Bret “The Hitman” Hart is a Canadian-American retired professional wrestler born on July 2, 1957, in Calgary, Alberta. Widely identified as one of wrestling’s greatest technical performers, he became a central figure in the Hart wrestling dynasty and won championships across WWF/WWE and WCW. His career is also permanently associated with the Montreal Screwjob, one of the most controversial moments in wrestling history.
Hart grew up as the eighth of 12 children in the Hart family. His father, Stu Hart, was a wrestler, trainer, and promoter, and Bret was trained in Calgary’s Hart family dungeon. He entered Stampede Wrestling in 1976 at age 19 and later rose to international fame in the WWF.
After retiring from in-ring competition in 2000, Hart built a second career as an author and public figure, appearing in movies and documentaries while remaining active at wrestling conventions and fan events.
How Old Is Bret Hart? Personal Stats and Early Life
- Born: July 2, 1957 (69 years old as of August 2026)
- Net worth: Around $7 million (2025 estimate)
- Height: Not confirmed by available authoritative sources
- Most famous for: The Montreal Screwjob; WWE Hall of Famer
Bret Hart was born in Calgary, Alberta, into a family that defined much of his life. His father operated Stampede Wrestling, the promotion where Bret began his career before joining the WWF in the mid-1980s.
- Bret Hart is widely regarded as one of the greatest technical wrestlers in history.
- His autobiography, “Hitman,” offers a candid look at his life inside and outside the ring.
- The tragic death of his brother Owen Hart continues to shape his legacy.
- Despite a stroke that forced his retirement, Hart recovered and remains active at wrestling conventions and in media.
- The Montreal Screwjob remains one of the most discussed events of his career.
- The Hart family’s influence extended across multiple generations of wrestling.
A 2025 report citing Celebrity Net Worth estimated Bret Hart’s net worth at about $7 million. Other estimates have been higher, and Hart has not publicly confirmed an exact figure.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Bret Sergeant Hart |
| Date of birth | July 2, 1957 |
| Place of birth | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian-American |
| Ring name | Bret “The Hitman” Hart |
| Debut | 1976 (Stampede Wrestling) |
| Retired | 2000 (in-ring); final match in 2011 |
| Championships | WWF/WWE Championship, Intercontinental, World Tag Team, United States, WCW Championship, WCW Tag Team |
| Hall of Fame | WWE Hall of Fame (2019) |
As a young wrestler, Hart competed in Stampede Wrestling before moving to larger stages. His early years in Calgary laid the foundation for the technical style that later earned him the nickname “Excellence of Execution.”
Who Is Bret Hart’s Brother? The Hart Family Legacy
Bret Hart was born into the famous Hart family, the eighth of 12 children of Stu Hart and Helen Hart. His father was a wrestler, trainer, and promoter, and Bret was trained in the family dungeon. The Canadian Encyclopedia has published a detailed biography covering the family’s role in wrestling.
Bret Hart and Owen Hart: Sibling Relationship
Owen Hart was one of Bret’s brothers and also a professional wrestler. In 1994, the two brothers feuded in the WWF, a storyline that drew on their real-life family connection.
The Tragic Death of Owen Hart
Owen Hart died in 1999 when a stunt harness malfunctioned during a WWE event at Kemper Arena. The tragedy became a defining part of the Hart family’s story. The Owen Hart Foundation was established in his memory.
Other Members of the Hart Wrestling Family
Stu Hart operated Stampede Wrestling and trained many wrestlers in Calgary, and the family’s influence extended across multiple generations of the sport. Bret’s brothers included Owen, and the Hart name became one of the most recognized in Canadian wrestling.
Bret Hart was the eighth of 12 children born to Stu and Helen Hart. His father was a wrestler, trainer, and promoter, and the family’s Calgary-based wrestling operation helped shape the sport in Canada.
What Book Did Bret Hart Write? His Autobiography and Other Works
Bret Hart is also known as an author. His autobiography, “Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling,” offers a candid account of his life inside and outside the ring.
Bret Hart’s Autobiography “Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling”
The book provides Hart’s own account of his life, covering his family, his career, and the moments that shaped his public story. It remains the most direct source for his personal perspective on the wrestling business.
Other Books and Comic Appearances
Hart’s post-retirement work has also included appearances in movies and documentaries. A complete catalog of additional published works or comic appearances is not established in the available records. His official biography provides an overview of his recent activities.
Bret Hart’s Film and TV Cameos
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame notes that since retiring in 2000, Hart has appeared in movies and documentaries. Specific film titles are not consistently documented in the available records.
“Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling” is Bret Hart’s own account of his life, covering his family, his career, and the events that shaped his legacy.
What Championships Did Bret Hart Win? Career Highlights
His WWE profile documents a career that included the WWF/WWE Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, the World Tag Team Championship, the United States Championship, the WCW Championship, and the WCW Tag Team Championship.
WWE Championship Reigns
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame notes that Hart won the WWF Intercontinental Championship in 1991 and first captured the world heavyweight title by defeating Ric Flair in 1992.
Intercontinental and Tag Team Titles
Hart’s 1991 Intercontinental Championship win was a key achievement of his career. He also held tag team championships as part of the Hart Foundation, the team he formed with Jim Neidhart in the WWF.
Technical Wrestling Style and Excellence of Execution
Hart earned the nickname “Excellence of Execution” for his technical ability. He became a major star in WWF/WWE and later WCW, building a reputation for highly technical matches.
The Montreal Screwjob: Controversy and Aftermath
The Montreal Screwjob was the controversial finish to the WWF Championship match at Survivor Series 1997 in Montreal, where Hart faced Shawn Michaels. Multiple sources describe the finish as a real-life double-cross that ended Hart’s WWF run under disputed circumstances. After leaving the WWF, Hart wrestled for WCW from 1997 to 2000.
Multiple sources describe the Montreal Screwjob as a real-life double-cross. Some details of the event remain disputed between Bret Hart and WWE management.
What Are the Key Dates in Bret Hart’s Career?
- – Born in Calgary, Alberta.
- – Enters Stampede Wrestling at age 19.
- – Joins the WWF as part of the Hart Foundation with Jim Neidhart.
- – Wins the WWF Intercontinental Championship.
- – Defeats Ric Flair for the world heavyweight title.
- – Wins King of the Ring; feuds with Owen Hart.
- – Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series; leaves the WWF. The event has been revisited extensively since.
- – Suffers a stroke and retires from in-ring competition.
- – Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
- – Continues public appearances at conventions and signings.
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About Bret Hart?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Bret Hart was born on July 2, 1957, in Calgary, Alberta. | Net worth figures vary across sources; a 2025 report cited about $7 million, while other estimates have been higher. |
| He is a Canadian-American retired professional wrestler. | Some details of the Montreal Screwjob remain disputed between Hart and WWE management. |
| He won multiple major championships in WWF/WWE and WCW. | The exact number of his late-career cameo appearances may not be fully cataloged. |
| His brother Owen Hart died in 1999 due to a stunt accident. | Height measurements from highly authoritative sources are not confirmed in available records. |
| He wrote the autobiography “Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling.” | — |
Why Does Bret Hart’s Career Still Matter?
Bret Hart’s influence on professional wrestling rests on his technical ability. He earned the nickname “Excellence of Execution” for a style that prioritized precise technique and realistic in-ring storytelling, and he is widely identified as one of wrestling’s greatest technical performers.
The Hart family dynasty also secured his place in the sport’s history. As the eighth of 12 children of Stu and Helen Hart, Bret carried a family tradition that extended across multiple generations. The loss of his brother Owen in 1999 became part of that larger story, adding a tragic dimension to the family’s legacy.
The Montreal Screwjob remains central to any discussion of Hart’s career. The controversial finish at Survivor Series 1997 has been revisited and debated for decades, and it continues to define public memory of his departure from the WWF. Wrestling biographies have since expanded to cover the sport’s new generation, including profiles such as Jade Cargill – Biography, Husband, Net Worth and WWE Career.
Where Can You Find More Information About Bret Hart?
“The best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.”
Bret Hart’s catchphrase, WWE
“I’m not a role model. I’m a wrestler. I’m an entertainer.”
Bret Hart, in interviews
Bret Hart’s official website and social media channels share news about his current projects. His official Instagram account is active, and his WWE profile along with the National Wrestling Hall of Fame biography remain key records of his competitive achievements.
What Is Bret Hart’s Lasting Legacy?
Bret Hart’s legacy is built on technical excellence, a deep family history in wrestling, and a career filled with memorable matches. Tragedy and controversy also shaped his story, from the death of Owen Hart to the Montreal Screwjob. His career continues to be discussed alongside other sports and entertainment figures, including Ken Block – Biography, Death Cause, Cars and Net Worth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bret Hart
Is Bret Hart still alive?
Yes, Bret Hart is alive as of 2025.
What is Bret Hart’s real name?
Bret Sergeant Hart.
How did Owen Hart die?
Owen Hart died in 1999 when a stunt harness malfunctioned during a WWE event at Kemper Arena.
Did Bret Hart ever wrestle for WCW?
Yes, he wrestled for WCW from 1997 to 2000.
What is Bret Hart’s finishing move?
The Sharpshooter.
How many children does Bret Hart have?
He has four children: Jade, Dallas, Alexandra, and Blade.
Oliver Reeves leads fact-checking, source verification and editorial standards at RegionalReport.co.uk.