WWE legend 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper has died, aged 61.
News of the Hall of Fame member's passing from natural causes was confirmed by his long-time employer WWE today (July 31).
WWE boss Vince McMahon broke the news on Twitter, writing: "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."
A separate statement from the company read: "WWE is deeply saddened that Roderick Toombs, aka "Rowdy" Roddy Piper - WWE Hall of Famer and Intercontinental Champion - passed away today at the age of 61.
"WWE extends its sincerest condolences to Toombs' family, friends and fans."
Piper was one of the WWE's leading stars in its boom period of the mid-1980s, ushering in decades of commercial success.
His memorable feud with Hulk Hogan headlined an MTV broadcast called 'The War to Settle the Score' in 1985, and he also attracted mainstream attention for his boxing match against Hollywood star Mr T at WrestleMania II a year later.
It wouldn't be long before Piper left WWE for Hollywood himself, starring in Hell Comes to Frogtown and director John Carpenter's cult sci-fi film They Live in 1988.
He would continue to act sporadically throughout the rest of his life, racking appearances on television in Highlander, Walker, Texas Ranger and even Saturday Night Live.
Piper returned to the world of wrestling for WWE in 1989, and would appear on-and-off for the company throughout the last 26 years.
He also worked for WWE's main competitor WCW in the 1990s, even reviving his feud with '80s rival Hulk Hogan for several lucrative pay-per-view events.
Piper is survived by his four children and his wife Kitty.
News of the Hall of Fame member's passing from natural causes was confirmed by his long-time employer WWE today (July 31).
WWE boss Vince McMahon broke the news on Twitter, writing: "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."
A separate statement from the company read: "WWE is deeply saddened that Roderick Toombs, aka "Rowdy" Roddy Piper - WWE Hall of Famer and Intercontinental Champion - passed away today at the age of 61.
"WWE extends its sincerest condolences to Toombs' family, friends and fans."
Piper was one of the WWE's leading stars in its boom period of the mid-1980s, ushering in decades of commercial success.
His memorable feud with Hulk Hogan headlined an MTV broadcast called 'The War to Settle the Score' in 1985, and he also attracted mainstream attention for his boxing match against Hollywood star Mr T at WrestleMania II a year later.
It wouldn't be long before Piper left WWE for Hollywood himself, starring in Hell Comes to Frogtown and director John Carpenter's cult sci-fi film They Live in 1988.
He would continue to act sporadically throughout the rest of his life, racking appearances on television in Highlander, Walker, Texas Ranger and even Saturday Night Live.
Piper returned to the world of wrestling for WWE in 1989, and would appear on-and-off for the company throughout the last 26 years.
He also worked for WWE's main competitor WCW in the 1990s, even reviving his feud with '80s rival Hulk Hogan for several lucrative pay-per-view events.
Piper is survived by his four children and his wife Kitty.
