I hope you're well. My name is Paul Hayes, and I am a writer based in Norwich.
I have been commissioned by Doctor Who Magazine to write a piece about Sonny Caldinez, who died last month, for an edition of the magazine due out in June.
Obviously as you will know, as well as being an actor Caldinez was also a wrestler for a time, and you have a small profile of him on your website, here:
https://www.wrestlingheritage.co.uk/wrestlersc.htm
I wondered please whether you might have any more information on his wrestling career, or might know of anybody who would be a good person for me to talk to about it?
My deadline for the piece is the 31st, so if there is anything you might know or anyone who might be able to put me in touch with this week, I'd be incredibly grateful! Even just knowing what the source of the information on your site is would be helpful?
Anyway, any assistance would be very gratefully appreciated!
With kind regards, and all good wishes,
Paul
I was a regular at the Dominion Southall when the knock out tournament was staged back in 1964. Sadly I remember very little about the participation of Sonny Calindez, mainly due to the passage of time. I am pretty certain Prince Kumali emerged as the victor but the tournament was notable for the absence of Syed Said Shah who was the most popular wrestler at the Dominion and I believe was never defeated at that venue.
1971!, that would have been when I saw him, Margate I think?
Also, he was always known to me as "Calindez", but it looks like "Caldinez" may be his real surname (checking on IMDB) and his first names are (possibly) Laudrick Kelvin?
Anyway, Ron finding "Sonny Calendez" in 1971 makes me feel better, I am not losing my marbles, and that time line fits into where my memory of him comes from, with me and my brother talking about how big "Big Sonny Calindez" was!
Thanks Ron!
Just noticed a spelling variation which has enabled me to find another two bills. Interesting that Sonny pops up again in 1971.
I must have seen him live, because I remember him being introduced as "Big" Sonny Calindez. The thing is, in 1964, I wouldn't have been watching live wrestling (too young), so that makes me think I must have seen him on TV, but I did a quick check and couldn't see him listed on any World of Sport show, in the mid 60's, which makes me wonder how come I know about him!
He did have a decent TV and film extra/stunt man career, and carried on the tradition of wrestlers appearing in James Bond films (The Man with the Golden Gun).
Sorry I can't be of more help, and again, I am wracking my brains as to how I would have seen him in the mid 60's.
I had a hard time finding a bill with Sonny on then came up with two here. Can't tell you anything about him though other than what is already out there.