Rowdy Roddy Piper dies at 61

As an actor, Piper made his debut in 1978 romantic comedy “The One and Only” but was uncredited. However, Piper found his greatest fame in the World Wrestling Federation in 1984 as a villainess manager, wrestler, and host of the infamous Piper’s Pit interview segment on WWF programing. He became a longtime adversary of Hulk Hogan, with whom he battled in “Wrestlemania I” as part of a tag-team match – with Piper teamed with “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and Hogan paired with guest-wrestler Mr. T.

“Rowdy” Roddy Piper, a professional wrestler whose athleticism and antics in the ring helped raise the profile of World Wrestling Entertainment in the 1980s, has died, his agent said on Friday. He highlighted the first WrestleMania when he was involved in a match featured Mr. T and Hulk Hogan as well.

In a statement released on Friday the WWE said, “WWE is deeply saddened that Roderick Toombs, aka “Rowdy” Roddy Piper – WWE Hall of Famer and Intercontinental Champion – passed away today at the age of 61″. His son Colt has followed his father’s footsteps into wrestling, while his daughter Ariel is an aspiring actress. May his family find peace in this time of need.

WWE star John Cena called Piper one of the all-time greats. Early on he broke a coconut over the head of fellow wrestling icon, Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka.

Before becoming Rowdy Roddy Piper, Roderick was an amateur boxer in his youth and performed well enough to win a Golden Glove.

While he appeared as one of the most hated villains in wrestling, Piper was known as one of the most generous and authentic individuals. My thoughts and prayers go out to them, his friends and his fans.

“I will forever miss him”, said Hogan.

Other WWE past and present stars quickly shared their condolences over social media, including The Iron Sheik who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame with Piper in 2005.

Piper was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2006, but in November 2014, he said he was cancer-free.

He and his partner were beaten by Hogan and his partner in the first ever WrestleMania event at Madison Square Garden in 1985.