Iconic wrestling personality “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has passed away at the age of 61. Piper – real name, Roderick George Toombs – reportedly passed away from natural causes at his home in Hollywood. Piper was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2006, but he reported that he was cancer-free in November of 2014. Even so, it’s possible that the toll taken by the disease or its treatments may have contributed to Piper’s premature passing. Kicking off his professional career with the American Wrestling Association in 1973, Piper quickly became a favorite villain among fans. As a result of Piper’s showmanship, what was supposed to be a brief stint in the ring turned into a career that would span five decades. He signed with the WWE as a “heel” character in 1983, but after a brief hiatus, fans were so overjoyed by Piper’s return that he quickly took on a hero role. Piper is remembered for his unique choice of attire (his kilt, bagpipe and leather jacket were often sported by fans as tribute), as well as for his natural charisma in the ring. Along with Dusty Rhodes ‘, Piper’s death marks the second major loss suffered by the wrestling world in the past two months. Piper is survived by four children, including son Colton, who is currently pursuing a career in wrestling. View Slideshow: Celebrities We Lost in 2015
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Rowdy Roddy Piper Dies; Wrestling Legend Was 61
