The legendary Rowdy Roddy Piper has died. He was 61. The TMZ.com website is reporting that he died of from a heart attack at home in Hollywood on Thursday night, and discovered on Friday.
His daughter, Ariel Teal Toombs, confirmed his death on her Twitter account (@arielteal): “My dad @R_Roddy_Piper has passed away. I’ll always keep him close to my heart. There are no words for the depth of sadness and loss I feel.” His son, Colton, also acknowledged the death on Twitter (@ColtToombs): “My father @R_Roddy_Piper was a great man and my best friend I will miss him forever and will always try to be the man he raised me to be.”
He had been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2006, but last November he said he was cancer free.
Piper was one of the greatest performers of the 1970s and especially the 1980s and 1990s, when he was the natural foil to Hulk Hogan.
He has been honoured by them all — the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2006, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 2006, the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2008, and the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
Piper was born Roderick Toombs in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on April 17, 1954. His father worked for the Canadian National Railway as a police officer, and they moved to many different outposts over the years: The Pas for his first year at school, Dofin, Port Arthur, Dawson Creek, Winnipeg, Montreal, Toronto, plus Glasgow, Scotland and Melbourne, Australia.
“We moved all the time. I was always the new kid on the block. I was always getting beaten up,” said Piper.
Young Roddy and his father clashed and he was out on his own at 13 (or is it 12, the numbers never agree). Among the places he lived as a streetkid was Toronto.
In 1972, he drifted into the life of Tony Condello, who was just starting up a wrestling school in Winnipeg. “He was 17 years old, this kid, approached me and said he wanted to be a wrestler. I taught him. I gave him that name and that gimmick that he holds,” Condello said. “He was with me until 1974, ’75 at least. His first match was June 5, 1973.”
Piper always claimed that his first bout was with Larry Hennig, who outweighed him by 150 pounds, and lasted only seconds in the old Winnipeg Arena; it wasn’t the truth, by any means — he’d been working for years, off and on, by then at small Winnipeg venues.
Roddy did play the bagpipes on his way to the ring, a skill he had been practicing since age five, and it made for a natural last name.
During at least part of his two years in Winnipeg, Piper said that he actually lived in Al Tomko’s gym. “He had me paint all the weights. So what I did was take a 45-pound weight and paint 30-pounds, and messed all the weights around. Great entertainment there for myself.”
Some of what was to make Piper a big star was in evidence in Winnipeg, Condello said. “I knew he had a lot of potential. I knew he was pretty good yapping. I figured one of these days, this kid will hit. He had something about him that nobody else in the club had. Of course, I never knew he was going to be such a big star.”
He took his act on the road, to Kansas City, Portland, Texas and eventually to southern California in 1975.
Leo Garibaldi was the man who set Roddy Piper loose upon the world. Up until Garibaldi decided to allow Piper free reign, he was essentially a lower-card wrestler. But the down-in-the-dumps Los Angeles territory was starved for new talent in the mid-’70s — particularly heels — so a drastic measure was taken. “I booked him in a match, and I just gave him to somebody to eat him up. But the guy would not be eaten up,” Garibaldi said. “He was playing the bagpipes, he was jumping around and flashing his skirt. The people went crazy. They didn’t know to hate him or to love him.”
Piper has had too many mentors to credit, including Garibaldi. “When I got into wrestling, I went from having nothing to having 100 fathers,” he said. “These guys taught me the ways of life, brought me up.” As the young rookie on the totem pole, Piper had to do what he was told.
“I owe my whole career to everybody but myself,” he said. “The structure by which I was taught. I need to keep your mouth shut at all times, write nothing down, keep everything in your head, shut your mouth and give it your all at all times.”
One story with Mad Dog Vachon illustrates his point. “I’m wrestling Mad Dog. I’m the floor and he picks up the stairs as you climb into the ring, and he throws them down on my head. It hit me on the jaw, and just went, ‘kwooong!’ I know ‘don’t give up.’ I’ve been taught, just go back in there.”
After a stint in Portland, Piper had a first go at the WWWF in 1979, but was deemed too small at 6-foot-2, 235 pounds to be a star in the big man’s territory. So he hooked up with Georgia Championship Wrestling, which was just beginning to be noticed on Ted Turner’s TBS Superstation. Both there, and subsequently in Charlotte when the promotion merged with Jim Crockett Promotions, Piper was a superstar. He could talk and talk and talk, whether it was as a colour commentator beside Gordon Solie or cutting a promo for a feud. But most importantly, he could back up his words in the ring.
That ability to rile a crowd with words and actions would shoot Piper to superstardom in the WWF in 1984. He was there just as the wave broke sending pro wrestling into mainstream consciousness. In fact, by booting Cyndi Lauper and setting up the first Wrestlemania, Piper wasn’t just there, he kickstarted the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling connection.
“WrestleMania was basically an accident. The War To Settle The Score was the big one,” he explained. At ‘War’, which aired on MTV, “a lot of stuff happened that wasn’t going to happen, like the New York City police jumping into the ring, and also I got to tussle with them … next thing I know, I see something blonde coming out, and I turned and kicked. You can see it, I tried to pull the kick. Field goal! Cyndi Lauper! Oh, and it exploded.”
Piper was on top in the WWF until his ‘retirement’ match against Adorable Adrian Adonis at the third WrestleMania at the Pontiac Silverdome. He would return on many other occasions, including a run with the Intercontinental belt — his only WWF title.
The main reason Piper took time off from wrestling was to start his acting career. He’s best known for his starring role in John Carpenter’s They Live, but he’s done numerous other flicks including Jungleground, No Contest, Marked Man and Hell Comes to Frogtown.
In 1996, Piper was signed by World Championship Wrestling and quickly resumed his epic feud with Hulk Hogan. With their roles now reversed, the babyface Piper was unable to wrest the WCW World belt from the heel Hollywood Hogan, though he came very close on many occasions.
Away from the spotlight of the big promotions, Piper tried his hand at standup comedy, wrote his autobiography, and promoted a little in Oregon, which had been his home for more than 20 years with wife, Kitty, and their four children. Over the past few years, he had tried to help his son, Colt Toombs, succeed in mixed martial arts and then pro wrestling.
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The shocking death of Roddy Piper stunned the wrestling world. Even WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, who had an up-and-down relationship with Piper, issued a statement in a press release: “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.”
There were also countless posts to Facebook and Twitter.
Howard Finkel (@howardfinkel): “Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Roddy Piper. He was one of the true all-time greats in our industry! RIP, Hot Rod…”
John Carpenter (@TheHorrorMaster): “Devastated to hear the news of my friend Roddy Piper’s passing today. He was a great wrestler, a masterful…”
William Regal (@RealKingRegal): “Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of Roddy Piper.A good friend to me.No one sent chills up my spine like him when…”
Billy Kidman (@WWEKidman): “Sad to hear about Roddy Piper. A true legend in the ring and out. Always willing to give advice and would always shoot straight. #RIPHotRod”
Lilian Garcia (@LilianGarcia): “Feel so sad hearing Rowdy Roddy Piper has passed away. Always brought a smile 2 my face when I saw him #ClassAct #RIP” Joey Styles (@JoeyStyles): “Growing up, I was such a huge “Rowdy” Roddy Piper fan that I dressed up as Hot Rod for several Halloweens…kilt and all.”
Cyndi Lauper (@cyndilauper): “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.”
Ariel Teal Toombs (@arielteal): “My dad @R_Roddy_Piper has passed away. I’ll always keep him close to my heart. There are no words for the depth of sadness and loss I feel”
Zeb Colter (@WWEZeb): JUST HEARD THAT HOT ROD RODDY PIPER PASSED AWAY TODAY. WOW. STUNNED. LOVED THE GUY…RIP HOT ROD. @WWE”
Brutus Beefcake (@brutusbeefcake_): “Beyond shocked to find out that my brother Rowdy Roddy Piper has passed away words cannot describe the loss of this man forever in my heart”
John Layfield (@JCLayfield): “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”
Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash): “RIP to Roddy Piper. Prayers to his family and loved ones.”
Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ): “Word spreading like wildfire here in Charlotte of the sudden death of @R_Roddy_Piper of an apparent heart attack in California. #RIPHOTROD”
Jesse Ventura (@GovJVentura): “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”
Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho): “Sorry to hear of the passing of my friend and Wrestlemania rival #RoddyPiper. One of the greatest”
Seth Green (@SethGreen): “Love you always #RoddyPiper Thanks for making it ok to be weird. ”
Triple H (@TripleH): “Saddened about the passing of “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. He was truly a legend and icon, and will never be forgotten… #ThankYouRoddy #RIP”
John Lusk Mantell, on Facebook: “I have no words right now. Phones been ringing for past hour plus messages and emails. Didn’t want to believe it at first but guess it’s true. I spent many of my early years in the business with Piper in Portland and LA, he’s the reason I had my chance in WWF. There are so many memories so many stories from even before I was officially in the business, he spent Christmas with my family he helped us paint a house I put a baby skunk in his apartment. …. I’m really at a loss. God bless Kitty, Colton, the girls and all the Toombs family!!!”
Kevin Owens (@FightOwensFight): “One of the most mesmerizing and inspiring people I ever met in wrestling … RIP Mr. Piper. And thank you for this …
Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle): “RIP @R_Roddy_Piper You will be missed my friend. Much Love!”
Gene Okerlund (@TheGeneOkerlund): “Roddy Piper was my friend and also an incredible family man. My condolences go out to Kitty and the kids. We lost an institution.”
Dean Ambrose Guy (@WWEDeanAmbrose): “We will never see another icon like ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper. A legend and pioneer. In disbelief. #RIPRowdyRoddyPiper”
Eric Bischoff (@EBischoff): “Shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Roddy Piper. He was a friend, a legend. May God bless him and his family.”
TAZ (@OfficialTAZ): “Very very sad to hear of the passing of Roddy Piper. A true GREAT!! Always funny & smiling when I got to know him in #WWE – #RIPHotRod”
Nattie (@NatbyNature): “Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Roddy Piper. He was a one of a kind.”
Lisa Marie Varon (@REALLiSAMARiE): “He was legendary, not just as a wrestler, but as a human being. #RIPRowdyRoddyPiper @R_Roddy_Piper”
The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik): “RODDY PIPER. I LOVE YOU FOREVER. GOD BLESS YOU BUBBA Michael Elgin, on Facebook: “This one is truly tough. I had the pleasure of meeting Piper many times. He was always willing to give advice and chat for long periods of time about anything you had to ask. You could see he truly loved wrestling and wanted the sport as well as it’s performers to grow. This means so much more because there are many guy out there who are well known that don’t give young guys the time of day. Something that truly sticks out to me was being a part of a pipers pit at the Gathering. I didn’t do much but Piper ducked my punch poked me in the eye then laid me out. The biggest take away though was how he got into character and formulated his promo. He asked Scott D’more about Juggalos and the ICP. He was giving a brief history and key phrases and points about the whole thing. Watching him say hear phrases and points then getting his verbiage for each one was a great thing. He will truly be missed.”
Todd Grisham (@GrishamESPN): “Roddy Piper dead at the age of 61. Damn. Loved that guy. One of the best talkers of all time.”
Virgil (@TheRealVirgil): “RIP my brother Roddy Piper. I’m crushed.”
Vickie Guerrero (@VickieGuerrero): “Damn, why are the “good guys” the ones to leave too early…RIP RODDY PIPER!??”
NWA President Bruce Tharpe, on Facebook: “National Wrestling Alliance is shocked to hear of the untimely passing of “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. He took part in so many historic and memorable NWA moments on television and PPV – from his legendary “Dog Collar Match” against Greg Valentine to co-hosting Georgia Championship Wrestling with Gordon Solie to headlining for the first time in Mike LeBell’s NWA territory in LA. We express our condolences to his family and may he Rest in Peace.”
Wil Wheaton (@wilw): “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”
Dixie Carter (@TNADixie): “So saddened to hear of the passing of @R_Roddy_Piper…. Such a talent. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family…”
Bushwacker Luke Williams, on Facebook: “I am deeply saddened and shocked to learn today of the passing of my best mate since coming to America, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper at the age of 61. Since the late 70’s I have been very close to Roddy and words cannot express what a great loss this is to me, personally, and to the entire wrestling business. My thoughts and prayers are with Roddy and his family in this most difficult time and I ask you to please keep them in your thoughts. God Bless you, Roddy, my dear friend. You will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. Thanks for the memories and great times up and down the road, mate.”
Eli Roth (@eliroth): “So sad to hear @R_Roddy_Piper passed away. Loved him. Piper’s Pit was an all time career highlight. RIP Hot Rod”
Abyss (@TherealAbyss): “I am so sad hearing of the passing of @R_Roddy_Piper. He’s the wrestler that made me want to be one too. A true legend who will be missed.”
Sheamus (@WWESheamus): “RIP Roddy Piper. THE most Rowdy of characters, of all time. He was very good to me… Condolences to his family. #RIPRoddy”
Lauren/Angelina Love (@ActualALove): “Roddy Piper was not only a great performer, but such a sweet man. Had the pleasure of working with him a few times. God Bless Disappointed face #RIP”
Rock Riddle, on Facebook: “Today is a horribly sad day. In fact, today is the most horrible day I can remember. One of my best friends for decades died a few hours ago. The whole world is in mourning. He was a beautiful person and a great friend. Tens of millions of people who never knew him are crying. I never knew what it was to be totally numb until now. What an incredibly sad day! RIP my wonderful friend and brother Roddy Piper. You were – and are – loved by so many more people than you ever knew…”
Tatanka (@NativeTatanka): “So sad to hear the news, lost a friend, a great man that will always be the History of the @WWE #RIP @R_Roddy_Piper ”
Torrie Wilson (@Torrie11): “I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of Rowdy Roddy Piper today. A great person w/a sweet soul gone� ”
Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels): “One of the few times I got to talk with Roddy, too few by far! Rest in Peace, Roddy Piper, & thank you! ”
“Flying” Bill Anderson, on Facebook: “I am deeply saddened hearing that Rowdy Roddy Piper has passed away at the age of 61 from cardiac arrest! We have been friends for 30 years! I wrestled Roddy in the movie “Body Slam” in the mid 80’s and did the ring announcing for the pilot episode of “Tag Team” in 1990 with Roddy and Jesse Ventura! I saw Roddy last a few years ago at Wrestle Reunion in Los Angeles! He was a great man! He loved his family and he loved wrestling! Rest in peace dear friend!”
TJ Wilson (@KiddWWE): “RIP Roddy Piper. Had the chance to get in the ring with him, a legend no doubt”
Stevie Ray (@TheStevieRay): “Roddy Piper was one of the good ones even when being bad. He was one of the greatest bad guys in wrestling history & truly nice person. RIP”
SID VICIOUS (@SychoVicious): “My God, this is too surreal! Not Roddy Piper!”
SGT SLAUGHTER (@_SgtSlaughter): “Heartbroken & numb @ news of Roddy Piper. One of my best friends. Many memories. Prayers & love to his family @ this time. RIP Hot Rod.”
Brian Gorie, Ring of Honor referee, on Facebook: “Roddy Piper explaining to me & the ROH crew how promos must come from a real, honest place literally changed my entire perception on how wrestling interviews should be done. As a ref, I don’t get a ton of praise. The fact Roddy Piper was kind enough to compliment my work when he didn’t have to is something I’ll always appreciate and hold dear to the heart. R.I.P. Hot Rod, thank you for everything.”
Bruce Prichard (@bruceprichard): “R.I.P. My dear friend Roddy Piper. He called me last night at 9 and left a message. I will miss you and always love you Roddy #HotRod”
Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR): “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”
Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER): “My High school senior quote Just when they think they have all the answers, I change the questions. @R_Roddy_Piper we all loved you.”
Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels): “Landed at home & heard of the passing of Roddy Piper. He was always wonderful to me & I will miss him greatly! My condolences to his family.”
Tito Ortiz (@titoortiz): “My condolences to Roddy Piper’s family. RIP MR.PIPER!”
