Roddy Piper Has Died at 61
The wrestling and 'They Live' star died in his home in Hollywood.
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.
