Roddy Piper: The Man Behind the Legend
Roderick George Toombs, better known as Roddy Piper, was a Canadian professional wrestler, actor, and podcast host. He was born on April 17, 1954, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, and passed away on July 31, 2015, in Hollywood, California. Piper was one of the most iconic figures in the world of professional wrestling and entertainment, known for his charismatic personality, unique sense of humor, and incredible in-ring skills.
Early Life and Career
Piper was the eldest of four children and grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He had a rough childhood, as his father was an alcoholic and frequently abused him and his siblings. Piper left home at the age of 13 and began working odd jobs to make ends meet. He eventually discovered his passion for wrestling and joined the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in the late 1970s.
Throughout his career, Piper was known for his signature move, the sleeper hold, and his infamous feud with Hulk Hogan. He won numerous championships, including the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship and the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Piper also made a name for himself outside of wrestling, appearing in several movies and TV shows, including “They Live,” “Hell Comes to Frogtown,” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
Personal Life and Tragic Loss
Piper was married to his wife, Kitty, for over 30 years and had four children: three daughters and one son. Sadly, his son, Colt Toombs, passed away in 2015 at the age of 34 due to a pulmonary embolism. Piper was devastated by his son’s death and spoke openly about his grief in interviews and on social media.
Despite the tragedy, Piper’s legacy lives on. He is remembered as one of the most influential figures in professional wrestling and entertainment, and his impact on the industry will never be forgotten.
Memorable Quotes and Net Worth
Piper was known for his quick wit and sharp tongue, and he had many memorable quotes throughout his career. Some of his most famous lines include:
- “Just when you think you have all the answers, I change the questions.”
- “I’m here to chew bubblegum and kick ass, and I’m all out of bubblegum.”
- “I came here to fight, not to talk.”
Piper’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be around $4 million. He made most of his money through his wrestling career, but also earned a significant amount from his acting roles and merchandise sales.
Final Farewell and Funeral Pictures
Piper passed away on July 31, 2015, at the age of 61. His funeral was held on August 11, 2015, in Portland, Oregon, and was attended by many of his friends, family members, and colleagues from the wrestling world. Piper’s daughter, Ariel Toombs, gave a touching eulogy, and his casket was carried out to the sounds of bagpipes playing “Amazing Grace.”
Many fans and fellow wrestlers paid tribute to Piper on social media, sharing their favorite memories and moments from his career. His legacy continues to inspire and entertain people around the world, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest wrestlers and entertainers of all time.
