Talking With Kelly Slaughter (Slaughter Daughter)

To millions of fans, Sgt. Slaughter is a legend in wrestling and the G.I. Joe universe. To Kelly Slaughter, he is dad.

While my podcast partner Joey Roth and I grew up playing with Sgt. Slaughter WWF and G.I. Joe action figures, Kelly grew up with the real deal. Yesterday, Joey and I had the pleasure of interviewing Kelly to learn more about her and life with Sarge.

For more than 40 years, Sgt. Slaughter entertained fans in the big companies of the American Wrestling Association, National Wrestling Alliance and the World Wrestling Federation (now World Wrestling Entertainment) and several smaller companies. Wherever he wrestled, he was on the main event scene. Although usually a hero and defender of America, he was so believable in his heel turn in 1990 that it brought death threats to him and his family. Fortunately, his run as a bad guy didn't last long and Sarge regained his good guy status. In 2004, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, followed in 2019 by his induction into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Hall of Fame.

For Kelly seeing her dad win titles and awards was great, but those things never defined him. It was the calls, letters, pictures and the little things her dad did to remain close to her. Back in those days, wrestlers might be on the road 300+ days a year. Still, despite being Sarge to millions of fans, he was always a dad to her.

Talking about growing up with a famous dad, Kelly never made a big deal about it. Neither did her mom. He might be Sarge in the ring, but mom was in charge at home.

In her adulthood, Kelly underwent a tremendous health journey, losing more than 140 pounds, while becoming a fitness enthusiast and instructor. Kelly talked about her method, the ups and downs and her advice.

Currently, Kelly is focused on her own Permanent Makeup business. While commonly used for cosmetic reasons, permanent makeup also has medical purposes, including improving the appearance after breast reconstruction. Kelly brings her usual positive energy and determination in pursuing that career.

Kelly is also pursuing the $40 thousand prize in the Fab Over 40 5th anniversary contest. NewBeauty shines the spotlight on women redefining being fabulous after 40.

For Kelly, it is about elevating women, being a role model for her daughter and celebrating her transformation. It's also about the National Breast Cancer Foundation (which benefits from the extra votes).

Kelly has already made it to the Group Finals as she looks to advance to the Quarterfinals. Joey and I have been voting and we encourage everyone to join the cause. Vote Kelly!

It was a real pleasure talking to Kelly and learning more about her and her dad. As Joey stated in the interview, over the years, we have seen and learned so much about Sgt. Slaughter, but this was a rare chance to see things through Kelly's eyes.

We thank Kelly for her time and consideration. We encourage everyone to vote for Kelly.