Chyna: 1969-2016
Joan Marie Laurer, who went by the stage name Chyna (December 27, 1969-April 20, 2016), was one of the best-known and most-popular professional female wrestlers in history. Tall, muscle-bound and raven-haired, she often wrestled against men, and earned the WWE women's championship title. Chyna died at age 45 in Redondo Beach, California.
A member of a wrestling squad "D-Generation X," she billed herself as the "9th Wonder of the World." She also briefly appeared in adult films, some with a wrestling theme.
In her bestselling 2001 autobiography, "If They Only Knew," she wrote about her early battles with bulimia, and getting into bodybuilding. She also wrote about her love for playing the cello, appreciating "how big and unwieldy it was."
Chyna
A member of a wrestling squad "D-Generation X," she billed herself as the "9th Wonder of the World." She also briefly appeared in adult films, some with a wrestling theme.
Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura, guest referee for the World Wrestling Federation's Triple Threat Championship Match, removes manager Chyna, aka Joanie Lauer, from ringside as her client Triple H's, Paul Levesque, left, looks on at WWF's SummerSlam held at Target Center in Minneapolis, Aug. 22, 1999.
Chyna
A statement posted Wednesday night on Chyna's official website reads, "Today we lost a true icon, a real life superhero. Joanie Laurer aka Chyna, the 9th Wonder of the World has passed away. She will live forever in the memories of her millions of fans and all of us that loved her."
WWF wrestler Chyna arrives for the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards, at New York's Radio City Music Hall, September 7, 2000.
Chyna
After leaving the WWE in 2001, Laurer posed for Playboy and appeared in adult films and on reality TV, including the shows "The Surreal Life" and "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew."
Chyna, arrives at a preview of the Exotic Erotic Ball at Virgin Megastore November 26, 2001 in New York City, showing off her Playboy January 2002 cover.
Chyna
In her bestselling 2001 autobiography, "If They Only Knew," she wrote about her early battles with bulimia, and getting into bodybuilding. She also wrote about her love for playing the cello, appreciating "how big and unwieldy it was."
Former professional wrestler and actress Joanie Laurer, known as Chyna, arrives for the trailer screening of her new movie "Illegal Aliens", March 1, 2006, in New York City.
Chyna
Laurer aka Chyna was a native of Rochester, New York and graduated from the University of Tampa in Florida before taking up wrestling.
Laurer arrives at the ESPYs Awards on July 16, 2008 in Los Angeles.
Chyna
Actress and wrestler Chyna waves during the 70th Anniversary Hollywood Christmas Parade in Los Angeles, November 25, 2001.
Chyna
Professional wrestler Chyna attends a launch party for the new CD released by musical artist Won-G at the Sunset Room in Hollywood, October 9, 2001.
Chyna
Playboy founder Hugh Hefner poses with former wrestler, Joanie Laurer, during Barfly 5th year anniversary party in West Hollywood, on December 18, 2002.
Chyna
Then Minnesota Governor and former professional wrestler Jesse Ventura (L) is adorned with his former trademarks, sequined sunglasses and a feather boa, by wrestler Chyna during a press conference at the Target Center in Minneapolis, June 14, 1999, where he announced that he will return to the ring as guest referee in the SummerSlam wrestling event 22 August 22, 1999 in Minneapolis.
Ventura said that "There's no rule that says a governor can't have fun. There's no rule that says a governor on his own time can't be a human."
Chyna
Professional wrestler Chyna poses backstage during the telecast of the 14th Annual Kids' Choice Awards by the U.S.-based children's program Nickelodeon in Santa Monica, California, 21 April 2001.
Chyna
Former professional wrestler and adult film actress Chyna arrives at the 29th annual Adult Video News Awards Show at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, January 21, 2012.
Chyna
Laurer arrives at Spike TV's "Scream 2007" held at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, October 19, 2007.
Chyna
Joanie Laurer, former pro wrestler known as Chyna, flexes her bicep as she arrives at the 31st annual American Music Awards in Los Angeles.
Chyna, the WWE star who became one of the best known and most popular female professional wrestlers in history in the late 1990s, died at age 45. Los Angeles County coroner's Lt. Larry Dietz says Laurer, was found dead in Redondo Beach on Wednesday, April 20, 2016.