Colorful and influential Superstar. Groundbreaking television commentator. Navy SEAL and Vietnam veteran. Governor of Minnesota. Jesse Ventura has been all these things during his amazing career. His election in 1998 was the political news story of the year, and from 1999 to 2002, he was one of the most-talked-about public figures in America. Prior to that, of course, “The Body” made his name punishing opponents on the mat and trash-talking on the mic.