Mick Foley
Mick Foley (Michael Francis Foley) was born on June 7th, 1965 and is currently 60 years old. Mick Foley was born in Bloomington, Indiana, USA. Foley attended State University of New York at Cortland.
Mick Foley is an American actor, author, and retired professional wrestler known for his multiple ring personas, including
Mankind,
Cactus Jack, and
Dude Love. Throughout his wrestling career, he competed in major promotions such as World Championship Wrestling (WCW), World Wrestling Federation/WWE, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW).
Dubbed
The King of Hardcore Wrestling, Foley built his legacy through brutal, high-risk matches that pushed the boundaries of professional wrestling. He is a former WCW, ECW, and WWE Tag Team Champion, a three-time WWE Champion, and the winner of the 2008 TNA World Heavyweight Championship. Over his career, he amassed 17 WWE championships and was the first inductee into the 2013 WWE Hall of Fame.
In his memoir
Have a Nice Day, Foley offers a candid, insightful, and often humorous look at the world of professional wrestling. He compares what fans see on television to the tip of an iceberg, explaining that the reality of wrestling runs much deeper—often into places where light can never reach. He reflects on the ancient roots of wrestling, drawing parallels to Roman gladiatorial contests and emphasizing the sport’s innate appeal.
Foley breaks down the fundamental storytelling of wrestling: the classic battle between good and evil. The moment a rough, menacing figure steps into the ring, the crowd boos—the villain has arrived. Then, a strong, confident competitor emerges to cheers—the hero. But wrestling is unpredictable, and crowd reactions shape the roles wrestlers play. A hero can quickly become a villain if arrogance sets in, while an underdog can rise to beloved status with resilience and heart.
Beyond the spectacle, Foley explores the grueling realities of professional wrestling. Wrestlers endure severe injuries while continuing to perform, driven by their love for the sport and their fans. The job demands extreme sacrifices, with months spent on the road, away from family, leading to physical and emotional exhaustion.
The book also delves into the darker aspects of wrestling fame: drug abuse, alcoholism, early deaths, financial struggles, and the long-term effects of concussions. The thrill of entertaining thousands in an arena often contrasts with the loneliness of life on the road. Despite their sacrifices, wrestlers rarely receive the respect granted to mainstream athletes. To outsiders, they are often dismissed as "fake" performers, remnants of traveling circuses, rather than highly skilled professionals.
Have a Nice Day offers a raw, unfiltered perspective on wrestling’s highs and lows, making it an essential read for wrestling fans. Foley, one of the sport’s most influential figures, doesn’t shy away from exposing both the magic and the harsh realities of the industry. His humor, honesty, and passion shine through, creating a memoir that is as entertaining as it is eye-opening.
Mick Foley: Lists & Other Mentions
- Have a Nice Day! was a New York Times: #1 Nonfiction Best Seller in 1999.
- Foley is Good was a New York Times: #1 Nonfiction Best Seller in 2001.
Related Authors
The most common authors followed by users who also follow Mick Foley are:
- Stephen King, author of The Dark Tower Series.
- John Grisham, author of the Jake Brigance Series.
- James Patterson, author of the Alex Cross Series.
- Harlan Coben, author of the Myron Bolitar Series.
- Michael Connelly, author of the Harry Bosch Series.
Mick Foley: F.A.Q
When was Mick Foley Born? How old is Mick Foley?
Mick Foley was born on June 7th, 1965. Mick Foley is currently 60 years old.
Where was Mick Foley Born?
Mick Foley was born in Bloomington, Indiana, USA and is American.
What was the first book Mick Foley wrote?
The first book written by Mick Foley was Have a Nice Day!, published in 1999.
What was the most recent book Mick Foley wrote?
His most recently released work was Cactus Jack and the Beanstalk on January 1st, 2019.
Will there be any more books by Mick Foley?
Mick Foley does not have any upcoming books with a set publication date within the next few months at this time.
How many books has Mick Foley written?
Mick Foley has written 17 books. 2 Standalone Novels, 5 books in the Mick Foley Biographies, 4 books in the Children's Books, 1 book in the Mick Foley Coloring Books, 5 books in the WWE Superstars Comic Books.