Many know that Dave Batista was a “beast” of American professional wrestling (see cat) but also of acting with excellent performances in Hollywood films such as Blade Runner 2046, Dune and of course the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. However, few people know that Batista, who recently lost a lot of weight by “relinquishing” the physique of a bodybuilder in order to lead a healthier life, is (also) of Greek origin!

As Batista himself explained to GreekReportte’s camera, is of Greek origin on his mother’s side and of Filipino descent on his father’s side. However, he does not know a word of Greek, as he has only traveled to the Philippines and has embraced the Filipino culture, excited by the reception of his relatives…

Batista is the son of David Michael Batista, who is Filipino, and Donna Raine Batista, who is Greek. His parents divorced and his Filipino grandparents worked various jobs such as taxi driver and barber to support the family. Batista is not ashamed to say that he had a poor childhood.

He has admitted that he has had a hard life. Before the age of nine, there were three murders in front of the house where he lived. By the age of 13, he was stealing cars. At the age of 17, he became estranged from his parents, but in an interview he stated “I am proud of my parents. They are good, honest, hard working. They taught me how to work hard”. Batista was working as a doorman at a nightclub until he was arrested after a fight in which two people were seriously injured. After a trial, he was sentenced to one year in prison. He was also a lifeguard before embarking on a career in bodybuilding. He himself admitted that bodybuilding probably saved his life.

Time for him to visit our country as well, at least in the context of one of the many films that are recently being shot here, perhaps in this way he will discover the warm Greek hospitality and its Greek culture.