WWE legend “Rowdy” Roddy Piper died after suffering a heart attack in his Hollywood home. He was 61.
Born Roderick George Toombs, Piper joined the WWE in 1984 after getting his start with the NWA in the late 1970s. He and Hulk Hogan met in landmark matchups including MTV’s “The War to Settle the Score” and the first WrestleMania, where Piper and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff took on Hogan and Mr. T.
Piper’s agent Jay Schacter confirmed the news, first reported by TMZ, to Variety. “Rod passed peacefully in his sleep last night,” Schacter said in an email. “I am shocked and beyond devastated.”
Piper had suffered a bout of Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2006 but was reportedly deemed cancer-free last November.
“WWE extends its sincerest condolences to Toombs’ family, friends and fans,” WWE said in a statement.
WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon also extended his condolences in a statement. “Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE, beloved by millions of fans around the world. I extend my deepest condolences to his family.”
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The wrestler had also made a foray into film acting, starring in John Carpenter’s sci-fi pic “They Live.”
“Devastated to hear the news of my friend Roddy Piper’s passing today. He was a great wrestler, a masterful entertainer and a good friend,” Carpenter wrote on Facebook.
WWE stars and friends such as Hulk Hogan, Chris Jericho and the Iron Sheik also shared their condolences on Twitter.
Totally lost for words,RIP,Roddy one,and God bless your family,I love you my brother,only love HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) August 1, 2015
RODDY PIPER. I LOVE YOU FOREVER. GOD BLESS YOU BUBBA
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) July 31, 2015
Just heard my friend and a huge influence on me Hot Rod-Roddy Piper has passed away. Rest well friend, you will be missed. #lifeWellLived
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) July 31, 2015
RIP to Roddy Piper. Prayers to his family and loved ones.
— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) July 31, 2015
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Roddy Piper's passing. He was one of a kind and one of the all time greats. #prowrestling
— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) July 31, 2015
My main man. Always had my back. RIP #RoddyPiper pic.twitter.com/hlwY8BCVrj
— Virgil (@TheRealVirgil) July 31, 2015
Heartbroken & numb @ news of Roddy Piper. One of my best friends. Many memories. Prayers & love to his family @ this time. RIP Hot Rod.
— SGT SLAUGHTER (@_SgtSlaughter) July 31, 2015
Just heard and it has temporarily stopped my fun at NWAfanfest. RIP Roddy Piper. Now that was a legend. https://t.co/bGfBMvlOq2
— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) July 31, 2015
I'm inducting Jim Crockett, Sr tonight into @NWALegends Hall of Heroes w/ a heavy heart. #RIPRoddyPiper my friend. Thoughts w/ his family.
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) July 31, 2015
Feel so sad hearing Rowdy Roddy Piper has passed away. Always brought a smile 2 my face when I saw him #ClassAct #RIP pic.twitter.com/EPOtHUQBHy
— Lilian Garcia (@LilianGarcia) July 31, 2015
One of the true greats of all time. My heart goes out to his family and the fans he entertained over the years. RIP Rowdy.
— John Cena (@JohnCena) July 31, 2015
Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE… (1/2)
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 31, 2015
…beloved by millions of fans around the world. I extend my deepest condolences to his family. (2/2)
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 31, 2015
RIP @R_Roddy_Piper You will be missed my friend. Much Love! @antmaurizio pic.twitter.com/YU50ALMLFE
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) July 31, 2015
Saddened to hear that Roddy Piper passed away. He became a friend after being a childhood wrestling hero. #RIPHotRod pic.twitter.com/dtNXn3YphO
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) July 31, 2015
RIP Roddy Piper. THE most Rowdy of characters, of all time. He was very good to me… Condolences to his family. #RIPRoddy
— Sheamus (@WWESheamus) July 31, 2015
https://twitter.com/Goldust/status/627246780997046272
God has called another Legend home, so glad for the things I heard, learned, and felt from Roddy Pipper, God Bless
— WWE R-TRUTH (@RonKillings) July 31, 2015
The wrestling icon was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He was named one of the WWE’s top 50 villains as well.
Piper is survived by his wife, Kitty, and their four children.
