LOS ANGELES – The pro-wrestling world lost one of its best known personalities on Friday with the death of Canadian “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, he was 61.
The WWE posted on its website that Piper, whose real name is Roderick Toombs, died on Friday, but there was no immediate word on the cause of death.
Piper was born in Saskatoon and rose to prominence in the 1980s, battling the likes of Hulk Hogan in what was then the World Wrestling Federation.
WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon described Piper as one of the most “entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE.”
Some of the other big names from pro-wrestling in the 80s were tweeting their condolences and paying tribute on Friday.
“I am so sad to tweet that my friend Roddy Piper passed away last night. He was really such a sweet man. My heart is with his family,” tweeted singer Cyndi Lauper, who made frequent appearances in wrestling shows in the 80s and 90s.
Piper’s family moved around the Prairies in his youth and he became involved in wrestling at the age of 15 in Winnipeg.
Piper turned pro in the late 70s and eventually moved to Los Angeles where he became involved in what is now World Wrestling Entertainment making a name for himself in high profile bouts with the likes of Hulk Hogan and Mr. T.
WATCH: Rowdy Roddy Piper recognized as honourary citizen in 2006
He was credited with helping to launch Wrestlemania and later became a commentator for pro-wrestling matches before trying his hand at acting.
His most notable role was in John Carpenter’s sci-fi cautionary tale “They Live,” according to his bio on the WWE website.
Piper returned to the wrestling world in the 90s, published his autobiography and the WWE named him to its Hall of Fame in 2005.
His son Colt Toombs said in a tweet that his father was a great man.
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