The tragic life and death of Shelley Beattie, the only deaf American Gladiator
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT: 'The American Gladiators Documentary,' a two-part movie directed by Ben Berman, approaches the storied history of the well-known reality competition show unusually. What initially appears to be a conventional sports documentary gradually gives way to larger themes of greed and different narratives, which ultimately raises the question of how history is recorded.
Shelley Beattie, an American Gladiator, served as a real example of how a disability may be used as a strength. Beattie demonstrated that her only limitation was her ability to hear. She appeared as "Siren" in 44 episodes of the 'American Gladiators' TV show between 1992 and 1997. The documentary will make its television debut on ESPN on Tuesday, May 30, at 8.30 pm ET and Wednesday, May 31, at 9 pm ET. Following its premiere, the documentary and the rest of the '30 for 30' library will be made available on ESPN+, as reported by ESPN Press Room.
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Life of Shelley 'Siren' Beattie
Shelley Beattie, the only deaf Gladiator, made her professional debut as Siren in 1992 and continued to do so until the show's ending in 1996. Beattie was born in Orange County, California, on August 24, 1967. After accidentally taking too many aspirins when she was three years old, the blonde beauty went deaf. Beattie was a well-known bodybuilder in addition to being best known for her role as Siren on the original 'American Gladiators' TV series (1992–1996) and the Orlando live show (which debuted in December 1995), as per Daily Star.
After years of hiding it, she was given a profound hearing loss diagnosis in the sixth grade. She held the world and national records for the fastest co-ed handcar team in 1989 and 1998, respectively. She was a standout gymnast, hurdler, cross-country runner, and heptathlete in high school. As per Gladiators TV, Beattie graduated from Western Oregon State College with a degree in psychology and special education. Additionally, she had a 315-pound bench press world record. She became a professional bodybuilder by the age of 22.
Achievements of 'Siren'
Deaf Gladiator, Siren, received a number of titles before she retired in 1993. As a skilled bodybuilder, Siren won multiple contests, placing in the top three at the Ms. International/Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic (1991) and the IFBB Ms. Olympia (1992). She also won the 1990 USA Championship. She retired from competing after placing seventh in the 1993 Miss Olympia competition.
At her tryout, Siren impressed the American Gladiators producers by performing 57 pushups in a minute — double the usual number! Siren was one of the few deaf professional female bodybuilders in the world, appearing on the cover of Muscular Development magazine and twice on the cover of Deaf Life magazine in the 1990s. She also produced a clothing line with the hand sign for "I love you" on the front and had numerous television appearances, including 'Family Matters' and the 1993 movie 'Hot Shots, Part Deux.' The American Athletic Association for the Deaf received a portion of the sales from her clothing brand.
Her commitment to helping children outweighed her athletic achievements. She assisted children who have physical, mental, and emotional disabilities while working as a "group home" counselor. The Better Hearing Institute used her as a spokesperson, and she inspired deaf people to "...follow your heart and know that the only thing you can't do is hear, that's all, so go for whatever you want, whatever you dream, and you will be successful too!"
Tragic death of Shelley Beattie
Beattie had bipolar disorder and had experienced long periods of depression. During a six-week hospitalization at a psychiatric hospital, she tried to die by suicide by hanging herself and died three days later on February 16, 2008, aged 39.
After parting ways with magazine journalist John Romano after six years, Beattie moved to a farm east of Salem, Oregon, and was living with her partner Julie Moisa when she died. She worked as a personal trainer and worked with people who had physical disabilities. Beattie was a true inspiration to many and will always be remembered as one of the most well-liked Gladiators. Shelley 'Siren' Beattie taught many disabled individuals that it's okay to be different.
