Kevin Von Erich On Zac Efron Playing Him In 'The Iron Claw'

Wrestling legend Kevin Von Erich talks to Chris Van Vliet on the red carpet at the world premiere for A24's film The Iron Claw.
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#wwe #wrestling #ironclaw #zacefron

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Thanks for being here! Check out all of my interviews with the cast of The Iron Claw on this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLkRwb7OdU_-F75ToRB_D85TXhwCxIeaaB

[@TimLoyalToWifeHaterFreeZoneA]

Love It ChrisVanVliet Bro.

[@thegreenpianist7683]

The fact this man is still alive, let alone healthy and positive after all the shit he went through is truly commendable!

[@fatdaddyeddiejr]

Kevin's wife and children were there to help him in those times.

[@fatpowerful]

He talked about it in the dark side of the ring episode “the last of the von Erich’s. He’s gone through some shit. And went through some real tough spots. But seems to be in a great place for what he’s been through

[@bobnewfart]

Those boys of his has helped a lot.

[@fantasma8253]

Yeah he was the only one who got lucky and lived long enough to get a family of his own that grounded him. Idk about anyone who has more reasons than him to give up on life and just go rogue but he didn’t. I mean what you can tell this guy about pain

[@dipper5835]

Thats just how we operate, in time we will move on and find other and bigger purpose in life. Everything bad in the moment is just in the moment

[@ArtsyAllAround]

If a Von Erich approved of the movie, it’s gotta be a must watch!

[@ILoveMyBeard001]

its a movie, so there will be a lot of drama and stuff.

[@speed6725]

If I’m correct, Kevin gave his blessing during the making of the movie.

[@jseedoubleu]

Agreed

[@J30witdaswitchyy]

@@speed6725where

[@alphanerd7221]

Sure, becuase their choices have always lead to good outcomes.

[@jesussalazar1020]

God bless Kevin Von Erich, he's truly an inspiration. A great wrestler who managed to stay positive after all these years. Being a wrestling role model, a father, husband, uncle, and a grandparent to his whole family. Even after losing all his brothers to drugs, suicide, & an accident because of the sport they ALL trained for.

[@fatdaddyeddiejr]

Kevin said in an interview that he's still shocked to be called Grandpa. He never thought he would be called that.

[@Bigevilreddevil]

Jack Adkisson Jr. was electrocuted and drowned in a pool of water at the age of 6. ​@carolynjustagagirl2315

[@capclip9]

A lot of people also don't know Fritz tried to kill Kevin on one occasion in an act of pure love

[@frankievasquez5641]

My allergies 😭🫡

[@tripleh98marco]

@@capclip9serously ? Can you tell what happened ?

[@tuttifuknfruity]

He seems like a genuinely awesome guy

[@anthonycampos8057]

This man buried four of his brothers within a span of ten years. God bless the Von Erichs

[@ThatsoClips]

5 actually

[@lt3880]

@@ThatsoClips not within the 10 years

[@alfredodelacruz1864]

More like 8 years

[@FRALICESAW15]

he had another, but that brother wasnt added because it would of been too tragic

[@Vivacious7913]

⁠@@ThatsoClips There were 6 boys in total. The first son to die was only 6 years old, Jack Jr. Kevin is the second born of the 6. The oldest son died when Kevin was about 2 years old. I’m sure at only age 2, he doesn’t remember him…..he only knows of him, so 4 is correct. He was too young to witness the first death.

[@tartsonawire]

I think Kevin's approval is what we were all waiting for. That makes me more optimistic about the movie. Can't wait to see it.

[@Zukoscorner]

agreed

[@chandlerwhite8302]

Saw the preview showing tonight, it is awesome.

[@dominysynclair]

I know I was.

[@TheDawracik1]

Damn good movie.

[@esoteric_erica]

I grew up hearing about the Von Erichs here in east Texas. I never imagined I would share the experience of losing a brother to suicide. I believe Kevin's story can help those of us who are struggling in our grief. I admire his strength.

[@MikeySkywalker]

I lost my sister. It sucks. I have never overcome my grief because now all I do is fear losing my loved ones. I manage to continue on with life but it has not felt like living since she died.

[@BushidoVXX]

@@MikeySkywalkerBless you, my condolences.

[@MikeySkywalker]

@@BushidoVXX thanks. I really appreciate that.

[@christianhafer9819]

Poor guy. He's the only one left of the Von Erichs. He's had a lot of heartache. Great interview, Chris.

[@amazilkin]

he is not only one left. he has 4 sons and 11 grandsons as i know. so he has a lot of love as well

[@christianhafer9819]

@@amazilkin I meant his brothers.

[@iamlinda100]

@@christianhafer9819 both of his parents are dead too, it's really tragic, he has lost all of his brothers and parents

[@christianhafer9819]

@@iamlinda100 Sad life indeed.

[@iamlinda100]

@@christianhafer9819 even after all the loss he seems much happier now, he has 4 kids of his own and 13 grandkids, and they all live together in a ranch, I'm glad he is happy now and surrounded by his own family, he is in a much better place now.

[@derozmania]

"You are a legend, sir!" I'm glad it started that way! Thank you for that Chris!

[@JnEricsonx]

Oh, I said the same thing when I met John Carpenter. Although in my case it was "Goddamn Legend sir!"

[@austindrinksfanta]

What a living legend

[@TheStuport]

I completely understand Kevin explaining his Dad's "harshness". My Dad was a 30 year lifer in The USAF as an Officer and Pilot. He was made from the same sauce as Fritz. At the end of the day I absolutely knew in my heart that my Dad loved me and my siblings...he just showed it through discipline, the teaching of courtesy and preaching to us to always carry our manners with us at all times even if we were going to the bathroom. He was hard and tough but there were times when he winked or smiled and that was what we kids lived for! Having been a Fan from back in the Von Erich Texas Days, I'm thrilled Kevin has this gift to share with The Fans! Glad he is in a good place. See everyone at Ringside soon! Cheers From Ohio

[@MrJaybeezy123]

Bet you wouldnt have it any other way either. The lessons you learned are invaluable, especially in todays world.

[@TheStuport]

@@MrJaybeezy123Nailed it perfectly Mr. Jay! Cheers 👋

[@theebigjoe2]

Same here buddy- Dad was a full bird and discipline was the language…. I thank God for it everyday

[@TheStuport]

@@theebigjoe2 Ditto Joe man! My dad was a Full Bird as well. Absolutely a different environment for a youngster to grow in but I'd not change a damn thing! Salute👋

[@martingrimes1215]

Your dad let his kids be drug addicts?

[@JPLeonhart]

"You could've hung a ham up there" 😂. That was a great line Kevin!

[@gg_2377]

He broke the curse! What a legend

[@RonFleener]

"That's just how it was." What a great quote.

[@fusion7246]

Just imagine how awesome it would be to get Kevin Von Erich in a full interview with Chris 😮

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Maybe one day!

[@mider-spanman5577]

It's so awesome to see him still holding his head high after all that he and his family have been through and I remember watching the documentary on the von erichs, and that was so heartwarming to see him at the end with his family! Hopefully carrying on the family legacy and breaking the "curse".

[@OSCARESCAPA]

It was a 2 minute interview Chris but you asked all the perfect questions that we all wanted to know from Kevin. Thank you Chris, you are the best!

[@Ozzable1]

His facial expressions when he talked about his father

[@benrosn8154]

Awesome interview great man

[@ziaakbar2535]

Kevin is on of the all time greats in wrestling

[@datruephenom]

During that entire interview, I was wondering if he was wearing shoes hahaha. Great interview!

[@phantasmwolvez4095]

Although I was born around 96, I find the von erich story interesting because while tragic, it definitely made me realize how much these guys paved the way for the wrestling industry. Especially how much the Von Erich Family has played a big role in the superstars we've seen in the past and currently who've grown up watching these guys and becoming stars themselves because of their work. I only discovered about the family through a video game that had only legends called Legends of Wrestling. I now also own a wrestling figure of Kerry Von Erich. This movie overall I believe would be a good way to introduce the audience especially new-gen audiences that not have heard about this story whether as a wrestling fan or not.

[@josephgerichs6891]

Loved "The Texas Tornado" Kerry Von Erich during his WWE run.

[@hostileactual7655]

My dad wrestled against him a couple of times. He was one of the super destroyers. Grew up around wrestling in Dallas, I know exactly what he ment when he said "my dad was harsh" we either worked or got our ass whipped. That was the name of the game. Now im 40 with my own son, raising him a little different than i was 🤣 he still gets a whippin when he needs it but i hug him, and tell him i love him every chance i get. Must have been hard on our dads to do that honestly but they thought it was best. My dad was an asshole but i loved him.

[@Crazycatlady71]

I remember the Super Destroyers. I'm 72 lived about 10 miles outside of Dallas and was a huge wrestling fan in the late 60's when Fritz wrestled. Later, in the early 80's watched David, Kerry, Kevin wrestle. This is a must see movie.

[@chriswess1719]

If Kevin approves, then it is good enough for me to go see the movie.

[@eronifitiao6660]

He s been through a lot heartache and grief but this was such a great interview. Can’t wait to see the film.

[@greatesttoysevermade3693]

I’m so happy that Kevin is still alive to experience this film being made as he seems very happy with it. He’s been out of wrestling for a long time and it’s good that he knows people still remember him and his family during the golden age of professional wrestling.

[@christianzafiroglu6705]

Kevin is a really cool guy and always is gracious and down to earth.

[@GEORGIOARCADE]

Wow this so cool, you got to interview Kevin Von Erich. One day you definitely gotta get him on the show even if it's 30 minutes. I know he has so much wisdom to share. Big congratulations on this Chris 🎖️

[@Epsilonsama]

Jesus Christ this has to be a bucket list item to get a chance to interview Kevin Von Eric even if it was for a short moment.

[@Roadtripmutt]

He seems like a genuine person. My heart breaks for his family, his poor mother losing so many children.

[@whattheshrek9046]

Watched this movie yesterday for first time . One of the best movies ever made in my opinion. Great acting .

[@leighgabriel6824]

Totally agree.

[@95truedon]

Glad to see Kevin doing well

[@chillbest14]

Can't wait to see this film

[@JeepersCreepers2013]

I saw Kevin wrestle live around 1984 at a small north Texas high school basketball arena. This man went through so much it's hard to imagine. So happy that he made it through those tough years.

[@juanresto6756]

What a humbling experience.

[@scottaustin4035]

I was a teenager in Dallas during the Von Eric’s reign. They were like superheroes. This is my most anticipated movie of the year.

[@librarianlovesrick]

Scottaustin, I was a tween/teen in Dallas back then and we'd go to the Sportatorium occasionally to watch live. Remember what school was like back then - EVERYONE would be talking about wrestling on Monday after the weekend of it on TV. I miss those days. YES, when I saw that this was coming out, wow, I flipped.

[@ForwardMotionManagement]

God bless you Kevin may you family members rest well and may the remaining members love and cherish each other....Thank you and your family for what you did in the industry

[@Maxxz101]

I couldn't hold my tears back when I saw the pictures of Kevin's family. Great movie.

[@Hapexwrestling]

Cool to see Kevin!

[@Delmer-do3wf]

I met Kevin , Kerry and later on Mike . They are truly down to earth and awesome . Much love and respect for the von Erich family . Thank you .

[@FernandoGarcia-rl6gj]

My great grandma and grandma used to watch the von erichs together back in the day

[@DarkWebTrappin]

Beautiful

[@TrevyTrev-andTheFunkyPets]

Good to see Kevin, still looks the same , just older. He truly was a good soul back when he was wrestling. And yes, who they casted as Fritz is spot on.

[@yusufgazi7]

Cool to hear Kevin Von Erich watches wrestling

[@zac7258]

I know very little about wrestling, I also never heard of the Von Erich family until last night when I went to see Iron Claw. This movie was incredible and extremely sad. such a good movie

[@VerityJ692]

Absolutely love that man! He's right. It was a totally different age. Kevin has been through a lot. Good to see he's thriving and surviving! Yes, I'm seeing this movie.

[@harryzimmerman7991]

I agree with Kevin and wondered the same thing, who could've played Fritz Von Erich, for those who remember, that voice he had! As i was telling a younger co-worker buddy who told me about the movie while back, it was low, rumbling and made your skin crawl when you heard it on TV, when he was on the mic, you KNEW he f'n meant business!! During the famous Von Erich/Freebirds fued, the verbal jousting matches between him and Michael "PS" Hayes were classic and entertaining as hell, i hope they show that part at least

[@icenewzealand6774]

Yeah .. "That voice".. Fritz sounded like he eats people aye, I remember that creeping me out . Freebirds v von erichs , Best running fued in wrestling ,

[@magicknight13]

What a gracious, humble man, loved the film and I'm glad he enjoyed it too and it seems everyone treated him very well during shooting the film

[@terereynolds698]

I started watching wrestling in 1966, I lived with my grandparents and they were huge wrestling fans, I’m 65 and I still watch it

[@Jungletraveler00_12]

I want to see this film right now

[@redamance]

my dad used to tell me about the von erichs all the time because apparently theyre like 4th cousins of mine?? but whenever this movie was advertised i was SO. SURPRISED because nobody used to talk about them

[@augusto2006-amg]

Man I would've given Kevin a hug, he's been through so much

[@mu.zen1]

love his personality

[@ThornOfSociety]

Just got to remember not everything will be accurate, some will be condensed and/or adjusted. Don't go in thinking it will be the 100% representation of their lives.

[@kingspin10]

We need an hour with this man, seems so interesting

[@kellybrown7671]

KEVIN!!!!!! Am from Texas and grew-up watching this amazing man and his bros. EVERY. SATURDAY. for years! Their (Texas) icons and seeing this brings back so many great memories. Anyone else remember the Von Erich posters at Pizza Hut? I miss those days.

[@JustinTNAWWEGuy]

Love you Kevin

[@PistNRods]

Devoted professionals that look into it…but met Zac Enron for the first time night before the screening. Kevin’s a class act to cover for the film makers and actors and put over the film.

[@italvito]

Chris you better do a 3 part interview series with Kevin!!

[@ChristieClaytor]

We grew up next door to the Von Erich’s off Brighton Drive in Denton. They were super close. Such a tragic story but Kevin is such a sweet soul. Kerry was my favorite, I used to dance on his feet as a kid cause I couldn’t keep up. My older brothers were best friend with them. Two worked out with em and one brother played guitar with Micheal

[@fernandoesquiveljr64]

Happy that he is alive to see a movie about his family. I'm sure he got emotional watching it.

[@gilbertrios5283]

A fukin legend right there? You can see the pain he's been through! To be watching Iron Claw in the same theaters as Kevin would blow my mind!

[@jseedoubleu]

Thats all I needed to hear is that Kevin liked the movie.

[@YogiWonKenobi78]

I can NOT wait to see this movie...I grew up watching these boys,they didn't play no games, to say the least..💯

[@ScottHudson-p4x]

As a 40 year veteran of the business, Fritz Von Erich is the fourth worst human being ever to lace up the boots (behind Benoit, Sunny and Snuka). As much respect as I have for Kevin, even attempting to excuse the POS that was Fritz Von Erich is unforgivable. Yes, I knew him. Yes, I worked with him.. Yes, I hate his guts. RIH, Fritz. You've earned it. Your sons' graves should tower over yours. That being said, PLEASE go see the film. It's outstanding.

[@nedaCFilms]

God Bless you Kevin!

[@stevenwalker7925]

This man is a beacon of hope and survival, much respect to Kevin Von Eric! !!

[@fatdaddyeddiejr]

Kevin Von Erich is a great inspiration to all. With all the tragedies in his life with his family. He was strong enough to survive it. I wish Kevin nothing but peace and happiness.

[@BigBadJerryRogers]

I can't believe Zac Effron didn't want to meet him before playing the part. You would think anyone would do that.

[@leighgabriel6824]

With all due respect, Zac musta been terrified. I think he was right in his decision, because if he had met Kevin before filming, it would have influenced him too much into playing a part that may not have been true to Kevin's legacy.

[@Tom364]

Man I am excited to see "The Ron Law"

[@Chris-df1or]

God bless you Kevin #VonErichs

[@carllangley6812]

God bless this man.

[@FirebrandAL]

I can't even imagine being Kevin. Just can't. I hope they got it right from his eyes.

[@Joseph-s2e7s]

Thank you Kevin von Erich

[@abhamyy]

as a man who grew up in north texas and played football all my life. yeah my dad was the same way, my gf showed me this movie and talked bout the dad and how bad he was but i just saw my own dad in him.

[@thelifeboxmediachannel]

We Were There And Watched The Movie Can't Wait To Talk About It A Great Interview Thank You For Sharing

[@BroKEnCaPSLoCk1]

Kevin could read a phone book and I'd listen for hours

[@jokerswild6668]

He’s not lying about southern dads and their kids I grew up in a family where I love you was never said and it always fascinated me when I heard families say it to one another and I was born in the 90s

[@jamestally7184]

He's 100% right about the way dads were back then, I know my dad loved me, but I never heard him say it...he didn't have to

[@philipcohen7192]

Sir you are a legend

[@anthonybranco]

Kevin Adkisson (Von Erich) seems like a genuine guy.

[@Shayne2517]

We love ya Kevin ! ✌

[@johnfindlay619]

You would thought they would've meet the actors during the filming to help understand the character

[@BigBadJerryRogers]

I guess he didn't want to go about it that way. It's not as if it wouldn't occur to an actor to go talk with the actual person you're playing as a character.

[@eily_b]

Such a respectful and at the same time interesting interview.

[@KmGoose24]

Beautiful Movie. Watched it last night. God Bless Kevin man. He went through some shit!

[@EliteJCTV]

I can’t wait to go see this movie, from all the things I’ve heard that went into making it. The Von Erich’s are before my time, but my father who grew up watching Bruno and Von Erich’s is looking forward to this movie. Zac looks crazy jacked in this movie.

[@redneckdickjohnson]

Kevin Von Erich was one of my favorite wrestlers growing up, just something about bare feet, the cross body off the top rope, his amazing drop kick. After all he has been through in his life he overcame it all to be an awesome dad with his sons in the business. This movie reminds me that All gave some to the wrestling business more importantly Some Gave All. Kevin Von Erich is a legend.

[@BiggusNickus]

Gotta agree with Kevin here: Casting Holt McCallany as Fritz was a great move. He did amazing!

[@richardshipp6996]

Sounds like a true Texas intelligent man with good values.

[@brownfox4995]

Kevin is such a gentleman and i love how Zac portrayed him. I believe they got it right. Kevin being the patriarch now i believe the curse is broken. His sons will be the best generation yet.

[@weasley2o13]

What a beautiful gentle giant...thank you Kevin ❤

[@backabeyond]

I grew up in a podunk town in NE Texas, but In the early 80's a wrestling event was held in our football stadium. The only wrestling match I've ever been to. Kerry Von Erich was there. It's one of my earliest memories.

[@victorgalindo7026]

What a true Texas gentleman!!! You can see he represents Texas well . God bless Texas

[@tyvillianheartthrob1856]

Even though he lives in Hawaii now

[@TYLERSANIMATIONS2794]

I just watched it it’s very emotional it got me tearing up his dad also put him and his brothers through too much

[@davidthanos]

What a legend

[@NZ_Man]

I think it's a story that very much deserved to be told. & now it has

[@daguy9305]

You can tell he’s based af!

[@Carolinian4372]

I grew up a wrestling fan living here in the NWA Jim Crockett area here around Charlotte. I'm 52 now and loved seeing the Von Erichs perform. Damn shame what happened to that family.

[@JeffTullock-fs4de]

The Von Erich’s knew St. Louis well. Kerry vs Flair I attended. Wild one. Kevin would come in and wrestle too. None of the brothers were chumps. All tough dudes.