WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper dies at age 61

WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has died in his sleep, his agent told THR.

WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper died in his sleep on Thursday night, his agent told The Hollywood Reporter on Friday. TMZ first reported the news.

"I am shocked and beyond devastated. He was an amazing man and a true friend. He was one of the most generous, sincere and authentic people I have ever known. This is a true loss to us all," his agent's statement read. 

WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon said Piper was “one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE, beloved my millions of fans around the world.”

In 2005, Piper was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. He also had a career in acting and starred in many movies from the late 1970s until this year, including They Live and Hell Comes to Frogtown.

Piper was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2006. Last year, he told the Hilsboro Tribune that the “cancer is gone as far as I know.”

Several people associated with WWE reacted to Piper's death on Twitter on Friday.

RODDY PIPER. I LOVE YOU FOREVER. GOD BLESS YOU BUBBA

— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) July 31, 2015

Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Roddy Piper. He was one of the true all-time greats in our industry! RIP, Hot Rod...

— Howard Finkel (@howardfinkel) July 31, 2015

Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of Roddy Piper.A good friend to me.No one sent chills up my spine like him when...

— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) July 31, 2015

his music hit.My deepest condolences to Colt and his family.x

— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) July 31, 2015

Just heard my friend and a huge influence on me Hot Rod-Roddy Piper has passed away. Rest well friend, you will be missed. #lifeWellLived

— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) July 31, 2015

RIP to Roddy Piper. Prayers to his family and loved ones.

— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) July 31, 2015

- Molly Geary