Federation fans were first introduced to the Hardy Boyz' father, Gilbert, back in the September 2000 issue of Raw Magazine ("Back Roads"). A hard-working tobacco farmer who raised Matt and Jeff on his own after his wife passed away, Gilbert Hardy has been a major influence in the lives of his two high-flying boys.

"He's the one who taught us to be tough," says Jeff "He's taught me everything I know about life, and I love him to death."

"He taught us how things work in this world," adds Matt. "I think he's been a great role model for us."

Matt and Jeff learned the value of hard work from their father, helping him farm throughout their childhoods. Of course, Gilbert never expected the boys would one day leave the farm for the glitz and glamour of the World Wrestling Federation.

"It was always kind of hard [for him] to accept the fact that we wanted to be professional wrestlers," says Jeff. "To him it was just a dream that you couldn't make real. Now that we've made it, he's totally amazed."

More than just amazed, Gilbert is reminded of the success of his sons on a daily basis, since they have become the talk of the town in their native Cameron, North Carolina.

"He feels like a Hardy Boy," Jeff laughs. "He feels a bit of what we go through and how people see our success. It all reflects on him, too, because everybody asks him about us."

"Its interesting how he gets a rub from the success that Jeff and I have had, " Matt points out. "When people find out who he is, they'll ask for his autograph as well."

Fondest Childhood Memory Of Your Dad

Jeff: The day my mom died, we were in the hospital. I really didn't understand that she was gone for good, but I was sad and we were all crying. Its the first time I remember seeing a tear from Dad's eye. I remember him saying, "Boys, we just gotta be strong. We've gotta go on." I'll always remember that.

Matt: There was an extreme bonding between the three of us when my mom died. He told us, "You guys are my responsibilty. We're gonna pick it up, and we're gonna make it." He was always there for us in every way. He gave his all

Best Advice Your Dad Ever Gave You

Jeff: Keep a calm head no matter what situation you're in. "The main thing, is don't get excited" - that's one of his favourite slogans, and he'll say it in kind of a gimmick way.

Matt: I used to race motorcycles, and he would always say, "Just go out there, have a good time and don't get hurt." I;m sure he thinks that way about wrestling, too. I always knew that was No 1 on his agenda - he didn't want us to get hurt