night before the film's world premiere in Dallas, which took place on November 8.
"We went out to the patio, sat forehead to forehead, and talked about life for an hour and a half," Efron said at a November post-screening Q&A in LA, per Variety. "And he told me that he did enjoy the movie."
"I can't really put into words how that feels," Efron continued. "It's far and away the most important review to me on so many levels. It meant the world, and everything just came full circle."
Kevin supported Efron again when the "High School Musical" actor received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 11. Later that day, Kevin also attended the LA premiere of "The Iron Claw."
"The Iron Claw" is now playing in theaters.