Pro wrestler George 'The Animal' Steele dies at 79


February 17, 2017 at 5:20p.m.

WWE Hall of Famer George "The Animal" Steele died Thursday night in Florida from kidney failure ... George's wife, Patricia, tells TMZ Sports.

She said Steele had been in and out of hospice care since April.

Steele had some legendary bouts with Randy Savage back in the day – and other wrestling greats are reacting to the sad news. Hulk Hogan said, "My brother, only love, only grateful."

Steele was 79.