“Rowdy” Roddy Piper (born Roderick George Toombs) was huge when I was growing up. As a kid, my brother and I were really into pro-wrestling and perhaps the greatest rivalry then (and in my biased opinion, of all time) was Piper’s one with Hulk Hogan. Piper brought snarky humor to the squared circle like no one before or since. And now, at the age of 61, he has passed away from a heart attack.
Piper also brought his talents to the silver screen, with what is one of the greatest cult movies of all time, John Carpenter’s 1988 release “They Live.” That film also included what is probably the greatest fight scene on film.
Which would inspire one of the funniest fight scenes in TV history, when “South Park” did almost a shot-for-shot remake of it.
He would also go on to play Da Maniac, an obviously unhinged wrestler on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” What a brilliant performances he gave in that. He will be missed.
The JOE-DOWN 