[Deathwatch] "Captain" Lou Albano , legendary wrestling figure, 76

[Deathwatch Central <cdw@slick.org>]

Wrestler, personality Captain Lou Albano dies at 76

(CNN) -- Legendary wrestling figure Captain Lou Albano, perhaps best
known for his association with pop singer Cyndi Lauper, died Wednesday,
according to World Wrestling Entertainment.

Albano, 76, was "one of the company's most popular and charismatic
legends," the company said in a statement.

The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

"Albano began his storied career with Vincent J. McMahon in the 1960s
as one half of 'The Sicilians' tag team with his partner Tony
Altimore," the WWE said. "He will be greatly missed by the WWE and his
fans."

Albano, who was with the WWE from 1983 to 1996, was inducted into the
WWE Hall of Fame in 1996.

He started as a tag team wrestler in the 1950s but became a successful
manager of champion wrestlers in the 1970s, according to a biography on
the WWE Web site.

Albano was recognizable by his penchant for unbuttoned Hawaiian shirts
and a trademark beard, which was usually bound by a rubber band.

His persona earned him the distinction of "one of the most hated men"
in wrestling for 15 years, the WWE biography said.

Albano's image evolved in the 1980s, when he teamed with Lauper on
several music videos, such as "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," and
wrestling appearances.

As his celebrity status grew, Albano landed acting jobs, including a
role on several episodes of the "Miami Vice" TV series, the biography
said.

Albano became a cartoon in 1989, when he was the voice of Mario
"Jumpman" Mario for 17 episodes of "The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!"
according to the Internet Movie Database.


Many thanks to Deathwatch Central for posting this obituary