Roddy Piper Has Died at 61
The wrestling and 'They Live' star died in his home in Hollywood.
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Pro wrestling legend “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, government name Roderick Toombs, has died at his Hollywood home. He was 61.
His death is being reported as a result of cardiac arrest, according to TMZ. In 2006, Roddy was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma but was said to have been cancer-free since last November.
Roddy Piper was a pro wrestling icon whose bombastic, arrogant personality made him a favorite villain for fans of the WWE’s (then WWF) ‘80s heyday. He wrestled in the main event at the inaugural WrestleMania pay-per-view in 1984 at Madison Square Garden and starred in John Carpenter’s 1988 cult-hit They Live.
Piper was also the star of Legends House, a critically acclaimed comedy reality show about former wrestling legends living together and getting involved in all kinds of hijinks.
Piper will be remembered for many things — the aforementioned WrestleMania main event, smashing a coconut over Jimmy Snuka’s head, the way he got in your face like a smug D-bag — but he should also be remembered for doing this.
Thanks for the memories, Roddy. We’ll miss you.