Wrestling Legend 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper Dies at Age 61
(CBS SF/AP) – "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, who trash talked his way to the main event of the first WrestleMania and later found movie stardom, has died. He was 61.
The WWE says Piper died Friday, July 31st but provided no additional details. In 2006, he battled Hodgkin's lymphoma, but later said he had beaten the cancer. In recent months, Piper was active in the charity Stand For The Silent, an organization aimed at honoring the victims of bullying and bringing awareness to the issue.
Piper, born Roderick Toombs, was the second WWE Hall of Famer to die this summer following the June death of Dusty Rhodes.
Piper became a household name because of his rivalry with Hulk Hogan, and the involvement of pop star Cyndi Lauper and her friend Captain Lou Albano. The feud led to an MTV special "The War to Settle the Score" in 1985. Piper was cast as the villain, and his disqualification led to Hogan keeping the WWF championship. A brawl at the end of that fight would lead to the first WrestleMania.
Related: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Roddy Piper
In a statement to TMZ, "I will forever miss him." Hulk Hogan said. "He was my best friend. He is a legend."
Hogan also tweeted:
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
Another wrestling icon, Ric Flair issued a statement, also through TMZ:
"We've shared the ring, traveled the world, maintained a friendship throughout the ups and downs of the wrestling world, and battled to see who was the better heel. It's almost impossible to express my grief. My condolences to his children and to his wife Kitty." - Ric Flair
Flair also tweeted:
I'll miss you @R_Roddy_Piper. The world will never be as Rowdy without you. #RIPRoddyPiper
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 1, 2015
Friends & celebrities remember the late wrestler through social media:
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
Roddy Piper was my friend and also an incredible family man. My condolences go out to Kitty and the kids. We lost an institution. GO
— Gene Okerlund (@TheGeneOkerlund) July 31, 2015
I STAND BEHIND THE RODDY PIPER WHEN WE BOTH MAKE IT TO HALL OF FAME. FOREVER HE MY BROTHER. pic.twitter.com/Q8S8OtR6XT
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) July 31, 2015
Sad to hear about Roddy Piper.He once worked 91 nights w/out a day off.WWE wouldn't be what it is today w/out him.Wonderful athlete & friend
— Jesse Ventura (@GovJVentura) 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
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.
— Cyndi Lauper (@cyndilauper) July 31, 2015
Absolutely shocked and saddened to hear the sudden, tragic passing of WWE HOF'er "Rowdy" Roddy Piper.
— Robby The Brain© (@RobbyTheBrain) July 31, 2015
This one really hurts.
RIP Hot Rod.
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
I'm devastated by the passing of my friend Roddy Piper. Great wrestler, underrated actor, dear friend. Rest in peace, Rod.
— John Carpenter (@TheHorrorMaster) July 31, 2015
Complete shock to hear about Rowdy Roddy Piper. Thank you for so many great memories. you will be missed. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/Ug3lTQg5BH
— D-von Dudley HOF (@TestifyDVon) July 31, 2015
Rest in peace, @R_Roddy_Piper. You made my birthday awesome this year. Thank you for all the joy you brought into my life. #HotRod
— Wil Wheaton (@wilw) July 31, 2015
Saddened by the news of Roddy Piper passing. My heart goes to his family and loved ones. He will never be forgotten. #RIPRoddy
— MilenaRoucka (@LaRosaMendes) July 31, 2015
Awesome athlete. Great actor. Kind and sweet man. You'll be missed @R_Roddy_Piper pic.twitter.com/V5b80WvMxx
— Rob McElhenney (@RMcElhenney) July 31, 2015
RIP "Rowdy" Roddy Piper...I'll never forgot you smashing a coconut over my head at WrestleMania XXVII pic.twitter.com/1g2EqaAN2O
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) July 31, 2015
Sorry to hear of the passing of my friend and Wrestlemania rival #RoddyPiper. One of the greatest who… https://t.co/WkGjYehXim
— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) July 31, 2015
My main man. Always had my back. RIP #RoddyPiper pic.twitter.com/hlwY8BCVrj
— Virgil (@TheRealVirgil) July 31, 2015
RIP to Roddy Piper. Prayers to his family and loved ones.
— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) July 31, 2015
RIP Rowdy Roddy Piper... thank you for blessing me with the opportunity to rumble in the ring with you. Despite being...
Posted by Rob Dyrdek on Friday, July 31, 2015
I'm absolutely devastated. My heart goes out to Roddy's family. R.I.P. my friend. One of the best in every way! We took...
Posted by Ted DiBiase the "Million Dollar Man" on Friday, July 31, 2015
R.I.P. Rowdy Roddy Piper So sad to hear he passed away. LOOK: http://peewee.com/2015/07/31/r-i-p-rowdy-roddy-piper/
Posted by Pee-wee Herman on Friday, July 31, 2015
Piper is survived by wife Kitty and their four children.
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