While audience members from the IOP knew what was coming, Ventura’s appearance still took others by surprise.

“I didn’t believe it at first,” said Boston resident James H. Chew, when he first learned of Ventura’s cameo.

But at the show’s conclusion, Chew remarked, “He’s got really great legs.”

NO BIZ LIKE SHOW BIZ

Speaking to a small group of fans later on last night, Ventura shuttered at the suggestion that this was his first break into show business, reminding fans after the performance that he had started his acting career 35 years before in a high-school production of Aristophanes’ The Birds.

“I’ve done TV and films. It’s not a new career, more a resurgence of an old one,” he said.

After wrestling, he became an actor, starring in several films, including Predator with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Ventura said he came away from the performance with a greater appreciation for the female sex.

“I was so hot in the wig. I have a newfound respect for women,” he said.

Following his mother’s order, Ventura’s son was there capturing the moment on film.

“Wild. It was cool. One of the most unique things I’ve seen him so,” said Tyrel J. Ventura, the Body’s son. “Politics and cross dressing, not too far of a leap.”

“Politics and cross dressing, they go together,” Ventura added to his son’s comment. “More politicians ought to do it.”

—Staff writer Faryl W. Ury can be reached at ury@fas.harvard.edu.