Sad news in the world of professional wrestling.
James “Kamala” Harris has passed away at the age of 70.
The CAC family wishes to extend our sincerest condolences to the family friends and fans the world over upon the news that the legendary James "Kamala" Harris has passed away at the age of 70. Rest in Peace James. pic.twitter.com/7p0LUkkU4P
— CauliflowerAlleyClub (@CACReunion) August 9, 2020
“The Ugandan Giant”, Kamala, had a solid run throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s as a main event foe in several different federations, clashing with top stars of the time like Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, the Junkyard Dog and the Von Erich brothers.
The fearsome but simpleminded Ugandan warrior wrestled in war paint and a loincloth and terrified many a young wrestling fan.
As a kid, I distinctly remember Hershey squirting in my OP shorts at the sight of the March 1987 issue of Sports Review Wrestling that depicted Hulk Hogan’s head on a spear.
Unfortunately, Harris has faced multiple health issues in recent years. Harris had his left leg amputated below the knee due to complications of high blood pressure and diabetes and then his right leg was also amputated below the knee.
In 2017, Harris underwent emergency surgery to clear fluid from around his heart and lungs and went on life support following the procedure due to complications.
Tributes from former wrestlers, current stars and fans are hitting Twitter, all paying respects to the former star.
GOD BLESS THE KAMALA HE ALWAYS PUT ON A SHOW FOR THE FANS GOOD BIG MAN WHO WORKED THE GIMMICK BETTER THEN MOST IT BREAK MY HEART #ripkamala pic.twitter.com/8hFybhctSq
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) August 10, 2020
The Ugandan Warrior Kamala was an amazing performer
I enjoyed all of his stuff
A character like that can never exist in todays world
Sad to hear his passing pic.twitter.com/HbkJJYozAU— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) August 9, 2020
KAMALA HAS DIED. Here are my words about this amazing character and wonderful, gentle, person…https://t.co/t2ik169bNn
— Bill Apter (@apter1wrestling) August 10, 2020
Kamala was the first heel growing up that scared me. He did his job well. #RIPKamala pic.twitter.com/u6DU7lujpy
— Teddi Turnbuckle (@TeddiTurnbuckle) August 10, 2020
A character like Kamala wouldn't happen in wrestling today. It makes me glad that I grew up as a fan watching guys like him. Kamala was larger than life. You don't need to do five suicide dives and superkicks in a match. Stand out. Be creative like Kamala was. #RIPKamala pic.twitter.com/KgVzTcR9hF
— John Canton (@johnreport) August 10, 2020
Kamala, The Ugandan Giant was a unforgettable character, and the man behind it, James Harris invested so much into it. You rarely see someone tap into a character as perfectly as he did.
Condolences to his family, and friends.#RIPKamala
— Andrew Everett is more athletic than you (@_AndrewEverett) August 10, 2020
RIP Kamala, a true legend. This brilliant piece from @BleacherReport and @JasonKingBR remains incredibly important and inspiring: https://t.co/mI0fJeBQtP
— Dark Side of the Ring (@DarkSideOfRing) August 10, 2020
Look back at the memorable career of Kamala, "The Ugandan Giant," with these classic photos.https://t.co/tEqmciumam
— WWE (@WWE) August 10, 2020
WWE is saddened to learn that James Harris, known to WWE fans as Kamala, has passed away at age 70.https://t.co/d0kGY4GcTO
— WWE (@WWE) August 10, 2020
We’re very sad to hear about the passing of Kamala. One of the greats. #RIPKamala https://t.co/1NIXNwhBFF
— RetroMania Wrestling (@RetrosoftStudio) August 10, 2020
Kamala was one of Hulk Hogan's better-drawing house show opponents. From late 1986 to early 1987, they did good business. It's kind of forgotten because it's right before WM3. #RIPKamala pic.twitter.com/QJIh78fufw
— Jim Valley (@JimValley) August 9, 2020
Feel very lucky James Harris signed this for me. Seemed a lovey man, was great to watch as a kid, scared the life out of me. #RIPKamala pic.twitter.com/PRzxqk4n9R
— Alex Booth (@alexjamesbooth) August 10, 2020
Early on in my pro wrestling journey, I had the pleasure of working with The Ugandan Giant Kamala on numerous occasions
James Harris A.K.A Kamala was as gentle a giant as they came, on top of being an absolute sweetheart.
R.I.P Big guy, and thank you#RIPKamala #WWE pic.twitter.com/AwSpHvtyoX
— Chris Taylor (@Ctaylor84_O) August 10, 2020
#RIPKamala and he was gonna shoot Andre the Giant with a revolver to put that bigot in his place. One of my great regrets was not buying one of Kamala's handmade chairs he was selling these last few years.
— chauncey devega (@chaunceydevega) August 10, 2020
[via WWE.com]
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